Usher has made a triumphant return to the stage following a brief hiatus due to a neck injury. The R&B superstar, aged 45, launched his highly anticipated Past Present Future Tour with a bang, performing to packed crowds at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on August 20 and 21.
The tour’s debut was delayed earlier this month after Usher announced the postponement of the initial three shows due to a neck injury sustained during rehearsals. The first show, originally slated for August 14 in Atlanta, was rescheduled along with two additional performances. In a statement on August 15, Usher expressed his regret: “My hope was that with physical therapy and medical treatment, I would be able to overcome the injury and be ready for opening night. Unfortunately, the injury has not healed yet, and my doctors have instructed me not to perform any shows this week.”
The affected dates have been rescheduled to December 9, 10, and 12.
During his two-hour set in D.C., the eight-time Grammy winner dazzled fans with a mix of classic hits including “U Don’t Have To Call,” “Confessions,” “Yeah!,” and “Lovers and Friends.” He also showcased tracks from his latest album, Coming Home. The August 21 show featured special guest performances by local artists Wale, Raheem DeVaughn, and E.U.’s Sugar Bear. Wale delivered energetic renditions of “The Matrimony” and “No Hands,” DeVaughn charmed the audience with “You,” and Sugar Bear revved up the crowd with “Da’ Butt.”
Next, Usher will head to Baltimore for performances at CFG Bank Arena on August 23 and 24. The North American leg of the tour will conclude with a three-night stand in Atlanta in December.
Following the U.S. tour, Usher will take his show to Europe, starting March 29 at London’s The O2 Arena. After eight nights in London, he will visit Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin before wrapping up the tour in London in May.
Announced in December 2023, the Past Present Future Tour follows Usher’s My Way: The Las Vegas Residency. In February, he released his ninth studio album, Coming Home, and captivated audiences at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show with a star-studded lineup including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.
Additionally, Usher will debut his concert film, USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS, in approximately 2,000 theaters worldwide from September 12 to 15.