News

London’s Brixton Academy To Reopen Next Month

London’s Brixton Academy will officially reopen in April, more than 16 months after the venue closed its doors due to a fatal crowd crush.

Announced today, the historic venue’s first show back will see performances from Nirvana UK and The Smyths—respective tribute bands for Nirvana and The Smiths—on Friday, April 19. Another “test event” will be held on Friday, April 26, featuring Oasis tribute band Definitely Mightbe and Foo Fighters tribute band UK Foo Fighters.

Brixton Academy has been closed since December 2022, losing its license following a crowd crush that claimed the lives of two individuals during a concert by Afrobeat artist Asake. In a September 2023 hearing, London’s Metropolitan Police called for a new operator to take over the venue. 

Shortly after, a decision from the Lambeth Council, which presides over the Lambeth borough in which Brixton Academy is located, would allow venue owners Academy Music Group (AMG) to remain in charge, provided they adhere to 77 different conditions “designed to promote public safety.”

These required safety conditions include stronger doors, improved crowd management systems, in-depth risk assessments and a new security and management team, among others. AMG has cut ties with its previous security team, AP Security, according to The Guardian.

Brixton Academy’s proposed reopening received strong public support, with more than 116,000 signatures on a petition to “Save Brixton Academy.”

In previous years, the iconic venue has hosted dance music artists like Fred again.., Pendulum and Skrillex, in addition to upholding its tradition of booking seminal pop, rock and punk bands.

Other upcoming shows advertised on Brixton Academy’s website include alternative bands Editors and The Black Keys, both scheduled for May 2024.

Featured image credit: Drew de F Fawkes via Flickr.com.

Written by
Peter Volpe

Ohio-based writer and journalist with a passion for culture and fat basslines.

Related Articles

Hotel EDC
Music FestivalsNews

Insomniac Confirms Dates & Details For Hotel EDC 2026

It’s already time to begin planning for EDC Las Vegas 2026, as...

Adventure Club
EDM Events/ ConcertsNews

Adventure Club Announce Awaited Throwback Tour For Fall 2025

Adventure Club is turning back the clock to melodic dubstep’s heyday with...

Vans Warped Tour
Music FestivalsNews

Vans Warped Tour D.C. Comeback To Stream Live On Amazon Prime Video

Fans around the world can tune into live coverage of the Vans...

Maverick Helicopters
Music FestivalsNews

Maverick Helicopters Offers Scenic Flights Above Day Trip Festival 2025

Maverick Helicopters is reuniting with Insomniac to offer scenic flights and helicopter...