Will Smith, the acclaimed actor and rapper, has officially announced his first full tour entitled the "Based On A True Story Tour," set to take place across the UK and Europe during the summer of 2025. This marks an important milestone for Smith, as it follows nearly 20 years since his last album release. Fans are buzzing with excitement as he prepares to perform both new music and classic hits.
The tour will launch on June 25, 2025, at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco and will continue through several major European cities, wrapping up on September 2, 2025, at the Zénith theater in Paris. The UK leg of the tour features four major dates, including performances at iconic venues such as the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, the O2 Brixton Academy in London, the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, and Bute Park in Cardiff, which is especially noteworthy due to the addition of special guests Nile Rodgers and his band, CHIC, who will join Smith for the Cardiff event.
Will’s fans will eagerly be able to catch him live at the following dates:
- August 24, 2025: Scarborough Open Air Theatre
- August 25, 2025: Bute Park, Cardiff
- August 27, 2025: O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
- August 28, 2025: O2 Brixton Academy, London
- August 30, 2025: The Halls, Wolverhampton
Tickets for these performances will go on sale on March 21, 2025, at 10 AM (local time). Pre-sale opportunities will be available as early as March 19 through various channels, including artist pre-sales and O2 Priority tickets. This strategy aims to accommodate eager fans and secure their places at this historic concert series.
The announcement of the tour aligns perfectly with the upcoming release of Smith's new album, "Based On A True Story," scheduled for March 28, 2025. This will be his first full-length album after 20 years, with excitement swelling around the new music he plans to showcase on stage. The 14-track album promises collaborations with well-known artists such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross, featuring singles like "First Love," "Beautiful Scars," "TANTRUM," "Work of Art," and the chart-topping gospel hit "You Can Make It," which recently climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart.
Reflecting on his upcoming tour, Will expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, "I’M GOING ON TOUR THIS SUMMER!! We’re hitting up UK & Europe to bring U all the hits, some new joints, and a few surprises ;-)." His excitement is palpable, and he invites fans to be part of this long-awaited experience.
The involvement of Nile Rodgers, who has had a monumental impact on music history with his contributions as co-founder of CHIC and his collaborations with other legendary artists, will only add to the event's allure. Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT Live, expressed his anticipation, stating, "What a night this will be. Will Smith and Nile Rodgers with CHIC in Bute Park has all the makings for one of the most fun live music events of the summer." With both artists at the helm, attendees can look forward to unmatched entertainment.
With the backdrop of Smith's transition back to music after his storied Hollywood career and accolades, this tour is more than just a series of concerts—it's a cultural milestone. Smith first gained fame through his early rap career and later through the iconic role of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, extending his talents to blockbuster films like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Bad Boys. This new chapter offers fans of all ages the chance to witness his dual artistry live.
Alongside these UK dates, Smith will perform across Europe, including major festivals, showcasing his ability to draw crowds not only as a Hollywood star but also as a seasoned performer. The international leg of the tour includes stops at renowned festivals and cities, ensuring his music reaches fans far and wide.
For ticket information and updates, fans are encouraged to visit Will’s official website, especially as the presale is bound to sell out quickly. With his dynamic presence and infectious charisma, Will Smith's "Based On A True Story Tour" is poised to be one of the most talked-about tours of 2025.
