Andrea Bocelli Hydro date ‘delayed over construction’

An artist's impression of the Glasgow Hydro, due to open in late September. Picture: PA

• Andrea Bocelli’s management says construction issue at Glasgow Hydro were behind concert delay

• Bocelli will now play November date after being scheduled to appear on September 15

Bocelli’s management were told that the Glasgow Hydro would not be ready for the singer’s 15 September concert date.

The singer’s management dismissed claims that the date change had anything to do with concert organisers’ plans to have Rod Stewart open the venue on September 30.

Pentagon Music Management, the company that represents Bocelli, said: “We were informed that there were doubts as to whether the delivery of the Hydro, including the readiness of the technical facilities within it, would meet the deadline for the performance, initially scheduled on Sunday, September 15, 2013.

“The venue owners suggested that in order to ensure that the Andrea Bocelli performance would not have to be rescheduled again, we should consider moving the event to Saturday, November 23, 2013. We remain confident that the venue owners will meet this new deadline so the fans will be able to experience Andrea Bocelli’s beautiful classical show.”

The statement comes as fears over the venue’s readiness were exposed by an alleged £9 million dispute with contractor Lend Lease, with the threat of cancellations relayed to board members.

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre have denied that the venue is two months behind schedule.

A spokeswoman told The Herald: “Andrea Bocelli was never intended to be the first concert, but negotiations with the opening artists have taken some time to organise, given their tour and other commitments. We will still be ready to open with Rod Stewart at this fantastic new venue in September.”

The 12,000-seater venue is expected to host more than a million visitors a year, making it the fifth busiest arena in the world.