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Eminem to Become First Rapper to Headline Wembley
Despite being the first US act to achieve seven consecutive number one albums in the UK, Eminem's only UK dates since 2001 have been headline slots at a small number of festivals. However, after recently announcing he is to play Wembley Stadium this summer, on July the 11th and 12th, the best-selling artist of the 2000s is expected to make an assured comeback.
Eminem’s headline performance at the legendary stadium will coincide with the release of his next single, ‘Headlights’ (featuring Nate Reuss of Fun), which follows his most recent album, Marshall Mathers LP 2 (released late last year). News of the performance was broadcast in an interview on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 evening show, during which Eminem said his fans should expect something different from these upcoming live shows.
Initially, the idea was to headline at Hyde Park, however this plan wasn’t given royal approval. The organisation that manages the site stated that they “demand the acts who perform there are fit for the queen.” A source told the press, “Eminem is a controversial artist whose lyrics have been accused of being homophobic, provocative and pretty sweary. He’s a huge name, and would be a great draw for fans, but it may not be the right image for the parks if he’s effing and blinding on stage.”
Eminem claims that by rejecting his efforts the organisation only guaranteed that his UK headline show would go ahead, and this attitude – also displayed in the biopic 8 Mile – is undoubtedly the reason why he has made it to such an acclaimed position within the rap world. “The easiest way to make me do something is to tell me I can’t do it,” the rapper said. “Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible […] for Wembley.”
He also stated that he was not looking to focus on long tours but more on big, one-off events; and, with the ‘Venue of Legends’ having a capacity of 90,000, it looks like he’s keeping to his word! Eminem is also planning a small stadium tour with Rihanna around the US this summer.
Tickets for the 11th of July gig went on sale yesterday (Friday the 9th of May) and quickly sold out, prompting the announcement of the second concert on the 12th of July. Tickets for the second date are on sale now and selling fast.
Eminem’s headline performance at the legendary stadium will coincide with the release of his next single, ‘Headlights’ (featuring Nate Reuss of Fun), which follows his most recent album, Marshall Mathers LP 2 (released late last year). News of the performance was broadcast in an interview on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 evening show, during which Eminem said his fans should expect something different from these upcoming live shows.
Initially, the idea was to headline at Hyde Park, however this plan wasn’t given royal approval. The organisation that manages the site stated that they “demand the acts who perform there are fit for the queen.” A source told the press, “Eminem is a controversial artist whose lyrics have been accused of being homophobic, provocative and pretty sweary. He’s a huge name, and would be a great draw for fans, but it may not be the right image for the parks if he’s effing and blinding on stage.”
Eminem claims that by rejecting his efforts the organisation only guaranteed that his UK headline show would go ahead, and this attitude – also displayed in the biopic 8 Mile – is undoubtedly the reason why he has made it to such an acclaimed position within the rap world. “The easiest way to make me do something is to tell me I can’t do it,” the rapper said. “Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible […] for Wembley.”
He also stated that he was not looking to focus on long tours but more on big, one-off events; and, with the ‘Venue of Legends’ having a capacity of 90,000, it looks like he’s keeping to his word! Eminem is also planning a small stadium tour with Rihanna around the US this summer.
Tickets for the 11th of July gig went on sale yesterday (Friday the 9th of May) and quickly sold out, prompting the announcement of the second concert on the 12th of July. Tickets for the second date are on sale now and selling fast.
