Beyonce has penned a musical tribute to her late idol Tina Turner.
The “Single Ladies” Singer Used Her Platform Renaissance UK tour to remember Turner, who died aged 83 last Wednesday (24 May).
Wearing an all-blue ensemble with matching gloves, Beyoncé performed a stripped-back cover of Ike & Tina Turner’s 1966 hit “River Deep – Mountain High”, originally produced by Phil Spector.
On this occasion, Bey did not attempt to match Turner’s high-energy version, instead reworking the song as a power ballad.
Beyoncé performed her salute to the “Nutbush City Limits” star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London on Monday night (May 29), the first of a five-night stand.
on the next stop Renaissance World Tour: Barcelona’s Estadio Olympic Luis Companies on 8 June.
Bay, like so many other artists, was heartbroken when news of Turner’s death reached her.
“My dear queen. I love you so much,” reads a message Beyoncé posted on her website. “I am so grateful for your inspiration, and the path you have paved. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of strength and passion. We are all so lucky to have seen your kindness and beautiful soul that has always been Thank you for all you’ve done.”
When the pair attended the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, the inspiration became a collaboration. On that occasion, the superstar cast performed “Proud Mary,” a 1971 cover of Ike and Tina Turner’s Creedence Clearwater Revival classic.
Three years prior to that, Beyoncé performed a solo performance of the same song at the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors in honor of Turner.
Bay spoke about Turner when their tour stopped at the Stade de France in Paris last week. “I just want to take a second and honor Tina Turner,” she told the crowd. “If you’re a fan of mine, you’re a fan of Tina Turner. I wouldn’t be on this stage without Tina Turner, so I want you guys to just scream so she can feel your love. I feel so lucky.” I am glad that I got a chance to see his talent.
Check out fan-filmed footage of Bey’s musical tribute to Turner below.
