AJ Tracey: Organisers of surprise gig fined £10,000 for breaching Covid rules

Rapper said he ‘didn’t expect that many people to turn up’

The organisers of a spontaneous AJ Tracey gig have been fined £10,000 after hundreds of fans gathered in a park in Manchester to see the rapper perform.

The Brit award-nominated west London artist had posted an invite on Twitter on Sunday (18 April) that read: “Next stop manny! Come link me Platt Fields Car Park 4pm.”

He later said he “didn’t expect that many people to turn up”. He called off a follow-up gig in Bristol, writing on Twitter: “I’ll be back when it’s safe to do so, sorry guys.”

Greater Manchester police confirmed a £10,000 fixed penalty notice has been issued to the organiser for breaching coronavirus legislation.

They said: “Officers attended and attempted to engage with individuals and ensure the safety of those present. People have now dispersed and the organiser of this gathering has been issued with a £10,000 Fixed Penalty Notice.

“GMP would like remind the public of the importance of adhering to the lockdown regulations in order to keep our community safe and protected.”

The Independent has contacted AJ Tracey’s representatives for comment.

The rapper’s second album, Flu Game, was released on Friday (16 April). In a four-star review, The Independent’s critic Roisin O’Connor wrote: “Theme-wise, AJ doesn’t stray too far from his roots. He’s aware of complaints about his bragging habits, so he flips it: ‘AJ Tracey’s such a d***head, all he do is boast,’ he mocks on jittery opener ‘Anxious’.

“He ignores them completely on ‘Little More Love’, instead turning his attention to the persecution of young black men in Britain. It’s a thoughtful spin on what initially presents itself as a classic R&B sex jam, trading in sultry guitar licks and AJ’s gruff mutter.”