Will Smith delivered an emotional concert in Las Vegas on March 20, honoring his late friend and co-star, James Avery. Avery was well known for his role as Uncle Phil on the beloved show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” During the concert at the House of Blues, Smith, 56, showcased heartfelt moments, including wiping away tears as he performed a cover of “Apache,” accompanied by memories of Avery displayed on screen.
The concert featured a lineup of Smith’s greatest hits, such as “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Men in Black,” “Miami,” and “Wild Wild West.” Notably, he also threw in a rendition of Tom Jones’ classic “It’s Not Unusual,” which connects back to the time when Jones made a guest appearance on his show.
Adding to the excitement, Smith announced that his first full-length album in two decades, titled “Based on a True Story,” will be released on March 28. The last time he released an album was in 2005 with “Lost and Found.” This upcoming album will feature 14 tracks and collaborations with artists like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross.
On Instagram, Smith shared his enthusiasm about the album, saying, “It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album drops March 28. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all.”
Earlier this year, he gave fans a sneak peek of his new music with the single “Beautiful Scars,” featuring Big Sean. The accompanying music video drew attention for its creative connection to the film “The Matrix,” a role Smith famously declined years ago, opting for “Wild Wild West” instead.
Included in the new album will be previously released singles like “Work of Art,” featuring his son Jaden Smith and Russ, along with tracks like “Tantrum” and “You Can Make It,” which he performed live at the 2024 BET Awards.
Smith’s concert not only showcased his musical talent but also paid homage to his cherished past and the friendships that have shaped his career.
