Inside USHER’s Star-Studded ‘Black Box’ Event in London
USHER’s London takeover is in full swing. After kicking off his sold-out run of shows at the O2 Arena to rave reviews, the R&B icon joined forces with Spotify for a special evening at the legendary Soho venue The Box on Sunday.
The event marked the debut of “Black Box,” a variety show celebrating Black excellence in homage to the “Chitlin’ Circuit” revues of the 1950s and ’60s.
The crowd was treated to a set list of some of USHER’s classic hits, including “Good Kisser,” “I Don’t Mind,” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” As a signature treat, the artist tossed stacks of “USH POUNDS” across the room, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.
Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify
Sir Ian McKellen and Simon Hammerstein (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
USHER (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Ghetts, Zeze Millz, and Headie One (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify
Kate Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, and Danielle Forbes (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Guests in attendance included U.K. rap stars Headie One and Ghetts, along with football icon Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate Ferdinand. Actor Sir Ian McKellen swung by to enjoy the show, adding even more star power to the event. Among the crowd were also some of USHER’s top fans in the U.K., with exclusive invites from Spotify based on their Spotify Premium listener data.
As expected at The Box, the evening featured an eclectic mix of performances, including a magician, tap dancers, and an aerialist. A 11-piece collective from the London Gospel Choir kept the energy high, while guests sipped on cocktails inspired by iconic USHER tracks like “Yeah!” and “U Remind Me.”
Kimberly Nichole (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Sean Scott and John Scott (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Terri Walker (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
No Guidnce (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Gene Noble (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
Jermain Jackman (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify)
USHER’s London residency marks the start of the European leg of his Past Present Future tour, which launched in the U.S. last year to coincide with the 30th anniversary of his debut album. The tour continues this April with shows in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin before returning to London in May for two final nights at the O2.
Press play on our This Is USHER playlist to discover the pop star’s greatest hits.
