Pitbull, known as Mr Worldwide, turned Cardiff's Blackweir Fields into a massive nightclub on Saturday night, drawing a sold-out crowd of 35,000 fans who danced through drizzle in bald caps and aviators. The performance, which closed this year's Blackweir Live gig series, was a high-energy spectacle that left no moment for breath.
Fans, calling themselves 'The Bald E's,' began appearing in Cardiff earlier in the day, wearing suits and bald caps in homage to the rapper. The American superstar delivered a 90-minute set packed with hits, including "Timber," "Hotel Room Service," "Gasolina," "International Love," "Fireball," "Rain Over Me," "I Feel Good," "We Are One," "On The Floor," "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love," and "Give Me Everything."
Support Acts Set the Tone
The evening began with support acts Fuse ODG and Lil Jon, who warmed up the crowd. Lil Jon, performing in Cardiff for the first time, opened up about the death of his son earlier this year, calling the performance "therapy." He delivered a high-energy set including "Shots," "Anaconda," "Get Low," "Outta Your Mind," and a cover of Eminem's "Lose Yourself," as well as a crowd singalong of "Sweet Caroline." After the performance, he remarked, "I knew Cardiff knew how to party."
DJ Laz, who introduced himself as "one of Miami's finest," hyped the crowd before Pitbull's entrance.
Pitbull's Performance: A Non-Stop Party
Pitbull opened with "Don't Stop The Party" and immediately thanked the crowd, saying, "It's an honour and blessing to be here tonight in Cardiff." He attempted to say "diolch" (Welsh for thank you) multiple times, eventually exclaiming, "Diolch very f***ing much for being here." He reminded the audience that "music is the international language."
The set included hits like "Timber," which had fans spinning each other around, and "Time of Our Lives," where Pitbull led a cheers with the 35,000-strong crowd. He also invited Lil Jon back on stage, thanking him for giving him his break around 25 years ago and crediting him for much of his career.
Unforgettable Atmosphere
Despite constant drizzle, the crowd remained energetic, with many wearing bald caps to protect their hair. Pitbull promised to bring "Miami heat" to Wales and delivered, creating what attendees described as one of the most memorable atmospheres of the summer. At one point, he had the crowd chanting "I don't want no water, I want tequila" in both Spanish and English.
The performance was not a typical concert but a massive club night, according to attendees. Ellie Gosley, a reporter for What's On, noted that it was "certainly one of the best atmospheres at a live music event I have ever experienced."
Upcoming Shows and Record Attempt
Following Cardiff, Pitbull will perform at Lytham Festival in Lancashire and Hyde Park in London on Friday, July 10. During the Hyde Park show, he aims to break the record for the 'largest gathering of people wearing bald caps.' Given the enthusiasm in Cardiff, the record attempt is expected to be well-supported.
