Global icon Usher put on the show of a lifetime for 20,000 fans at The O2 in London on Saturday night (29th March 2025), the first of 10 London shows at the venue as part of the “Usher Past Present Future” tour.” It was the first of 20 shows across Europe.
Moving seamlessly through his extensive catalogue, he commanded the arena with a show divided into 10 distinct acts. His signature blend of smooth vocals and precision choreography, included a 15 minute skate routine, made each moment feel larger than life.
The setlist spanned three decades of hits, taking the audience on a journey through the star’s evolution. He revisited “Call Me A Mack”, global smash hits like “Yeah!”, “U Got It Bad”, “Love In This Club”, and “There Goes My Baby”.
Moving into the 2010s and beyond, he delivered the emotive “Climax” and his recent hit “Good Good”, a reminder of the global entertainer’s longevity.
Taking a moment to reflect on his 30-year career, he spoke directly to the crowd, acknowledging the deep connection he shares with his London fans: “Hopefully my music has been something to you. Maybe we fell in love together, maybe we had a good time together, but something brought you here. And I just want you to know, I appreciate the connection. If I didn’t have you to cheer me on, I wouldn’t continue to do this.”
Ever the showman, he made his way through the crowd during “My Boo”, handing out his own “Ush Pounds” and pouring shots for fans. He joked, “I will take a pint as we’re here in London”, to the delight of the audience.
The final act brought a poignant moment, as he introduced it with a Zoom call to his younger self, offering a chance to reflect on three decades of music and legacy, before closing with anthemic club tune, “Without You.”
Fashion was just as much a part of the spectacle as the music. Usher’s wardrobe featured a bespoke Union Jack jacket and trousers by Mowalola, alongside collaborations with Robert Wun, Ralph Lauren, Edward Cumming, Luis De Javier, Luar, David Koma and Alpine Stars. Each look, for both him and his dancers, was as carefully curated as the show itself.
The stars came out on Saturday night to see the legend in action, including model Leomie Anderson, presenters Maya Jama and Judi Love as well as A list actor Daniel Kaluuya.
After the show, Usher marked the occasion with a stylish celebration on the River Thames. Joined by more than 100 VIP guests, he set sail from North Greenwich Pier on a deluxe Uber Boat, taking in iconic landmarks including The London Eye and Tower Bridge before arriving at Embankment Pier.
The night was a fitting tribute to his milestone residency; elegant, vibrant, and full of energy. From there, the celebrations continued at his own after show bash, “The Yeah Man” at The Box Soho, with guests including musician Raye and Burberry CCO Daniel Lee, rounding off an unforgettable night in London.
From mid-April, Usher continues on to perform in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, before returning to London on 6th and 7th May to close out the tour.
It’s been a spectacular few years for Usher, from his powerhouse Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime performance, where he dazzled millions with an epic medley of hits alongside special guests Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, H.E.R., Will.i.am, and Jermaine Dupri, to his incredible two-year, 100-show My Way: The Las Vegas Residency and a legendary eight-night run at Paris’ La Seine Musicale.
In 2024, he kicked off his “Past Present Future” tour across North America, selling out more than 60 shows and delivering unforgettable performances. Now, he makes his highly anticipated return to Europe, his first arena tour since the 2015 “UR” tour.
Usher has changed music, culture, and countless lives. The multiple Grammy-winning diamond-selling international star, actor, dancer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist inspires change yet again.
Beyond selling in excess of 80 million records worldwide and collecting dozens of awards, he has simultaneously lit up the small screen on NBC’s “The Voice” and the big screen in blockbusters such as “Hustlers.” He has also tirelessly distinguished himself as a devout humanitarian, raising tens of millions of dollars for various causes and uplifting youth via his New Look Foundation.
Since 1999 he has been providing opportunities for young people in underserved communities and enabling them to flourish and achieve seemingly impossible dreams. A long-time supporter and Global Citizen Ambassador, Usher has performed at events since 2015 raising awareness to defeat poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity.
Equally at home on the stage of his sold-out “My Way” Las Vegas residency, as he was on a 2016 government cultural mission to Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s Presidential Committee for Arts and Humanities. In 2024 he celebrated 30 years as an entertainer, releasing his ninth studio album, “Coming Home.”
USHER: PAST PRESENT FUTURE UK / EUROPEAN 2025 TOUR DATES:
Sat 29 March – London, UK – The O2
Tues 01 April – London, UK – The O2
Wed 02 April – London, UK – The O2
Sat 05 April – London, UK – The O2
Sun 06 April – London, UK – The O2
Tues 08 April – London, UK – The O2
Wed 09 April – London, UK – The O2
Fri 11 April – London, UK – The O2
Tues 15 April – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Wed 16 April – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Sat 19 April – Club Social @ Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sun 20 April – Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Tues 22 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Wed 23 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Fri 25 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Sat 26 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Mon 28 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Thurs 01 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Fri 02 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Sun 04 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Tues 06 May – London, UK – The O2
Wed 07 May – London, UK – The O2
Photos: Getty Images for USHER and Live Nation
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