Usher has paid tribute to Aaron Spears, the late drummer, who died at the age of 47.
The “There Goes My Baby” crooner took to his Instagram on Friday (November 3) to share his memories of Spears, whose death was confirmed on October 30 . Amidst a carousel of pictures and video, Usher — who worked with Spears on the Confessions album and performed live with him — waxed poetic about Spears as both a musician and a man.
“I cry, tears of joy, looking back at all of the memories we had together, I realize that you were the joy in every room you were in,” he wrote. “We should not take life for granted or the people we love most as though they’re gonna be there forever. There are good people and then there are great people. Aaron Spears was great!! As a father, a son and in spirit.”
He continued: “Aaron was one of my heros. He motivated me to do more, musically. Them drum rolls and that pocket was like none other. […] YEP!!! That boy good!!! As he would say…you did it A Speezy!! I love you and we who love you celebrate you. I cry these tears of joy daily, wishing I could pick up the phone and hear your voice one last time. We always said I love you before hangin up. I’m gonna miss you man!! Rest in power brother. Love U.”
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Check out the post, with the full tribute, below.
Spears was a prolific drummer who worked with the likes of Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga in addition to Usher.
“Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer admired by many for his unparalleled talent and passion from music, but he was also a devoted father to our precious son, August,” Spears’ wife Jessica wrote in a statement shared on his Instagram. “His love, guidance, and warmth were the pillars of our family, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot describe.”
She continued: “We were blessed to have him in our lives, and his legacy will live on through the beautiful rhythms he created and the love he shared with us.”
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In addition to his wife, Spears is survived by his son, August. His cause of death has not been revealed.
In happier Usher news, Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear and Mayor Carolyn Goodman celebrated the R&B icon, and the singer’s residency at their city’s Park MGM hotel, by declaring October 17 “Usher Raymond Day” and handing him a key to the city.
“Councilman, thank you so much for this momentous moment,” the 45-year-old singer said during his acceptance speech. “I know the efforts that go into doing something like this and I don’t take it for granted.
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“I wanna thank you for your belief in the future and your ability to be able to recognize those things that actually do grow your city. I am someone who is not just contributing by way of entertainment, but also to the heartbeat of the city.”
Crear had high praise for the “Yeah” hitmaker, saying: “Usher has been an absolutely incredible brand ambassador for Las Vegas with his extremely popular residency as you know called My Way.
“And we all know he is going to be headlining something for the first time — I don’t know if you really comprehend this, but for the first time in the history of the NFL, the Super Bowl is going to be here in Las Vegas… How fitting is it that the entertainment for the Halftime Show is gonna be — and we already claimed you, my man — is our own Usher Raymond. And we know you’re gonna do us proud.”
