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.
— O2 Academy Brixton (@O2AcademyBrix) March 4, 2024
Featured image credit: Drew de F Fawkes via Flickr.com.
