Theatre News

Tributes paid to Tina Turner, who has died aged 83 

The news was broken this evening

Alex Wood
London
Tina Turner (right) with Adrienne Warren, who originated the role of Tina on stage (© Dan Wooller)

 

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, has died aged 83.

While she is best known for her phenomenal success as a rock and soul music artist, she has also made significant contributions to the world of theatre.

Turner made her theatrical debut in the Broadway production of The Who’s Tommy in 1993. She portrayed the character of the Acid Queen, a role she had previously played in the film adaptation of the musical in 1975.

In recent years, a musical based on Tina Turner’s life and career has gained immense popularity. Titled Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, it premiered in the West End in London in 2018 before transferring to Broadway in 2019.

The musical chronicles Turner’s life story, from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her rise to stardom and personal triumphs. Although Tina Turner herself did not perform in the musical, her influence is evident in the production, and it serves as a tribute to her remarkable legacy.

A statement from her press agent read: “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 Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.

“Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, USA. She became famous in the late 60s as the singer of the band Ike and Tina Turner Revue, but later she became successful worldwide as a solo artist. With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations. Global hits like “What’s Love Got To Do With it”, “Private Dancer” and “The Best”, more than 180 million albums sold, 12 Grammy Awards and over three decades of sold-out stadium tours around the world are just part of her unique legacy.

“There will be a private funeral ceremony attended by close friends and family. Please respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time. Further press enquiries will not be answered.”