Aaron Spears, who worked as a drummer for Usher, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and countless other music stars, has died at age 47, his family announced Monday (Oct. 30).
The drummer was nominated for a Grammy for his work on Usher’s 2004 album Confessions and had just turned 47 last week.
“It is with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness that I share the news of the passing of my beloved husband, Aaron Spears,” Spears’ wife, Jessica, said in an Instagram post. “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. We were blessed to have him in our lives, and his legacy will live on through the beautiful rhythms he created and the love he shared with us. 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.”
The many artists who worked with Spears shared an outpouring of condolences to social media.
Along with a photo of Spears, Grande shared this message to her IG Story: “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. 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.”
“It’s been a painful season for all of us,” Justin Bieber wrote in an Instagram post, adding in his Story: “We lost a beautiful man and inspiration to all of us drummers. @aspears prayers for your family and loved ones you will be remembered and celebrated.”
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker commented on Jessica’s post, “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.”
The Roots’ Questlove shared a video of Spears drumming along with a heartfelt message about his fellow drummer on Instagram. “The world lost a legend today. Husband, father, producers music director, leader drumgod & just a Cotdamn BEAST in Aaron Spears. 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. … Condolences to his wife, family, community and all who loved him and were given joy through his musical contributions. This is devastating … rest in melody brother.”
See Jessica’s announcement below:
Lainey Wilson and performers from KPop Demon Hunters are set to take the stage at Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.
The artists will appear alongside rapper Snoop Dogg for the halftime show during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions matchup on Christmas Day 25.12.25.
While revealing the lineup for the broadcast, which will stream on Netflix, Snoop shared a new mashup of Deck the Halls and Drop It Like It’s Hot and declared: “We about to light up this Christmas. Come on in!”
Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party will stream on Netflix as part of the game coverage, which follows the earlier Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders clash.
Netflix has also suggested that the show could feature additional surprise appearances.
In a press release, the streamer teased: “You’ll have to wait until Christmas Day to see who else joins Uncle Snoop for this jolly halftime show. You’re in for a holiday treat!”
Snoop added in a statement: “NFL, Netflix and your uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s the kind of holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.”
Snoop and Wilson will share the spotlight with KPop Demon Hunters performers Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, collectively known as Huntrix.
Kelly Clarkson will launch the celebrations earlier in the day, performing Underneath the Tree ahead of the Cowboys and Commanders game.
In 2024, the inaugural NFL Christmas Day Halftime Show was led by singer Beyoncé.
During that performance, Beyoncé welcomed Post Malone and Shaboozey to the stage for the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.Lainey Wilson and performers from KPop Demon Hunters are set to take the stage at Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.
The artists will appear alongside rapper Snoop Dogg for the halftime show during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions matchup on Christmas Day 25.12.25.
While revealing the lineup for the broadcast, which will stream on Netflix, Snoop shared a new mashup of Deck the Halls and Drop It Like It’s Hot and declared: “We about to light up this Christmas. Come on in!”
Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party will stream on Netflix as part of the game coverage, which follows the earlier Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders clash.
Netflix has also suggested that the show could feature additional surprise appearances.
In a press release, the streamer teased: “You’ll have to wait until Christmas Day to see who else joins Uncle Snoop for this jolly halftime show. You’re in for a holiday treat!”
Snoop added in a statement: “NFL, Netflix and your uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s the kind of holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.”
Snoop and Wilson will share the spotlight with KPop Demon Hunters performers Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, collectively known as Huntrix.
Kelly Clarkson will launch the celebrations earlier in the day, performing Underneath the Tree ahead of the Cowboys and Commanders game.
In 2024, the inaugural NFL Christmas Day Halftime Show was led by singer Beyoncé.
During that performance, Beyoncé welcomed Post Malone and Shaboozey to the stage for the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.Lainey Wilson and performers from KPop Demon Hunters are set to take the stage at Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.
The artists will appear alongside rapper Snoop Dogg for the halftime show during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions matchup on Christmas Day 25.12.25.
While revealing the lineup for the broadcast, which will stream on Netflix, Snoop shared a new mashup of Deck the Halls and Drop It Like It’s Hot and declared: “We about to light up this Christmas. Come on in!”
Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party will stream on Netflix as part of the game coverage, which follows the earlier Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders clash.
Netflix has also suggested that the show could feature additional surprise appearances.
In a press release, the streamer teased: “You’ll have to wait until Christmas Day to see who else joins Uncle Snoop for this jolly halftime show. You’re in for a holiday treat!”
Snoop added in a statement: “NFL, Netflix and your uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s the kind of holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.”
Snoop and Wilson will share the spotlight with KPop Demon Hunters performers Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, collectively known as Huntrix.
Kelly Clarkson will launch the celebrations earlier in the day, performing Underneath the Tree ahead of the Cowboys and Commanders game.
In 2024, the inaugural NFL Christmas Day Halftime Show was led by singer Beyoncé.
During that performance, Beyoncé welcomed Post Malone and Shaboozey to the stage for the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.