Usher starts crying at 'hero's' funeral after friend dies days after his birthday

July 15, 2024

Singer Usher got emotional at the funeral of his friend and drummer, Aaron Spears, on Friday (November 17) while delivering a loving eulogy.

In the tribute, Usher (surname Raymond) called the musician “my hero” at the funeral memorial. The music star broke down in tears as he told attendees of how much the 47-year-old meant to him. Aaron died on October 30 from undisclosed causes, just days after his birthday.

Usher breaks down at funeral – ‘He was my hero, man”‘

The Confessions star began his eulogy by saying: “He was my hero, man. I couldn’t let him know how I felt about him enough. But I hope that he saw it every time I picked up a pair of sticks and I went to drum. He meant that much to me, and he will continue to mean that much to me as a friend. That’s an amazing force.”

He continued by telling the crowd how he “will have him in my mind no matter when I’m playing,” and was thankful to have been introduced to the drummer by music director Valdez Brantle.

“I will always love Aaron Spears. I will have him in my mind no matter when I’m playing, where I’m playing – I always hear his rolls.” Usher then added: “You cold, bro! You the baddest.’ He was that dude.”

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Usher’s plea to loved ones in funeral speech

The celebrity then made those in attendance laugh as he referenced KFC. He said: “Before we were three pieces and a biscuit and after that, we became the funk rock orchestra, man. I love you, A. Spears. I love our family like they’re my own. I love you for making certain that you kept us together. And no matter where we were, no matter what was going on, that man would always just call.

“He would encourage me. He would say, ‘Man, you’re gonna be alright.’ He would say, ‘Tonight is gonna be the most incredible night ever!’ The opening night, he not even playing on the stage. I’m like, ‘Man, Aaron, you are just God-sent, man.’

The U Got It Bad singer ended his speech by reminding people to be appreciative of their loved ones: “I honor this man. I praise him for the person he is to each and every person in this room, because we recognize and we acknowledge him.”

Usher then said: “And I tell you, as you leave, appreciate the ones that you have while you have them. Honor them and let them know how you feel about them.”

Tributes pour in

Aaron worked with an array of musicians including Usher’s protégé Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Britney Spears.

In tribute, Justin, who recently gave fans a glimpse of his ‘dream’ mansion, wrote: “We lost a beautiful man and inspiration to all of us drummers. @aspears prayers for your family and loved ones. You will be remembered and celebrated.”

Ariana Grande penned: “I can’t wrap my head around this.

“We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always the kindest, always smiling. I am so honored and thankful that our paths crossed, and to have spent special time together. Thank you for your utter brilliance, for our laughs, and for your kindness always. I will miss your hugs. You are so, so loved and will be so very missed.”

Usher to headline the Super Bowl

The 45-year-old was announced earlier this year to be headlining next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.

In a statement, he said that it was an “honor of a lifetime” to perform at the occasion.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen.

“I’ll see you real soon.”

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