Arctic Monkeys fans fume after train strikes ‘forced them to miss’ Coventry gig

A couple from Liverpool were left fuming and around £350 out of pocket amid claims they missed Arctic Monkeys’ concert in Coventry because of train strikes. Carly Griffiths and Charlie Rooney had no reason to believe there was a problem with their West Midlands Trains service from Liverpool to Coventry having received several notifications on Wednesday (May 31) reminding them of its impending departure.

The couple, both 21, claim they were even sent a ‘get ready for Coventry’ message from the operator after the train was supposed to have left. The couple were unable to drive instead while they nursed a hangover from Carly’s 21st birthday celebrations the previous night.

And they say they were unable to find alternative means of transport at such late notice to take them on the 250-mile round trip. “We were absolutely gutted when we were told at the station there were actually no trains running,” Carly told CoventryLive.

READ MORE: Arctic Monkeys pictures and video as fans left in awe at CBS Arena

“There was just no other other way we could have got there.” To make matters worse, the couple found it impossible to avoid posts on social media from people raving about the concert.

“I’m a big TikTok person,” Carly added. “There were so many people putting up videos. It was just so disheartening. It’s more my boyfriend who’s the fan. I bought the tickets for him so I feel like I’ve let him down. We were just so gutted.”

The couple were reimbursed £44 for their rail fares, but refunds have not been forthcoming from Ramada Coventry or Ticketmaster for their one-night hotel stay and gig tickets which set them back £350. The couple very nearly missed a Harry Style concert at Wembley because of striking train drivers. This time they weren’t so lucky.

“We managed to find a way around that, but this time we didn’t find out until the day and had no chance. It’s a very unlucky situation.”

The pair had taken the week off work, in celebration of Carly’s birthday and so they could attend the concert, and say they’re unable to get any more time off even if they were lucky enough to find tickets for any of the remaining sold-out shows on Arctic Monkeys’ current UK tour.

Carly and Charlie missed out big time as Sheffield’s finest delivered a hit-packed masterclass at the CBS Arena. Wednesday’s nationwide industrial action involved members of Aslef from 12 different train operators.

Carly said: “I understand that they are trying to opt for a fairer pay. The motive behind what they’re doing I know is not meant in a malicious way but it’s certainly affected a lot of people, myself included, and has caused more harm than good.

“It’s definitely unfortunate timing on my behalf so obviously I’d have a more negative view on the situation. But, yes, missing the gig has created issues for me, especially monetarily.”

It formed part of an ongoing dispute between the train drivers’ union and the government over pay and working conditions. A spokesperson for West Midlands Railway, which operates WMT, said: “It is very disappointing that industrial action is continuing to impact rail passengers across the country.

“Passengers holding tickets for any date when strike action has been called can use them to travel on an alternative date or receive a fee-free refund. Full details of strike action and the impact on our timetables are always published on our website as soon as they are available to help customers make alternative arrangements where possible.”

CoventryLive has approached Ramada and Ticketmaster for comment.

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