Future Of O2 ABC Unclear After Glasgow Art School Fire Causes Roof Collapse

A severe fire that destroyed the historic Glasgow Arts School in Scotland also damaged the O2 ABC in Glasgow, causing the building’s timber clad roof to collapse. None were injured.

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images – O2 ABC
Firefighters douse the venue close to the historic Mackintosh Building in Glasgow following the blaze at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) building.

The fire broke out on in the night of Friday, June 15. It remains unclear what caused the blaze and where it first started. The fire spread to adjoining buildings, including the O2 ABC, which remains under control of emergency services.

“We are working as quickly as possible to move or reschedule forthcoming events to alternative venues in the city with the minimum disruption and prioritise immediate shows taking place,” a statement from the O2 ABC reads.

“The messages of support we have received has been incredibly overwhelming and we are grateful to everyone for their understanding and patience at what is a difficult and challenging time, in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances,” the statement continues.
 
The Academy Music Group’s chief operating officer Graham Walters said: “Firstly we would like to thank the emergency services, especially the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, whose instantaneous action prevented any casualties, and for that they must be whole-heartedly commended. O2 ABC Glasgow is a historic venue much-loved by many, none more than us, and the events of Friday night have devastated so many in our industry who share our sadness.”

Mark Mackie, MD of Scottish promoter Regular Music, said: “We are all distraught. I remember going to see movies here with my mum and when we opened our venue all those years ago, we came up with fancy names, but then everyone knew what it was; it’s such a landmark building. She said, why are you trying to change the name of this venue just call it what it was meant to be, that’s what everyone knows it as and the rest, as they say is history. O2 ABC Glasgow is an institution in the City; it’s as old as the Art School.”

The venue was built in 1875, becoming one of Glasgow’s first buildings to be fitted with electricity. It had been a cinema most of its life, and only launched as a concert venue in 2005, following a £2 million ($2.7 minion) conversion. Live Nation’s Academy Music Group became the majority stakeholder in O2 ABC Glasgow, which has a capacity of 1,300, in 2009.

“At this point in time, we do not have any further comment regarding the future of O2 ABC Glasgow whilst the venue is under the control of the emergency services and we will provide updates when information is available,” a company statement reads.
 
All details concerning forthcoming shows will be published on www.o2abcglasgow.co.uk. Ticket holders will be contacted by ticket agents as soon as information is available.