Cork Opera House ends The Scratch gig early due to safety concerns

The Scratch on stage at the All Together Now Festival this summer. The band said they would be back in Cork to make it up to attendees 'as soon as possible'. Picture: Stephen Golden/ATN

Cork Opera House has come under fire after ending one of its shows early last night, due to safety concerns over a barrier at the front of the venue.

The decision was made to end a gig by The Scratch earlier than anticipated on Sunday, October 29, leaving many fans disappointed.

One fan who had attended the gig, and gave her name as Orla, expressed her disappointment at the decision, saying she felt the venue was unprepared for the event.

“Any metal gig is going to have people having a bop,” she said.

They had brought a string trio and everyone was incredibly on-form so it was especially sad not to see what would have doubtless been a spectacular ending.

In a statement, Cork Opera House apologised to those who had attended the gig, adding that the “difficult decision” was necessary due to ongoing safety issues.

“The safety of our patrons and artists is always our highest priority — we regret that this decision was necessary but we had no choice,” the statement read.

Cork Opera House thanked the band for their “understanding of the situation”.

“Thank you to our patrons for their patience and support and we look forward to welcoming you back to COH in the near future,” the statement said.

In a since deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, the band apologised to those who had attended the event.

The four-piece posted a photograph of the front barrier, adding: "The venue H&S claimed the front barrier was 'fit for purpose' but as you can see clearly was not and became a genuine safety concern."

The band also said they would be back in Cork to make it up to attendees “as soon as possible”.

The Scratch have been contacted for comment.