Adam Sandler launched his 2025 “You’re My Best Friend Tour” in Florida with a blast from the past, bringing rapper Vanilla Ice and longtime collaborator Kevin James onstage for performances of the 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby” and comedic sketches. The tour’s opening weekend, spanning September 5–7 in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, featured surprise appearances, including a performer dressed as Michelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, nodding to Vanilla Ice’s role in the 1991 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. Sandler also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and co-star Chris Farley, blending comedy with emotional moments for audiences.
What Happened During the Show?
Sandler kicked off the nostalgia-filled segment by teasing the iconic bassline of “Ice Ice Baby,” prompting cheers from the crowd. He then invited Vanilla Ice to the stage, where the rapper declared, “We’re back in the ’90s right now!” and energized the audience with his signature hit. The performance escalated with Kevin James joining the duo, dancing and rapping along before breaking into an enthusiastic dance break. The appearance of Michelangelo added a visual throwback to Vanilla Ice’s “Ninja Rap” era, creating a multisensory trip down memory lane.
In Miami, Sandler and James treated fans to a comedic skit where James pretended to be an audience member who had missed his friend and bought a last-minute ticket to see the show. The bit transitioned into a lighthearted duet about their friendship, with Sandler humorously highlighting James’s off-key singing. This blend of music, comedy, and improvisation showcased the chemistry between the two actors, who have collaborated in films like Grown Ups and Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Tribute to Chris Farley
Amid the lighthearted fun, Sandler took a moment to honor Chris Farley, his late Saturday Night Live and Grown Ups co-star, who passed away in 1997. Sandler performed an emotional song dedicated to Farley, a routine he has included in previous tours and specials. The tribute served as a reminder of Farley’s enduring impact on comedy and Sandler’s personal and professional life.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Response
Attendees captured moments from the shows and shared them on social media, with many expressing excitement over the unexpected guests and nostalgic performances. One fan on TikTok described the experience as “literally a fever dream,” while others praised the seamless integration of comedy, music, and tribute. Reviews from the tour’s initial stops highlighted the high energy and variety of the show, though some noted that certain segments contained mature content.
“Awesome event, with surprise guests throughout the night! Definitely worth it!! Had a great time!” — Fan review from Hertz Arena, Estero.
Tour Details and Future Stops
Sandler’s tour continues across North America with 30 additional cities scheduled, including stops in New York City, Toronto, Chicago, and Seattle, before concluding with back-to-back shows in Las Vegas on October 31 and November 1. Tickets for remaining dates are available through Live Nation and other resellers. While special guests like Vanilla Ice and James were confirmed for the opening weekend, no official list of guests for future shows has been announced. However, Sandler’s history of incorporating surprise appearances suggests that audiences can expect similar elements of unpredictability and nostalgia.
The tour follows Sandler’s previous successful runs in 2023 and 2024, the latter of which was recorded for the Netflix special Adam Sandler: Love You. His upcoming projects include the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2, set to release on Netflix on July 25, and the Noah Baumbach film Jay Kelly this fall.
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