O2 Academy Brixton’s License Is Currently Under Review After The Deathly Crowd Crush At Asake’s Show

The O2 Academy Brixton music venue in the UK is currently facing a potential review of its license. Last week, a crowd crush incident occurred at the venue’s Asake concert that resulted in the deaths of two concertgoers — Gabrielle Hutchinson and Rebecca Ikumelo. A third remains in critical condition after unticketed guests forced their way into the show.

Although it wound up being canceled halfway through, the damage was already done. The Metropolitan Police have since announced that they are investigating O2 Brixton’s policies that enabled “serious crime and disorder.”

“The decision whether or not to suspend or vary the premises licence will be made by a Local Authority Licensing Subcommittee,” a spokesperson told Rolling Stone UK.

“Police were called to the premises in response to reports of serious disorder with a clear threat to public safety,” the license review also read. “During the incident, a crowd forced their way into the venue leading to serious injuries to several individuals, and two individuals have since lost their lives.”

The full review is set to be completed within 21 days, which will also inspect the venue’s capacity and alcohol rules. As for Asake, who was set to play the show, he has offered his support for the families of the victims. “I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening,” he said.

A Woman Died From Injuries Caused By A Crowd Crush Incident At Asake’s Sold-Out O2 Academy Concert

Concert security and safety protocols have been under scrutiny since the 2021 Astroworld Festival left 10 people dead in the wake of a crowd crush during Travis Scott’s headlining set. An incident at Brixton’s O2 Academy over the weekend will undoubtedly refocus that scrutiny and increase its intensity as a woman died and two remain in critical condition following similar conditions during rising Afrobeats star Asake’s sold-out concert on Friday night (December 16).

According to Billboard, emergency services were summoned after “a large crowd attempted to gain entry without tickets” and found several people with crush injuries. Eight people were hospitalized; three were in critical condition as of a Guardian report the night of. On Saturday, 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo died from her injuries. Asake posted on Instagram, writing that he was “devastated” by the news and offering “sincerest condolences to her loved ones.” He also urged fans with any “relevant information” to get in touch with London Metropolitan Police.

Ahead of the sold-out concert, the 27-year-old Nigerian singer had risen to stardom with the release of his breakthrough 2020 single “Mr. Money.” His debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, was released on September 8, 2022, and reached No. 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also one of Uproxx’s Best Afrobeats Albums of 2022 and Best Albms of 2022.