British music icon Dizzee Rascal is continuing the celebration of the 20th anniversary of his seminal first album Boy in the Corner with three further shows, following a March sellout at London’s 02 Arena.
Dizzee’s spectacular concert, in which he performs the album in its entirety and then all of his bassline classics including “Bonkers” and “Bassline Junkie,” will stop at the Motorpoint in Nottingham on October 6th, the Cardiff International Arena on October 7th, and the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on October 8th.
The Evening Standard and The Telegraph both gave March’s historic event at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena four stars, with the latter calling his performances “sharp, fresh, and yet fizzing with ideas.” Special guests included grime legend and Boy Better Know co-founder JME, freestyle royalty Lady Leshurr and emerging artist Backroad Gee, all of whom had won MOBO Awards.
Dizzee, who is clearly feeling more confident than ever since his return, said, “Before I even played the first gig at the 02 Arena, I already knew there was no way this could stay only in London.” I can’t wait to share my musical career and the 20-year anniversary of Boy In Da Corner with the entirety of the UK. Get ready for October!
Dizzee said, “It’s insane how it’s 20 years since Boy In Da Corner!” on the actual date. That record was a turning point for me, and I’ll be eternally grateful to everyone who supported me throughout that period.
The groundbreaking MC and producer’s debut album, Boy In Da Corner, received the Mercury Prize in July 2003 when he was just 18 years old. The Guardian called him “the most unique and fascinating musician to emerge from dance music in a decade” after hearing the critically praised LP by Dizzee.
Dizzee Rascal, one of the most famous and prominent British rappers, is often given credit for popularising UK Grime when it was at its height in the middle of the 2000s. His breakthrough with Boy In Da Corner led to collaborations with several A-list musicians, including Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys, Shakira, Armand van Helden, Florence + the Machine, will.i.am, and Robbie Williams. He has also had six straight UK ‘Top 20’ albums (Showtime, Maths + English, Tongue ‘n’ Cheek, The Fifth, Raskit, and E3 AF) and four UK #1 hit singles (‘Dance Wiv Me,’ ‘Bonkers,’ ‘Holiday,’ and ‘Dirtee Disco’).
Dizzee Rascal’s October gigs are an excellent addition to the commemorations of the album’s 20th anniversary; you shouldn’t miss them.
Tour dates:
06/10/2023 - Motorpoint, Nottingham
07/10/2023 – Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff
08/10/2023 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
