Moment cast of Tina Turner The Musical tell devastated audience that the legendary singer had just died
25 May 2023, 12:01 | Updated: 25 May 2023, 12:26
Fans were given the devastating news of Tina Turner’s death half way through a performance of Tina Turner The Musical in London’s West End last night.
The show’s cast gathered on stage during the interval to break the ‘jaw dropping’ news to the audience.
In a video shared on TikTok, one of the actors tells the crowd: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Tina Turner has passed away today.
“Words can't express the feelings of our company, so we look at each other and we look to you, in this moment today, right now, to tell this woman's remarkable story.”
The fan who filmed the moment said the show was a touching tribute to the star.
One theatre-goer said: 'We were enjoying the first half of the show and then the news came through as intermission happened.
'My son was with me and he just said to me, ''you won't believe it. Tina Turner has passed away.'' It was like a jaw-dropping moment.'
Kristina Love, who plays Tina in the show, told the crowd: “Tina would be partying in heaven tonight and would want the show to carry on.”
Tina, one of rock's most famous and beloved voices, passed away at her home in Switzerland.
Her publicist said in statement: "Tina Turner, the 'Queen of Rock'n Roll' has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland.
"With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model."
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Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, who shared a stage with Turner several times throughout their long careers said: "I'm so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer.
He added: "She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her."
Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FGlQfjxaGh
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) May 24, 2023
The Supremes singer Diana Ross posted a photo of her and Turner together and said she was “shocked” and “saddened" by the news, as she sent her condolences to Turner's loved ones.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell said: "Rest in peace and power, the queen, legend, icon," she said. "There will never be another. Cherish my times with you."
Basketball legend Magic Johnson hailed the singer as "a legendary queen of rock and roll."
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, the Swiss-American star was known for her energetic on-stage performances and a string of hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and What's Love Got to Do With It.
She won eight competitive Grammy Awards and was honoured with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St Louis Walk of Fame.
Turner came to fame in the 1960s performing alongside ex-husband Ike Turner, with whom she recorded rock staple Proud Mary, before a long and successful career which spanned six decades.
She is among the highest selling artists of all time with over 100 million records sold worldwide, with certified Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) album sales of 10 million.
The domestic abuse she suffered at Ike's hands was documented in an Oscar-winning Hollywood biopic starring Angela Bassett in 1993 for which Bassett was nominated for an Oscar.
Following Ike's death in 2007, Turner's spokesperson at the time was quoted as saying: “Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made.”
The story of her tumultuous life is dramatised in a popular West End musical that continues to play in front of packed audiences.
The show's current home the Aldwych Theatre tweeted: "Rest in peace Tina Turner, Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.
"We are so proud to tell her story on our stage and celebrate such a formidable woman with audiences of all ages.
"Our thoughts are with her family at this time."
Turner had been in ill health in recent years, being diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 before having a kidney transplant the following year.
