Will Smith Headlines Depot Live 2025, Cardiff - Wales
The final headline show of Depot Live 2025 in Cardiff was none other than award-winning actor, rapper, and producer Will Smith.
This wasn’t just another stop on his Based On A True Story Tour—it was a celebration of his decades-long career. Will brought positivity, energy, and charisma to one of the coolest live music venues I’ve ever experienced. To see him perform at the historic Cardiff Castle is a night I’ll never forget.
I’ve never seen a Will Smith tour announced in my lifetime, so having the chance to both photograph and witness him perform live was a true bucket-list moment. Born in the 90s, I first knew Will through his films—favorites like The Pursuit of Happyness, I Am Legend, Seven Pounds, Emancipation, and of course the Bad Boys franchise. As I grew older and immersed myself in hip-hop, I also discovered his music, which only deepened my appreciation. Photographing him in person is an experience I’ll carry with me forever.
This was also my first time attending an open-air concert at Cardiff Castle, and I was impressed with the organization for such a historic venue. From food and drink vendors to facilities and crowd areas, everything was thoughtfully set up. The Castle Green was packed with fans, and before Will took the stage, the audience was treated to two stellar support acts: a DJ set from BBC Radio 1’s Ricky and Melvin, followed by the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Although Nile’s music came before my time, I grew up hearing his songs through my mother, so experiencing them live felt like a nostalgic blast from the past. I even video-called her during their set to share the moment. Photographing Nile was an honour in itself—he’s a true icon, with over 75 songs produced and collaborations with artists such as David Bowie, Madonna, Avicii, Beyoncé, and many more. At 72 years old, he still performs with incredible energy, proving why Nile Rodgers & Chic remain a must-see live act.
Will took the stage around 9:15 pm, but before that I caught glimpses of him backstage warmly interacting with fellow musicians, crew, and the large dance ensemble who would later join him for Men In Black. Despite his global fame, he took the time to greet everyone before performing for well over an hour to a capacity crowd.
I’ve always loved outdoor concerts, and Cardiff Castle provided the perfect setting: one massive stage, a fresh open-air atmosphere, and a buzzing crowd. Will’s entrance set the tone—after a reel of career highlights played on screen, he appeared at the top of a staircase, arms wide, as pyrotechnics lit up the stage. He launched straight into Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It and Miami, with the crowd (and even event staff) singing along word-for-word.
From start to finish, Will reminded us that he is a true showman who hasn’t lost his performance edge despite decades of focusing on acting. The crowd ranged across generations—long-time fans and newcomers alike—all united by his music and personality. One highlight was a playful “Willflix” segment, where Netflix-style visuals showcased his filmography, leading into live renditions of Wild Wild West, Bad Boys, Men in Black, the viral Doechi “Anxiety” remix, and of course The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme. At one point, he even broke into the iconic Carlton Dance to Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual—a particularly special moment in Jones’ home country of Wales.
The evening carried plenty of Fresh Prince nostalgia, from fan costumes to a moving tribute to the late James Avery (Uncle Phil). Yet some of the most memorable moments came from Will’s heartfelt speeches. At one point, he asked everyone to hug the person next to them—whether friend, family, or stranger—reminding us that someone in the crowd could be going through hardship, and that we all need to be there for one another.
Later, he addressed the infamous 2022 Oscars incident, speaking candidly about the guilt he carried after his altercation with Chris Rock—a night that was supposed to mark a career high as he won his first Oscar for King Richard. He admitted that performing for fans again has been a source of healing and joy, and the audience responded with overwhelming support.
By the time the show ended around 10:30 pm, it was clear this was one of the most unforgettable concerts I’ve attended. Will closed with his classic summer anthem Summertime. As the final notes rang out, the sky above Cardiff Castle Keep erupted with a massive firework display, illuminating the historic backdrop in spectacular fashion. It was a breathtaking ending to an unforgettable night—one that perfectly captured the celebratory spirit of Will Smith’s return to the stage. Between the stage visuals, the historic setting, the electric crowd, and Will’s timeless showmanship, it was truly a top-tier evening.
