Usher pushed through a speech for Aaron Spears after breaking down in tears at his funeral (Picture: youtube.com/@TheRealGospelChops)
Musician Usher was overcome by grief at the funeral for his friend and drummer Aaron Spears.
The Let It Burn star, 45, lost his long-time friend in October, with the likes of Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Travis Barker all paying tribute to the drummer, having all worked with him at one point.
Spears was remembered at a ceremony in Maryland, where Usher – full name Usher Raymond IV – spoke on stage about their friendship and called Spears a ‘force of nature’.
‘He was my hero, man,’ Usher told the crowd, and he was met with applause from the audience as he struggled with his emotions and had to pause.
With a shaking voice, Usher continued: ‘I couldn’t let him know how I felt about him enough. But I hope he saw it… he meant that much to me and he will continue to mean that much to me as a friend, as an amazing force.
‘I will always love Aaron Spears and I will always have him in my mind.’
The star was supported through the difficult speech as he needed to pause and gather himself through tears (Picture: youtube.com/@TheRealGospelChops)
Usher paid tribute to his friend and drummer as he reflected on their relationship (Picture: youtube.com/@TheRealGospelChops)
Grammy-nominated musician Spears died in October (Picture: @arianagrande)
Usher broke down, having to pause a few times and at one stage putting on dark glasses, but managed to continue through the heartfelt speech.
‘Aaron, you were God-sent,’ he went on in a clip shared online. ‘We appreciate having these things. Appreciate the ones you have while you have them. Honour them and let them know how you feel about them.’
Spears died in October at the age of 47, with the tragic news announced by his wife, Jessica.
A cause of death has not been announced.
His wife, Jessica, shared the devastating news (Picture: Aaron Spears / Instagram)
Stars shared their condolences in their droves, with Seven Rings star Grande saying she was ‘so incredibly lucky to know Aaron.’
‘The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always the kindest, always smiling. I am so honoured and thankful that our paths crossed and to have spent so much very 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.’
Meanwhile, Baby singer Bieber said: ‘We lost a beautiful man and inspiration to all of us drummers.
‘Prayers for your family and loved ones you will be remembered and celebrated.’
Blink 182 drummer Barker, 47, shared a photo of himself posing with Spears and said he was heartbroken.
Spears had worked with major acts from Usher to Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber (Picture: @arianagrande)
Announcing her husband’s death at the time, Jessica wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness that I share the news of the passing of my beloved husband, Aaron Spears.
‘Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer, admired by many for his unparalleled talent and passion for music, but he was also a devoted father to our precious son, August.
‘His love, guidance, and warmth were the pillars of our family, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot describe.’
As well as Usher, Grande and Bieber, Spears also drummed for the likes of Lady Gaga.
His work with Usher’s 2004 album Confessions earned Spears a Grammy nomination.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Ariana Grande devastated by death of bandmate Aaron Spears aged 47
The star was supported through his speech as he became emotional.