The icon, the legend, the hitmaker, the one and only Quincy Jones is coming to London on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 to play a special live show at the O2 – where he will be backed by an amazing array of guest performers: Caro Emerald, Jess Glynne, Lalah Hathaway, Mick Hucknall, Beverley Knight, Jonah Nilsson, Mark Ronson, Jack Savoretti, Andreas Varady and more to be announced. He will be supported by a full symphony orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley.
The gig – entitled Quincy Jones – A Life In Song – will double up as an 85th birthday celebration and a tribute to his long-time friend and colleague, Rod Temperton. The event will also include an on-stage interview about Q’s life and career.
Songs performed live will include hits from across Jones’ career, such as Thriller, Billie Jean, Off The Wall, Rock With You, P.Y.T., Bad, Ai No Corrida, Fly Me To The Moon, Give Me The Night, On Days Like These, Betcha Wouldn’t Hurt Me and more. The songs will be orchestrated using the original arrangements from Jones’ own vault in L.A.
On the prospect of performing this very special one-off concert, Quincy has said:
“For many years, I couldn’t play in the UK because the unions wouldn’t allow Americans to do concerts there. Finally, it worked out for us to go in ‘96 for a tribute to Nelson Mandela, and I conducted a show at the Royal Albert Hall with Phil Collins, Tony Bennett, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, and many other talented performers. I’ll never forget standing on the stage thinking that, after waiting 30 years, I was finally able to perform in such a historic venue.
“Anyways, it was a long time coming, so every time I get to return to the UK, it’s truly meaningful; after not being allowed in at one point, you never take it for granted. But more importantly, I know this show is going to be an emotional one for me because we’ll be doing a tribute to my brother Rod Temperton, on his home turf. I love and miss him with all of my heart and soul, but I’m definitely looking forward to sharing such a special moment with his home country.”
Tickets for Quincy Jones – A Life In Song were available on pre-sale from Thursday, April 5, and go on general sale this Friday, April 13. Tickets available from Ticketmaster.
Watch Quincy make the announcement himself, right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPbpwqGXeKY&feature=youtu.be