The O2 Academy Brixton has announced its imminent reopening in April, marking the end of a 16-month closure period following a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

The unfortunate incident occurred on December 15, 2022, during a show by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake. Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, lost their lives as crowds without tickets attempted to force entry into the venue.

On Monday morning, the O2 Academy made the announcement via its official channels, confirming the reopening date as April 19. The initial lineup of performances will feature tribute bands, signaling a return to live music after the prolonged closure due to the tragedy.

Prior to the closure, the O2 Academy Brixton was renowned for hosting some of the world's most iconic music acts, including Kings of Leon, Amy Winehouse, The Clash, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kasabian, Florence and the Machine, and Blur.

The venue's future hung in the balance when the Metropolitan Police recommended to Lambeth Council that its license be revoked. However, after a comprehensive two-day hearing in September, the council's licensing sub-committee decided to allow the venue to continue operating under stringent new conditions.

During the hearing, it was revealed that around 1,000 people were outside the venue on the night of the tragic incident. Police reported instances of large-scale disorder, ultimately resulting in the doors being forced open by the crowd.

In response to the tragedy and in efforts to regain its license, the company that owns the Brixton Academy, Academy Music Group (AMG), implemented significant safety improvements. These measures include reinforcing doors, implementing a more efficient queuing system, and enhancing ticketing security.

The reopening of the O2 Academy Brixton represents a significant milestone for music fans and the live entertainment industry. While the venue's tragic past will not be forgotten, the commitment to safety and the return to live music will undoubtedly be welcomed by music lovers across the country.

‍