Aaron Spears, the Grammy-nominated drummer who labored with Ariana Grande, Usher and plenty of others, handed away on Monday, October 30.
Spears’ spouse Jessica introduced the information on his Instagram account, however didn’t reveal the reason for his loss of life.
Spears was born and raised in Washington, DC, the place he developed his ardour and expertise for drumming at a younger age by way of his church attendance. He joined the DC-based Gideon Band and later caught the eye of Valdez Brantley, the musical director for Usher. Spears was nominated for a Grammy in 2004 for his work on Usher’s record-breaking album ‘Confessions’.
Spears additionally toured with Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Chaka Khan, Adam Lambert, Mary Mary, The Backstreet Boys, Miley Cyrus, Girl Gaga and Britney Spears. He was most lately the drummer for Grande since 2013.
Grande has since paid tribute to Spears on her Instagram story, writing: “We had been all so extremely fortunate to know Aaron. Absolutely the brightest mild of a human being. All the time the kindest, at all times smiling, I’m so honored and grateful that our paths crossed.”
She additionally thanked the drummer “to your utter brilliance, for our laughs, and to your kindness at all times,” concluding, “I’ll miss your hugs.”
Blink-182’s Travis Barker wrote on Spears’ submit, “I’ve no phrases. I like you a lot my brother and can miss you. This doesn’t appear actual. Praying for you Jessica and August.”
View extra tributes from throughout the music trade beneath.
We are saying goodbye to a real drumming legend, @AaronSpears.
Your expertise, smile, and persona might be dearly missed, however your legacy lives on. 🙏
Condolences to the whole Spears household ❤️ #RIP #AaronSpears #Drumeo pic.twitter.com/q2fVlwNXzM
— Drumeo (@drumeo) October 30, 2023
An immense and premature loss for the drumming and music neighborhood.
Relaxation in energy Aaron Spears 😔 pic.twitter.com/ebFJNiiTbF— Ferit Odman (@feritodman) October 30, 2023