Aaron Spears in May 2009.Photo:Andrew Lepley/Redferns
Andrew Lepley/Redferns
Aaron Spears, Grammy-nominated drummer forAriana Grande,Justin Bieber,Lady Gaga,Miley Cyrusand more stars, has died. He was 47.
On Monday, Spears' wife Jessica shared news of her husband’s deathvia his Instagram account"with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness" and received tributes from many of the musicians he’d worked with throughout his career.
She continued, “We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please remember Aaron for the incredible person he was and the amazing music he brought into our world. At this time we ask for privacy as we work our way through this.”
Spears' cause of death is currently unknown.
Through his work with Gideon Band, per Remo, Spears became connected withUsherand played drums on his 2004 albumConfessions, earning a Grammy nomination for his contributions.
Aaron Spears in Los Angeles in January 2014.Rodrigo Vaz/FilmMagic
Rodrigo Vaz/FilmMagic
Fellow drummerTravis Barkercommented, “I have no words. I love you so much my brother and will miss you. This doesn’t seem real. Praying for you Jessica and August.”
“I can’t wrap my head around this. We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always the kindest, always smiling,” wrote the Grammy winner. “I am so honored 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.”
Aaron Spears performing.Andrew Lepley/Redferns
Bieber, 29, shared videos of himself drumming alongside Spears to his Instagram Story in addition to a statement about his death. “We lost a beautiful man and inspiration to all of us drummers,” he wrote. “@aspears prayers for your family and loved ones you will be remembered and celebrated.”
Questlove of The Roots posted a video of Spears playing drums to Instagram along with a sweet note about his career and legacy. “The world lost a legend today. Husband, father, producers music director, leader drumgod & just a Cotdamn BEAST in Aaron Spears,” wrote the musician.
“You’ve seen Aaron drum prolly 5-10 times in your life if you attend concerts & sometimes without knowing. That’s how much in demand his services were (@arianagrande@britneyspears@ladygaga@mileycyrus@backstreetboys@therealmarymary@adamlambert@chakakhan@jordinsparks@usher……man the list is endless,” continued Questlove, 52.“Condolences to his wife, family, community and all who loved him and were given joy through his musical contributions,” added the musician. “This is devastating. Thank you@aspears🕊️🕊️ 🙏🏾🙏🏾 rest in melody brother.”
source: people.com
