As tickets go on sale today, Corinne Bailey Rae and Paul Weller have now been added to the star-studded line-up for Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday concert at The O2, London on Wednesday 27th June 2018, joining the previously announced Caro Emerald, Jess Glynne, Lalah Hathaway, Mick Hucknall, Beverley Knight, Jonah Nilsson, Mark Ronson, Jack Savoretti and Andreas Varady to pay tribute to his unparalleled career.
Quincy Jones – A Life In Song will bring the acclaimed producer, songwriter, composer, and all-round hitmaker back to the stage for a night of music, as well as an onstage conversation with Nic Harcourt. Jones will also serve musical director for the show, with a full symphony orchestra performs stunning arrangements of his best loved hits, conducted by Jules Buckley.
The concert will also feature a tribute to English songwriter, producer, and musician Rod Temperton, who passed away in 2016. Originally the keyboardist and main songwriter for the band Heatwave, whose hits include ‘“Boogie Nights” and “Always and Forever”, Temperton was approached by Quincy Jones to write songs for Michael Jackson—which marked the beginning of one of the most successful musical partnerships in history, as well as a life-long friendship.
Songs performed live at this exclusive show 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. These songs will be orchestrated using the original arrangements from Jones’ own vault in L.A.
On performing this very special one-off concert, Quincy Jones 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.”
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
