"Genuinely beyond ridiculous": Fans queuing outside of Co-Live vent their anger as the grand opening gig is cancelled just as it was about to begin

Fans of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie have been left reeling after the rapper’s gig was cancelled just ten minutes before the opening act was due on stage.

Hundreds of ticket holders already inside and queuing for the show scheduled for 9pm this evening (May 1) have been told to 'leave the arena' after bosses announced the concert will not be going ahead due to a 'technical issue'.

The shock announcement comes after weeks of turmoil at the £365m Eastlands venue, which saw capacity at a test gig slashed and several shows rescheduled amid emergency services concerns over the safety of the venue.

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In a statement last night, Co-op Live bosses insisted tonight's concert with the American rapper would still go ahead but at 6:40pm, the venue took to X to break the news to fans that the gig had been cancelled.

In a statement posted on X, the venu wrote: "Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead. We kindly ask fans to leave the area. Tickets holders will receive further information in due course.

“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”

Infuriated fans have been quick to react to the last minute cancellation.

Commenting on the post by the Co-op live, Ryan Kelly wrote: “What use is an apology, you knew full well this event would not go ahead.

“Thousands more people out of pocket and having to reschedule hotels, trains, time off work! And to cancel so close to the time is cruel, I’m sure there will be no recompense to those affected?

Kate Duckworth said: “Save your apologies. To cancel an event whilst people are queuing to get in is an absolute disgrace!”