S Club concert evacuated after alarm fills arena at gig rescheduled over fire
S Club fans were left in darkness after reports of a fire at their concert on Monday.
The band's gig in Liverpool had already been rescheduled after another reported fire. People attending the gig at the M&S Bank Arena on October 30 were evacuated after being plunged into darkness just before 9pm.
The concert was rescheduled from October, Friday 13. Fuming fans took to X, formally Twitter, to vent their frustration their concert faced further delays. "Seeing S Club 7. there was a fire and we got evacuated," wrote one music-lover. While a second said: "Another fire at the #MandSBankArena in Liverpool. S Club aren't having the best of luck with this arena."
Another concert-goer complained: "So S Club was rescheduled due to a fire 2 hours before the show.. we’re stood singing and the lights go out and evacuated because of a fire in the building." Someone else added: "Really disappointing not only was @sclub rescheduled due to no fault of their own but then we go tonight the only person that sings a live note is Bradley and then there’s a fire alarm and we leave."
In a statement, the M&S Bank Arena said: "Tonight, as S Club were close to finishing their set at the arena, there was a minor incident which triggered a partial evacuation. The issue was resolved quickly and we were able to restart the show. We will be launching a full investigation. The safety of the audience, staff and performers is always our primary concern."
S Club 7 enjoy mini reunion at the Brit Awards ahead of band's big announcementThe Mirror has contacted Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
It was on Friday 13 that the initial concert was cancelled at the last minute, just one day after the iconic 90s pop band kicked off its highly-anticipated tour. Bradley McIntosh, Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Tina Barrett and Jon Lee were expected to grace to the stage in Merseyside, however, due to an "unforeseen technical issue", the arena confirmed the gig was postponed.
"Due to an unforeseen technical issue which is beyond our control and is impacting the power supply, we have sadly been forced to take the decision - with the event promoter - to postpone tonight’s performance by S Club. We understand that S Club fans and the band will be very disappointed but as the safety and comfort of our visitors is our utmost priority, the show cannot proceed as planned," a statement read at the time.
"Happily the band are able to reschedule the show to Monday 30th October 2023 and all tickets remain valid. If you are unable to make the new date refunds are available from the point of purchase but we all hope you can make the rescheduled date."
Fans were quick to react to the shocking news, with many taking to Twitter to share their disappointment and frustration. A number of people speculated that the cancellation was related to today's date, which has been notoriously known for being an unlucky day.
"Should have known from the start when the gig was booked for Friday the 13th," one superstitious person wrote, echoing another who said, "Friday the 13th is real. Now S club 7 has been cancelled for the show tonight."
S Club kickstarted its 25th anniversary tour in Manchester earlier this month, six months after the death of former band member Paul Cattermole. Shortly after the 46-year-old died, Hannah Spearritt confirmed that she would not be joining the rest of the group for the comeback concerts across the UK and Ireland.
At one of the first shows, S Club 7 paid tribute to Paul by playing footage of the late singer from his time in the group. In the touching montage, the Hertfordshire native could be seen singing his favourite song, Good Times, which became the inspiration for the band's tour name after his death. As images of Paul played on the screen, Jo, Tina, Rachel, Bradley and Jon all danced in unison and turned around to reflect on their beloved friend's legacy.
"That's our brother right there, man. Gone but you'll never be forgotten. We miss you every single day," said a visibly emotional Bradley McIntosh. You know what we've been through this last year," he added later on in the show. "It's been so tragic, it's been so sad."