OFFLOAD SERIES

Date: 26 Oct 2015

OFFLOAD SERIES: LIVE MUSIC AND SPORT

An exciting new programme of live music and sport will rock the Ricoh Arena for music and rugby fans alike, with the announcement of the Offload Series.

The new series showcases the Ricoh Arena as a world-class destination for sport and entertainment through Wasps rugby and live music in the heart of the West Midlands.

Renowned bands Echo & the Bunnymen and Buzzcocks will launch the Offload Series in the Jaguar Hall at the Ricoh Arena following Wasps’ Aviva Premiership match with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, December 5.

Rockers Echo & the Bunnymen will entertain fans with a string of major hits from across their 12 studio albums such as The Killing Moon, The Cutter and Nothing Lasts Forever.

With singer Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant still at the helm, the band has gathered a cult following as well as mainstream success which has firmly established them among rock leading visionaries.

Buzzcocks, whose name, along with The Sex Pistols, inspired the name of the legendary comedy panel TV show Never Mind the Buzzcocks, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic bands of the punk movement.

With hits including the memorable Ever Fallen In Love With Someone (You Shouldn’t’ve Fallen In Love With?), which still influences bands today, the MOJO Inspiration Award winners released their ninth album The Way last year.

The live music, beginning at 8.00pm, will follow Wasps’ 5.30pm kick-off at the Ricoh Arena against the Exeter Chiefs who were defeated 36-29 in Coventry last season.

Music fans are able to come just to the gig, but it is hoped that people will come for the full day out and enjoy both the rugby and the music.

Tickets go on sale for the double header of live music and rugby (from £25), music only (£15) or rugby only (from £15) on Monday (October 26).

Andy Gibb, Managing Director of the Ricoh Arena, said Echo & the Bunnymen and Buzzcocks were an ideal combination to kick-off the Offload Series.

“We are really excited to be launching a new concept at the Ricoh Arena of developing our music offer with combining quality live music and top-class rugby,” he said.

“Echo & the Bunnymen and Buzzcocks have an enduring popularity with their fans as well as having a broader appeal.

“We think the Offload Series will prove really popular since it gives Wasps and Exeter Chiefs fans the opportunity to continue the post-match banter while watching two bands which is different to anything offered at any other rugby venue.

“We plan to hold a number of Offload live music and rugby events each season and there are now even more fantastic reasons to visit the Ricoh Arena on December 5.”

Tickets priced from £25 for the live music and rugby combined, at £15 for the live music only and from £15 for Wasps v Exeter Chiefs rugby only, and will be available from www.ricoharena.com from Monday, October 26.

Doors will open to the gig in the Jaguar Hall at 6.30pm.