Photo: Press
A rare UK performance from Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff is scheduled at Blackpool Headland Arena as part of LIVEWIRE Festival, held this August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff, real name Jeff Townes, first met in the 1980s. They made humourous radio friendly songs, and won a Grammy for their 1988 single 'Parents Just Don't Understand'. It was a hit that ushered them to the forefront of the music industry, and by the time they released their biggest hit 'Summertime' was out in 1991, Smith had become well known for his role in the sitcom Fresh Prince Of Bell Air. They made five studio albums together, selling 5.5 million in the process.
Smith managed to keep his music career going alongside his acting, with each seeming to compliment the other. He became a solo star from 1994 onwards with Townes remaining a collaborator.
Having such huge stars come to Blackpool this summer is somewhat of a coup, and is a rare appearance from the duo with very sporadic reunions happening. Importantly, this announcement marks their first ever UK show.
The festival put out this statement: “This is LIVEWIRE Festival’s first year and we are thrilled to be launching this fabulous weekend of music. We can’t wait to bring Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Jacksons, Jason Donovan and more to Blackpool, the best location in the UK for entertainment.”
Smith will headline the Sunday night (27 August) after The Jacksons open proceedings on the Friday (25 August), and The Hit Factory top the bill on Saturday (24 August).
The Hit Factory will see Jason Donavon, Pepsi Shirlie, Go West, Samantha Fox, Sinitta, Nathan Moore from Brother Beyon, Undercover and Pete Waterman himself on stage.
Waterman, of Popstars fame, has the label PWL. It's a hitmaking empire and launched iconic acts such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Steps, Jason Donovan and Dead Or Alive, amongst a host of other household names. The weekend show focuses on its earliest years.
Check here for tickets to see Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff and others at LIVEWIRE
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