QUINCY TAKES ON THE O2

Quincy Jones is taking over London’s O2 Arena for a star-studded bonanza on 6/27 to celebrate his 85th birthday, alongside Mark Ronson, Jack Savoretti, Paul Weller, Jess Glynne and many more TBA. Quincy Jones - A Life In Song will be hosted by Jones himself and feature an on stage interview with Nic Harcourt about his life and career.

Backed by a full symphony orchestra conduced by Jules Buckley, other names on the bill include Corinne Bailey Rae, Caro Emerald, Lalah Hathaway, Mick Hucknall, Beverley Knight, Jonah Nilsson and Andreas Varady.

Said the inimitable star: “For many years, I couldn’t play in the U.K. 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 U.K., 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.”