Controversial rapper Chris Brown is set to play his first UK festival in 12 years after being added to the lineup for upcoming festival Wireless.
This is only the second time that Brown has performed in the UK since being banned in 2010; his first was alongside Wizkid during the artist’s appearance at the O2 Arena in November last year.
The London-based festival takes place in Crystal Palace Park from July 1-3.
It then moves to Finsbury Park on July 8 before moving to Birmingham’s Outdoor at the NEC on Saturday, July 9.
The festival already boasts a stellar lineup. ASAP Rocky will be headlining the first weekend at Crystal Palace with Joe Cole and Tyler, the Creator.
SZA, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B will be performing later in the month in Finsbury Park.
“You asked? We deliver… ALWAYS,” a post on the Wireless social media channels read.
“For the first time in 12 years… @chrisbrownofficial will return to the UK to shut down Crystal Palace and Birmingham.”
“Grab these final tickets before it’s too late.”
Brown will be headlining the event at Crystal Palace Park and in Birmingham.
The news proved divisive among the rapper’s fans and detractors.
“Everyone loves cancel culture when it comes to cancelling women yet chris brown has just been announced to headline wireless and has a career at all????” one disgruntled Twitter user wrote.
However, others were keen. “Chris Brown at wireless!??? I have never bought a ticket so fast without looking at the rest of the lineup,” said one supporter.
Another agreed, tweeting: “You don’t understand how fast I just got up and got them tickets… Chris brown back in the UK has made my life”.
The rapper’s appearance in the UK marks a new start after being banned in 2010 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna after a Grammys party in 2009.
The BBC reported that Brown’s visa was refused upon entry to the UK in 2010, with the Home Office writing: “We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone guilty of a serious criminal offence. Public safety is one of our primary concerns.”
If you want to grab your tickets to Wireless (and they’re selling out fast), take a look on Ticketmaster here.
