It has been confirmed that the O2 Academy Sheffield will be opening its doors again in 2027.
The move comes following the venue temporarily closing its doors in 2023, and Academy Music Group (AMG) stepping in to invest in remedial works.
Their efforts have included helping to fund the installation of a new roof, incorporate air-conditioning, and provide extensive work to service areas in both the main room and O2 Academy2.
They have also partnered with Adlib on the installation of a new L-Acoustics K3 loudspeaker system, and confirmed that the historic music venue will reopen in February 2027.
Originally opening in 1968 as the Top Rank Suite, the historic Sheffield venue hosted iconic gigs from The Police, The Clash, Joy Division and David Bowie over the years, before later rebranding to dance institution the Roxy Disco – one of the region’s biggest nightclubs in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
After closing in the late ‘90s, the space was acquired by AMG and reopened in 2008 following an extensive refurbishment – later hosting huge names including Elbow, The Prodigy, Kasabian, Self Esteem, The Streets, Bring Me The Horizon, The Killers, Wolf Alice, Stormzy, Milburn and The Black Keys.
Speaking about how the venue is reopening in 2024, Liam Boylan, CEO at Academy Music Group shared: “AMG is the backbone of the UK touring circuit, and O2 Academy Sheffield is an important venue in the region and one that promoters and artists will have missed being able to include on their routing whilst it has been closed. Our venue estate has not been complete without this landmark building and it’s wonderful to be able to announce its return to the group.”
John Hughes, managing director of Adlib shared that he was “delighted to be working with the AMG team on this landmark venue in Sheffield”, and Justin Smith, Divisional Manager at Academy Music Group, added: “Having worked at the venue since its opening night almost two decades ago, the wider team and I can’t wait to get artists back on our stage and welcome loyal customers through the doors again.”
Smith continued: “We have invested in some fantastic improvements including updating the audio capabilities at the venue. We want artists who return to play here to have access to the best technical equipment and ensure our audience is given the very best live experience. Our programme, as ever, is varied and the new L-Acoustics system really delivers across different genres and event types”.
