Madonna has eliminated a picture of R&B legend Luther Vandross from a memorial section of her Celebration tour on the request of the late singer’s property. A spokesperson for Madonna confirmed to Billboard on Tuesday morning (Feb. 27) that the image was faraway from a bit within the present during which the singer pays tribute to singers and different artists misplaced to AIDS through the nightly efficiency of her 1986 ballad “Reside to Inform.”
The transfer got here after Vandross’ image was added to the montage throughout Saturday night time’s present in Sacramento, CA in line with Web page Six. The shock inclusion of the “Dance With My Father” singer amid footage of Queen singer Freddie Mercury, photographer Herb Ritts, artist Keith Haring and disco legend Sylvester reportedly drew a fast response from Vandross’ camp; Vandross died in 2005 at age 54 on account of problems from a 2003 stroke.
“Luther Vandross handed away in 2005 on account of problems from a stroke suffered two years earlier,” a rep for the singer’s property reportedly informed Web page Six. “Whereas we recognize Madonna’s recognition of these lives misplaced to AIDS, Luther was NEVER recognized with AIDS or the HIV Virus. We’re unsure the place she or her manufacturing workforce obtained false medical info claiming in any other case. We’re presently in touch together with her administration to take away Luther Vandross from the tribute.”
At press time a spokesperson for the Vandross property couldn’t be reached for remark.
Madonna’s career-spanning Celebration tour continues tonight with a present on the Chase Middle in San Francisco and is presently slated to run via an April 26 gig at Palacio De Los Deportes in Mexico Metropolis.
