Eminem will make hip-hop history of some sort when he becomes the first rapper ever to headline a show at London's Wembley Stadium in July. Technically, this is the second incarnation of Wembley Stadium, as the historic first variant was demolished during 2003. To give you an idea of what other acts have played gigs at the iconic venue: U2, Madonna and Muse have performed at the stadium (and Muse kind of had an unfair home field advantage).
Still, Wembley was actually Eminem's backup plan for a London performance. He had originally hoped to play a show in Hyde Park, which has hosted a slew of huge concerts over the years. The parks and rec department in the city were against the notion however.
"I heard that I wasn't going to be approved to play in Hyde Park and it made me even more excited to play in London this summer," he said while speaking to BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe. "The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it. Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible....for Wembley."
The gig has even more relevance for Eminem than it would for a typical headlining act. The rapper hasn't played a show in London for nearly 13 years, last stopping by the city for a 2001 gig at Docklands Arena, a venue that's since been closed. He's played various festivals across the UK, but it's surprising that a performer so popular in the area (seven of his albums have topped the charts in England) has gone so long without visiting its largest city.
Tickets go on sale May 9, and Brits should be waking up early if they want a chance to get one.
