O2 Academy Brixton: Re-opening night confirmed for April

After a 16-month hiatus following a tragic event in December 2022, O2 Academy Brixton is gearing up for its return next month.

Doors will reopen on Friday, April 19th, with a lineup featuring tribute acts for Nirvana and The Smiths.

The venue’s license was suspended by Lambeth Council after a devastating crowd crush resulted in two fatalities and one person in critical condition. 

Despite discussions of permanent closure, a heated two-day hearing last September led councilors to approve the reopening under 77 stringent conditions aimed at bolstering public safety.

Academy Music Group (AMG), the force behind Brixton Academy and several other venues around the UK, has been diligently implementing new safety measures. 

These include reinforced doors, enhanced queuing systems, and tighter ticketing protocols, where AMG is dedicated to learning from past incidents and ensuring a secure environment for concert-goers moving forward.

In anticipation of the grand reopening, the venue hosted a series of “test events” in September 2023. Notably, AP Security, previously responsible for event supervision, will no longer be involved, according to reports from The Guardian.

Despite the hurdles, support for Brixton Academy remains steadfast, with a petition to save the iconic venue garnering over 115,000 signatures and gaining backing from industry giants like The Prodigy.

As one of London’s best venues, we can’t wait for its return this spring.

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Words: James John / Image Credit: AMG