Drake cancels Manchester gig hours before doors open blames ferry delays, fans vent fury

Drake fans in Manchester were left seething after the rapper abruptly cancelled his Monday night concert at Co-op Live, citing “unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics.” The announcement came less than 24 hours before the show was due to start, enraging ticket holders who had made expensive travel arrangements, booked accommodation, and even extended unpaid leave just to see the Canadian megastar perform.

The gig, originally scheduled for 28 July, has now been pushed to 5 August, with organisers assuring that all tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date. But for many, the damage has already been done.

“I extended my unpaid leave in Dubai to stay in Manchester just to see Drake on 28 July, and he cancels last minute,” one fan posted on social media. “What a joke.” Another called the “travel logistics” explanation a “lame excuse” and questioned how such a major artist could be caught out by transport planning on a multi-million-dollar global tour.

Drake had already performed to packed crowds at Co-op Live on Friday and Saturday, thrilling audiences with his hits as part of his first European tour in six years. A fourth Manchester show is still scheduled for 4 August. But the short-notice cancellation of the Monday night concert has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a triumphant return to UK stages.

The venue released an apologetic statement: “Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow’s performance in Manchester on 28 July has been rescheduled. The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, 5 August, and it’s set to be an unforgettable night.”

That reassurance did little to pacify frustrated fans, many of whom had spent hundreds on travel and lodging. With the UK leg of Drake’s tour already a hot ticket, especially following the release of his new single “Which One” with UK rapper Central Cee, expectations were high. The single dropped just days earlier via his Iceman livestream, which was filmed around Manchester, including at Piccadilly railway station and Victoria Baths.

Drake remains one of the most-streamed artists in the world, with a fanbase that stretches across continents. His return to UK stages this summer has drawn massive crowds from cities far and wide. Yet this latest hiccup has fuelled debate over artist accountability and the lack of protection for concertgoers when events are cancelled at the eleventh hour.

While Co-op Live did not elaborate further on the specific “ferry” issues, the excuse has sparked online mockery and confusion. “What is he, crossing the Mersey?” one post read. Another joked, “Surely Drake could just… fly?”

Although the artist himself has yet to issue a personal statement, organisers say the 5 August show will be worth the wait. For those who can’t return to Manchester on that date, it’s unclear if refunds will be offered.

As disappointed fans pack up and head home—some from abroad—questions linger about how a show of this magnitude could fall apart so suddenly. And for Drake, who’s built a reputation on consistency and showmanship, this cancellation may prove a rare misstep in an otherwise seamless UK run.