American singer Sombr has criticized O2 Academy Brixton, calling it “the most poorly managed venue” he has ever played.
The 20-year-old, real name Shane Michael Boose, made the comments during his final show of a three-night run. Earlier in the evening, a fan appeared to faint in the crowd. Sombr stopped his performance mid-song to intervene.
He told the audience, “Stop the show, guys, there’s someone passed out over here,” while gesturing to the incident. Then, speaking to security, he said, “You guys need to pay attention, it’s insane. Safety comes first.”
Despite his concerns on stage, Sombr later posted positively on Instagram, thanking fans and calling the shows “unforgettable.” He also praised Joe Jonas for joining him on stage during a rendition of DNCE’s Cake by the Ocean.
The clip of Sombr’s comments quickly went viral. Fans shared their own experiences of crowd safety issues at the venue. One viewer wrote, “Heard horror stories about this venue and its management,” while others recalled fainting due to heat.
O2 Academy Brixton previously faced permanent closure after a crowd crush in December 2022. Two people died in that incident. The deaths of security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, prompted a review of the venue’s licence.
Police described the 2022 crush as “large-scale disorder,” with 1,000 people forcing their way into the auditorium. Councillors temporarily suspended the licence, and the venue owner agreed to improve safety measures.
In 2023, Academy Music Group, which owns Brixton Academy, introduced stronger doors, improved queuing, and secure ticketing. The venue eventually reopened in April 2024 after meeting 77 new safety conditions for visitors and staff. Acts including Franz Ferdinand, The Vaccines, Kesha, and Thundercat are scheduled to perform at the venue in the coming weeks.
Sombr’s on-stage critique highlights ongoing concerns about crowd management, even after the venue implemented strict safety protocols.
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