Chris Brown Kicks Off UK Tour, Lightens Mood With ‘Nice’ Jail Joke
Chris Brown Kicks Off UK Tour in Manchester Ahead of Upcoming Court Hearing
US singer Chris Brown has launched his highly anticipated UK tour in Manchester, just days before returning to court over serious legal charges. The Grammy-winning artist thrilled thousands of fans at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Sunday, kicking off a series of stadium shows across the UK.
Despite facing legal challenges, Chris Brown remains determined to continue his music career. On Friday, he is due to appear in a London court for a hearing linked to an alleged assault from 2023. Brown, 36, was charged with grievous bodily harm following an incident at a nightclub where he is accused of attacking a music producer with a tequila bottle. Currently free on a £5 million bail, he has yet to enter a plea.
During his Manchester show, Brown thanked his fans warmly, saying, “Thank you for coming and supporting me.” In a lighthearted moment, he even joked, “And thank you to the jail. It was really nice,” referring to his recent stint in custody after his arrest in the city last month.
A video montage played during the concert highlighted both the highs and lows of Brown’s two-decade career, including brief news clips from outside the Manchester court after his arrest. The crowd responded with cheers, showing strong support for the star.
Brown’s arrest came when London Metropolitan Police visited his hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester. He was held for nearly a week before posting the hefty £5 million security fee, ensuring he returns to court. The judge allowed him to continue his tour under strict bail conditions.
The “Breezy Bowl XX” tour celebrates 20 years of Chris Brown’s music journey. He opened the Manchester concert with “Run It,” the hit single that launched his career at just 16. Throughout the night, he performed many of his 19 UK top 10 singles, including crowd favorites like “Turn Up The Music,” “Freaky Friday,” “With You,” and “Don’t Wake Me Up.”
Adding to his recent achievements, Brown won the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles last week.
After performing a second night in Manchester on Monday, Chris Brown will take the stage at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Thursday. His court appearance is scheduled for Friday, alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, aka HoodyBaby.
Following the hearing, Brown will perform back-to-back shows at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. The tour will continue with stadium dates in Birmingham and Glasgow, along with two more arena concerts in Manchester.
Despite the legal spotlight, Chris Brown’s dedication to his music and fans shines through as he powers ahead with his UK tour.
