Will Smith ‘hyped’ to carry out in Wolverhampton

Fans have hailed a sold-out Wolverhampton gig by Hollywood actor and Grammy-winning artist Will Smith as “amazing”.

Smith carried out at University of Wolverhampton on the Halls on Saturday as a part of his Based on a True Story tour.

Shakina Stewart from Oldbury described him as a “legend” and stated: “Everyone [was] singing and dancing and loving it. Will was full of so much energy, smiling, laughter.”

The rapper informed the gang he was “so hyped” to be in Wolverhampton and that it was his first time performing there. In a publish on his Facebook web page, he later wrote: “Crowd was poppin’ tonite!!”

Posting on Instagram, the venue shared footage and movies from the occasion and stated: “The Fresh Prince is in the house”, in reference to the actor’s 90s TV position.

Ms Stewart, who watched the gig together with her mum and sisters, stated Smith carried out classics similar to Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami and Wild Wild West, with a “Will-flix” video montage exhibiting his profession highlights thus far.

“He’s literally been around for me since I was a child and even my son who’s 11 and he’s watched the more recent live-action Aladdin,” Ms Stewart added. “It was really just seeing this legend before your eyes.

“That’s undoubtedly one thing that can persist with Wolverhampton without end now.”

The 40-year-old even managed to take a selfie with backing performers dressed in suits and ties for Men in Black when she nipped out to the loo.

“Men in Black is actually one in all my favorite Will Smith songs ever, so earlier than I left the home I used to be like, I must get my black glasses,” she stated.

Videographer Kevin Tasker, who has been a fan since he was in his teens, travelled from Kettering to watch the show.

“It was like a correct 90s throwback; lots of people dressed up. It was sort of like a competition vibe,” he said. “Everyone obtained hyped and everybody was rapping the Fresh Prince lyrics.”

He described the gig as “a little bit of a redemption present” for Smith, who was banned from the Oscars for 10 years in 2022 after hitting comic Chris Rock on stage.

“I feel for him to be in a room with a couple of thousand folks that love him, it was good for him to see that,” he added. “He was in his aspect.”

The tour follows Smith’s first full-length album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, which was released in March.

He began the UK leg in Scarborough, and has since entertained crowds in Cardiff, Manchester and London.