The Prodigy, Muse, Skunk Anansie, and more join 20,000+ supporters to reopen the O2 Brixton Academy after Metropolitan Police call for its permanent closure.
The O2 Brixton Academy in South London has been closed since the tragic crowd crush event at singer Asake’s concert in December that left two dead. Since then, music fans have united to save the iconic venue after authorities called for its permanent closure.
A petition at Change.org has gained more than 110,000 signatures to keep the Brixton Academy open. Meanwhile, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) delivered more than 20,000 representations to Lambeth Council, including support from Muse, The Prodigy, Skunk Anansie, Defected, Mixmag, NME, and Music Week.
“We have been overwhelmed with the level of response to this campaign, with over 20,000 representations made by music fans to Lambeth Council with support from The Prodigy, Muse, Defected, NME, Mixmag, Music Week, Skunk Anansie, and many more,” says NTIA CEO Michael Kill.
“I have had hundreds of conversations with people on this campaign journey, across all walks of life, journalists, bankers, nurses, builders, baristas, etc., about their experiences at the Academy. People are emotionally invested in this venue, and it’s clear they are not willing to give it up without a fight.”
“The response to this campaign has been immense and further highlights the public’s desire for Brixton Academy to have a future as a live music venue,” adds George Fleming, CEO of Save Our Scene. “Lambeth Council must do everything they can to preserve Brixton Academy. Displacing a community would be a dangerous move which could result in a lot more work for themselves and the Met police.”
“The huge support for the Brixton Academy, with 20,000 letters submitted to Lambeth and thousands of messages across all social media, show the importance of this venue,” concludes Gianluca Rizzo, MD, Brixton BID. “However, we cannot forget that a delayed decision has a negative impact on Brixton businesses. In fact, since its closure, over half a million pound per week is being lost in visitors’ spending. Let’s turn the lights back on for Brixton.”