Rockin'1000, the global collective of more than 100,000 musicians, has cancelled its Manchester live show at the AO Arena. The event, originally scheduled for March before being rescheduled to October 10, was set to feature 300 singers and musicians performing rock anthems on a scale the UK has never seen before.
Organisers Confirm Cancellation
In a statement to participants, organisers said they were "deeply disappointed" and explained: "After extensive discussions around ticket sales, production costs and the overall feasibility of the event, the local promoter has confirmed that the show cannot proceed." They added that efforts to make the show viable, including changes to production and promotional approach, were not enough to make the event sustainable.
Organisers said they would hold a live call on September 29 for Manchester musicians to answer questions. They also noted they would not be able to reimburse travel and accommodation, advising participants to check bookings and insurance as soon as possible.
Musicians Left Out of Pocket
Maisie Wheeler, whose son was due to take part, described the cancellation as "shocking" and said she is "furious" on her son's and other musicians' behalf. "He's a really good self-taught guitarist and this would have been his first public gig along with numerous other musicians," she told the Manchester Evening News. "After booking accommodation and learning all the tracks that are being played, I was told that it's not happening at all now."
Wheeler said her son paid £75 to be part of a particular element of the live show, had booked hotels to rehearse in, and was commuting between Yorkshire and The Wirral to borrow his dad's amp. She noted that Ticketmaster had emailed to confirm refunds, but added: "A lot of people will be out of pocket, because people from Spain have been planning to come over and play."
Global Movement's Rare Cancellation
Rockin'1000 began in 2015 with a viral performance of 1,000 musicians playing a Foo Fighters song in Cesena, Italy. Since then, it has sold more than 300,000 tickets and staged large-scale rock concerts worldwide.
A spokesperson for Rockin'1000 said: "We're very sorry that the Rockin'1000 Manchester show on 10 October will no longer go ahead. Cancellations of Rockin'1000 shows are extremely rare, and we do not take something like this lightly." They confirmed ticket holders are being automatically refunded through Ticketmaster, and advised those with separate travel or accommodation arrangements to check with the relevant provider or travel insurer.
The Manchester Evening News has approached Live Nation, the event promoters, for comment.
