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The Manc - 28th April 2020

What's On

Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year

Thomas Melia

Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.

Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.

One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.

His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.

The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.

It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.

Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.

This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.

The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.

Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.

The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years 'Based On A True Story'. — The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.

Today has been monumental for gig announcements as earlier today the living legend Stevie Wonder announced his return to Manchester later this year.

Will Smith is heading to O2 Victoria Warehouse on 27 August with pre-sale tickets live on 19 March and general on sale on 21 March from 10am HERE .

Featured Image – Instagram

What's On

Stevie Wonder to play landmark Manchester gig as part of UK tour this year

Thomas Melia

Living legend Stevie Wonder is heading on a UK tour and stopping off in Manchester for the first time in 15 years.

Manchester has been blessed by the music gods yet again, and this time, it comes in the form of funk pioneer Stevie Wonder.

The 74-year-old musician will be bringing his extraordinary grand piano, exceptional live band, and, of course, his groovy tunes like ‘Superstition’, ‘Isn’t She Lovely’, and ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ to our city later this year.

Wonder last visited Manchester in 2010, gracing the AO Arena with his presence, but now he’s visiting Manchester’s newest live music entertainment venue, Co-op Live.

Stevie Wonder will be visiting Co-op Live in Manchester this year / Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

The American-Ghanaian icon has an undisputed legacy.

He became the youngest solo artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100 with his 1963 single ‘Fingertips’ at age 13, and has also won the prestigious Album of the Year category at the Grammys three times, as well as taking home 25 awards in total throughout his career.

His 1976 project Songs in the Key of Life was also featured in Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums at number six by esteemed critics and the public alike – a claim that not many have to their name.

With this 2025 UK tour titled ‘Love, Light & Song’, the Michigan native will be heading to two arenas, Manchester and Birmingham, and taking on various festival performances along the way – including Lytham Festival.

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The crowds will be roaring when Stevie Wonder takes to the stage, and rightly so, as this artist has racked up almost 300 weeks in the UK Top 40, with an impressive 39 singles featuring on our charts throughout his career.

He’s an undeniable force, and this show in Manchester is set to be monumental, so ‘Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing’, as you’ll be in for a night of jazz, funk, soul, and everything in between.

Stevie Wonder will be playing Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 5 July 2025, with tickets going live this Friday 21 March at 10am HERE.

Featured Image – PICRYL