Sombr slams O2 Academy Brixton over safety concerns

The Grammy-nominated US singer Sombr has criticised Brixton Academy after security apparently failed to spot a fan who had fainted in the crowd during his show.

The singer, who was playing the final night of his three‑show run in Brixton on Monday, paused the set, saying: "Alright, stop the show, guys - there's someone passed out over here."

In videos posted online, he is then heard saying: "This is the most poorly managed venue I've ever performed at in my life." And appearing to turn to security at the venue, he added: "You guys need to pay attention - it's insane. Safety comes first."

Academy Music Group (AMG), which owns the venue, has been approached by the BBC for comment.

The venue had its licence suspended in 2022 when two people were killed and another suffered life‑changing injuries during a crush at a concert by Afro‑pop singer Asake.

It later reopened in 2024 after Lambeth Council approved 77 new safety conditions.

After Monday's show, concert-goers took to social media echoing Sombr's concerns.

One said it "took a long time" for staff to realise people were passing out, while another called for more safety precautions.

Olivia, 17, who attended the gig, told the BBC the venue felt "unprepared" and said the show had already been stopped earlier in the evening after another audience member passed out.

"It was so hot inside, there was just no air conditioning. I was genuinely boiling," she said.

Olivia said she was near the front, where staff at the venue were handing out water, but she added it "wasn't getting to the crowd in the back".

Meanwhile, Georgia McAdam, 22, said she had avoided Brixton Academy after an "uncomfortable" experience at a Harry Styles concert in May 2022.

She told the BBC staff resorted to "watering people like plants" with hose pipes as temperatures inside the venue rose, with people around her starting to faint soon after the show started.

"Harry stopped the show instantly and had to ask security to help," she said, but she describes artists having to intervene in this way as a "major red flag".

Sombr did not mention the incident after the show, instead posting on social media: "London night three. I love you so much. Thanks for an unforgettable past three nights. I'll be back London."

The BBC has contacted Sombr's representative for comment.

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