CO-OP LIVE HAS ITS OPENING BAND: THE BLACK KEYS

The Black Keys will be the first rock band to perform at Co-op Live, the U.K.’s biggest entertainment arena (cap: 23,500). The Oak View Group’s Manchester venue has the duo booked for 4/2.

Comedian Peter Kay will open the arena with two shows (4/23-24). The opening season already includes a seven-night Take That residency, a five-night stand by The Eagles on their final tour, Barry Manilow's only U.K. arena show and Eric Clapton’s first Manchester performance in 10 years. Olivia Rodrigo, Elbow and Nicki Minaj are booked for the venue’s opening weeks.

The Black Keys will release their 12th album, Ohio Players (Nonesuch) on 4/5. Beyond a pair of May dates in London, they have not yet announced a tour.

“At Co-op Live our aim is to bring world-class talent to a city that lives and breathes music, and this line up epitomizes that ambition,” Co-op Live Executive Director and General Manager Gary Roden. “With our doors opening in a matter of weeks, we can’t wait to welcome the world to Co-op Live.”

Co-op Live is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group. We just hope there are house drinks named after Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.