I should start by saying I'm not a local and this was my first trip to the Academy.

Compared to most similar-sized venues I have been too, this isn't great. You can't see much of the stage unless you're right at the front or lucky enough to be at the barrier upstairs. The low ceiling in that part of the venue makes it pretty claustrophobic. The stairs are very steep and god only knows how people would get out in a hurry if they had to.

When I was there, two massive tv screens at either side of the stage played adverts on a constant loop - whilst the band was playing!! I have never seen this before and it's distracting to say the least!

The drinks, well, even for a venue, the prices are outrageous! There's nothing on draft apart from crap lager and a cider, that'll cost you £3.80 a pint and if you don't want that, expect to pay roughly the same for a can of guinness/Tetleys (yes 1 can)!! I guess that's why they make it soooo hot in there.

The staff seemed ok and Liverpool is a great place in itself. I'll defintely go back to the city but would avoid this particular venue.

My daughther and I went to the Paul McCartney gig last night, best gig ever.
The staff at the O2 Academy are professional and curtious, they kept everyting under control with the minimum of fuss. NIce one O2 :)

Overcrowded. Could not hear the band at the back. Drinks outrageously expensive. Toilet facilities poor. Needs a good air conditioning system.

good but not the right venue for steve winwood. got to be an al seater

First time I have been in the main hall of the O2 Academy Liverpool.Pretty impressed.Sound excellent.
Viewing good.Bar access good.No complaints.Would come back again.

The upstairs venue is good with a decent capacity although getting up to it is a challenge; it's a long flight of pretty steep steps to reach the upper floor. Getting out causes a problem as the crowds all head to the same stairs, to find it is so steep that you have to take it slow getting down. If you've any sort of disability it is going to be a problem for you.
The downstairs part is small, when it's full it is quite hard to see anything on the stage unless you're at the front. The bar is separated from the stage by a short flight of steps, which at least keeps the drinking crowd away from the people there for the gig.
Staff are generally helpful and polite in my experience at this venue.

boss!

ace

seeing as it was formely carling academy, they should at least sell carling on draft and not cans!

Recently went to see 2many Dj's which was great, then on the way out i slipped down the very steep stairs and broke my wrist....lucky i didnt break anything else...Big Hazzord