Kendrick Lamar and SZA Extend Their 'Grand National Tour' to Europe Following a Stellar Super Bowl Performance
Fresh from their show-stopping Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have announced a major expansion to their already highly anticipated "Grand National Tour." The tour, initially slated for North America, will now include a series of dates across the UK and Europe, much to the delight of fans worldwide. This expansion follows the phenomenal success of their Super Bowl appearance, where Lamar delivered a powerful and politically charged performance that captivated millions. His Grammy wins further cemented his status as a musical force to be reckoned with. The tour's expansion underscores the undeniable demand for these two musical titans to grace international stages. The announcement comes as a welcomed surprise for fans and industry insiders alike, and promises a summer of unforgettable shows.
The North American Leg and Ticket Sales
The "Grand National Tour" commenced its North American leg in April 2025, with shows across major stadiums in cities like Minneapolis, Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. The initial ticket sales were incredibly successful, with tickets selling out quickly for many of the dates. However, the overwhelming demand led to the pair adding over 30 additional shows to their itinerary, extending the tour through August 9th. Various presales started Wednesday, February 12-13, with general on-sale beginning Friday, February 14, at 9 a.m. local time on grandnationaltour.com. Resale tickets are also available through platforms such as Stubhub, Vivid Seats, Seatgeek, and Ticketmaster.
Impact of the Super Bowl Performance
The Super Bowl halftime show has become a major launchpad for artists' subsequent tours. Following the phenomenal success of other performers, it's clear why Kendrick Lamar and SZA's performance has led to this significant surge in tour popularity. Data from TickPick shows that Usher's Super Bowl performance in 2024 resulted in a 38% increase in tour ticket sales after the event, a 40% jump in concert ticket prices, and a staggering 550% increase in Spotify streams. If history repeats itself, Lamar and SZA’s performance will bring similar growth to ticket demand and streaming numbers.
European Tour Dates: UK and Beyond
The newly announced European leg of the tour promises to be equally spectacular. The tour begins in Cologne, Germany on July 2nd and continues to other major cities, including Frankfurt, Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Warsaw and Stockholm. The UK will see performances in Glasgow's Hampden Park (July 8th), Birmingham's Villa Park (July 10th), Cardiff's Principality Stadium (July 19th), and London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (July 22nd). The combination of the tour's UK and European dates brings anticipation to new heights among international fans.
UK Concert Venues and Ticket Information
The inclusion of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on July 22nd adds another layer of excitement. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium's multi-purpose design has already hosted major concerts by artists such as Guns N' Roses, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, highlighting its suitability for large-scale musical events and making it a fantastic choice for this mega concert. For the London gig, ticket pre-sales for Tottenham season ticket holders, members, and local residents commenced on Wednesday, February 12th. General sales opened to the public on Friday, February 14th at 9 am. This tiered release system will make sure that all fans have a fair chance to secure tickets. This is something to note for future reference as you should be aware of these details.
A Summer of Music: More Than Just Lamar and SZA
While Kendrick Lamar and SZA undoubtedly headline the summer concert scene, Cardiff will also be buzzing with other exciting events. Rag'n'Bone Man will be headlining at Cardiff Castle on July 13th, supported by Elles Bailey. Faithless, with Chicane and Kosheen, will take to the same stage on August 1st. Other artists performing at Cardiff Castle throughout the summer include Snow Patrol, The Human League, James, Fontaines DC, Alanis Morissette, Elbow, Sting, The Script, Jess Glynne, and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell. This lineup showcases the vibrant and diverse music scene in Cardiff.
The Legacy of a Super Bowl Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was not only a musical triumph but also a powerful cultural statement. The performance, a poignant commentary on his artistic journey and the societal issues he addresses, was celebrated for its storytelling and creative execution. The show, which involved dancers in red, white, and blue, included interactions with Samuel L. Jackson, who played the role of Uncle Sam, providing commentary that mirrored Lamar's themes. This memorable performance has undoubtedly propelled his already immense global popularity, setting the stage for the incredible success of the expanded Grand National Tour.
The performance was groundbreaking and memorable, securing Kendrick Lamar's place in history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The combination of his musical talent, lyrical prowess, and the powerful storytelling in his performance created a truly unforgettable moment. For fans, this signifies the high level of artistic excellence that will undoubtedly characterise the rest of the Grand National Tour. The performance has without a doubt, catapulted Kendrick Lamar and SZA's careers to an even higher level of global recognition and cemented their places as leading figures in contemporary music.
The extended tour will see these two artists visiting various locations across the globe including cities in Europe and beyond. These two artists are renowned for their incredible music and performances and the anticipation for this tour will keep fans eagerly waiting for more news and information on this exciting musical venture. This should surely be a memorable and momentous musical journey.