Chris Brown launched his much-anticipated UK tour in Manchester with a bold performance and a surprising sense of humour just days before he’s due back in court over serious legal charges.
The 36-year-old R&B star, currently out on £5 million bail, addressed his recent legal troubles with a joke during the sold-out show at the Co-op Live Arena on Sunday night. “Thank you for coming and supporting me,” he told his fans, pausing briefly before adding with a smirk, “And thank you to the jail. It was really nice.” His light-hearted jab about his brief time in custody was met with laughter and applause from the crowd.
Brown’s performance came only weeks after he was arrested in Manchester by detectives from the Metropolitan Police. He’s facing a charge of grievous bodily harm in connection to an alleged unprovoked assault involving a tequila bottle at a London nightclub during his previous UK tour in 2023.
Though he spent nearly a week in custody, Brown was released after posting a hefty £5 million security fee—essentially a financial guarantee that he would return to court. Failure to comply with his bail conditions could result in forfeiting that amount.
As part of the agreement with the court, Brown was permitted to continue with his tour. The Manchester show marked the second official stop following an earlier performance in Amsterdam, as part of his Breezy Bowl XX tour celebrating two decades in the music industry.
The arena erupted in excitement as Brown took the stage, opening with “Run It,” the track that launched his career at age 16. His high-energy set included a long list of UK chart-toppers, such as “Turn Up The Music,” “With You,” “Don’t Wake Me Up,” and “Freaky Friday.”
Fans were treated to an emotional video montage of his career’s ups and downs. Among the highlights were brief clips of news coverage from outside the court following his arrest—moments that received loud, supportive cheers from the audience, showing the depth of loyalty among his fanbase.
Despite the looming court date, Brown’s momentum hasn’t slowed. Last week, he took home the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, reaffirming his influence in the industry.
Following a second night in Manchester on Monday, Brown is set to perform at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Thursday. The next day, he and his co-defendant, fellow US artist Omololu Akinlolu, known professionally as HoodyBaby, are scheduled to appear before a London court.
Immediately after the court session, Brown will continue with back-to-back performances at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London over the weekend, followed by additional shows in Birmingham, Glasgow, and more dates back in Manchester.
Though legal clouds hover over this tour, Brown’s onstage confidence and defiant humour suggest he’s determined to focus on his music—and keep the show going.
