WafricNews – June 16, 2025

Manchester – American R&B star Chris Brown launched his much-anticipated UK tour in Manchester on Sunday night, just days before he is scheduled to appear in a London court over a pending assault case.

Performing to a packed crowd at the Co-op Live arena, the Grammy-winning singer opened with his breakout hit Run It, kicking off the Breezy Bowl XX Tour — a celebration of his 20 years in the music industry.

But the upbeat start to the tour comes against the backdrop of serious legal troubles. Brown, 36, is currently facing charges of grievous bodily harm over an alleged nightclub assault in London in 2023. He is due in court on Friday, alongside his co-defendant, U.S. artist Omololu Akinlolu, known professionally as HoodyBaby.

Despite the pending legal case, the singer appeared relaxed on stage. In a moment that drew laughter from fans, Brown referenced his recent stint in custody following his arrest last month.

The singer was arrested in May after returning to the UK, when police from London’s Metropolitan force detained him at a hotel in Salford. He spent nearly a week in custody before being released on £5 million bail.

Brown’s bail conditions allow him to continue performing, with a judge granting him permission to go ahead with his European tour. He resumed performances last week with a show in Amsterdam.

Charges Still Loom

Brown stands accused of carrying out an unprovoked attack with a tequila bottle on a music producer during his last UK tour. He has not yet entered a plea, and legal observers expect more clarity after this week’s court appearance.

As part of his bail agreement, Brown posted a £5 million security — a financial guarantee meant to ensure he returns to court. If he violates bail conditions, the amount could be forfeited.

Still Drawing Crowds

Sunday’s concert featured a montage of his career highs and lows — including footage from his recent court appearance in Manchester — which was met with vocal support from fans. The show included some of his biggest UK hits, including Freaky Friday, With You, and Don’t Wake Me Up.

The artist recently picked up the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, showing his continued popularity despite ongoing legal controversies.

After a second night in Manchester on Monday, Brown is set to perform in Cardiff on Thursday before heading to court in London on Friday. He is scheduled to perform at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the weekend, followed by shows in Birmingham, Glasgow, and more dates in Manchester.


By WafricNews Desk.