Usher has shared a deeply personal experience from his travels in Europe, revealing how a visit to Dublin and the statue of legendary Irish rocker Phil Lynott left a lasting impression on him. Currently on his Past, Present and Future tour, the R&B superstar is performing to sold-out crowds during a 10-night residency at London’s O2 Arena. The tour, which was announced during his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance, has been met with widespread acclaim, with fans praising his medleys of hits and impressive roller-skating skills. His shows have also attracted a host of celebrity attendees, including Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya, model Leomie Anderson, and television presenter Maya Jama.
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Beyond his performances, Usher has been reflecting on his time in London and the broader significance of black cultural recognition outside the United States. In an interview with The Standard’s Dylan Jones, he expressed his belief that black culture is often more respected abroad, stating, “Outside of America, there is much more respect for black culture.” One moment that particularly resonated with him was his visit to Ireland, where he was moved by the statue of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, a tribute that he found both surprising and inspiring.
The bronze statue, unveiled in 2005, stands outside the Bruxelles pub in Dublin, honouring Lynott’s impact on the city’s music scene. The rock icon, who passed away in 1986 at the age of 36, remains a celebrated figure in Irish music history. Usher expressed his admiration for the tribute, saying, “I just love the statue of Phil Lynott. I didn’t know black people were celebrated in the way that they are over there. It was amazing.” He noted that such recognition of black musicians is something he would like to see more of in the United States.
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While acknowledging institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., Usher argued that there is still much work to be done in recognising black artists. “You see it in sports, right, and politics, and in civil work, but in music, you don’t see it that much,” he explained. He emphasised the importance of celebrating the contributions of black artists across genres and generations, ensuring their legacies are acknowledged in a meaningful way.
