A dancing security guard 'made everybody's night' at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday night, after a headline act pulled out of the gig. Crowds flocked to see the '90s Baby Pop' show at the venue on October 29, excited to see chartoppers from the 1990s return to the stage to perform their famous hits.
But fans were left disappointed after Aqua, the band behind hit 'Barbie Girl' announced they were pulling out of the show due to illness. Organisers also announced that 2 Unlimited would be unable to make it to the show due to 'unforeseen travel complications'.
Determined not to let the spirits dwindle, one man, hired by crowd management company Showsec, began busting out some moves to the Backstreet Boys, which was being played by a DJ in between acts.
Kirsty Beadsworth, from Oldham, had bought tickets to the concert with her friend. She said other people around her had left after learning Aqua would not be making their appearance.
However, it was shortly after that the security guard began dancing, much to the delight of the disappointed crowds, many of which had pulled out their phones and started filming. Kirsty shared her video to TikTok and captured the man clapping his hands together and raising the spirits.
She said: "He had been doing his job, he worked for Showsec and they manage the crowds at the AO Arena. But then in his free time he was just dancing and absolutely loving it.
"At the beginning of the concert everything was going smoothly, but we then found out that Aqua wouldn't be coming on, so that dampened the mood and lots of people were disappointed.
"Some even left because they had just come to the concert to see them.
"As we were waiting for Gala to come on, there was a DJ who came and played some songs, but everyone seemed a little bit fed up. Then this security guard just starts dancing and absolutely loving the music.
"He was lightening the spirits and lifting everybody's mood. He was really enjoying himself, and everyone was cheering him on and clapping for him. I hope he gets some recognition for it because it honestly made our night. He was hilarious."
The '90s Baby Pop' concert, which has now been announced will be returning to the arena in 2023, hosts a range of popular music acts from the noughties. The organisers announced on social media that 2 Unlimited would be unable to make the show due to 'unforeseen travel circumstances'.
And sharing a statement on social media on Saturday, Aqua also shared their disappointment at pulling out of the gig. On Instagram, they wrote: "It's a huge disappointment that we have to cancel tonight's performance in Manchester due to illness.
"Unfortunately, Lene has lost her voice and on doctors orders has been told to rest in order not to damage her voice further and fully recover. We sincerely apologise to all the fans, the other acts, and all partners involved for tonight's show, but the health of Lene is a first priority at this point."
Did you know the dancing security guard? Call the MEN newsdesk on 0161 832 7200 or email james.holt@reachplc.com
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