Beyoncé’s Renaissance – live: Inside the London premiere of her record-breaking world tour
Beyoncé unveiled the concert film for her record-breaking Renaissance tour in London tonight (Thursday 30 November), with Taylor Swift among the high-profile guests.
The Lemonade artist turned up to support Swift’s own concert film for her Eras tour when it premiered in Hollywood in October. Swift later paid moving tribute to Beyoncé, praising her as a “guiding light” who had taught her to “break rules and defy industry norms”.
Renaissance, A Film by Beyoncé will chart the huge undertaking of the US artist’s tour supporting her Grammy-winning 2022 album, Renaissance. Produced, written and directed by the singer, it will intersperse footage of concerts taking place around the world with backstage scenes and intimate moments between Beyoncé and her family.
Around 2.7 million concertgoers are estimated to have attended the Renaissance tour over the course of five months, while Billboard reports that the shows have grossed close to half a billion dollars worldwide.
The film’s description reads: “It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft.”
Round-up of the biggest stars in attendance at tonight’s premiere
22:30 , Inga Parkel
For those who are just tuning into the blog, here’s a quick rundown of all the biggest stars (that we know of) that showed up in support of Beyoncé and her Renaissance Tour film.
Undoubtedly, the biggest celebrity to make a splash with her attendance was Taylor Swift. The “Anti-Hero” singer reciprocated the same support Queen Bey showed at her October Eras Tour premiere.
Rapper will.i.am, actor Blake Lively, British presenter AJ Odudu, Destiny Child member Michelle Williams, Blue Ivy, singer Sia, and British socialite and model Emma Thynn were also present.
A majority of the guests wore silver in honour of the tour’s theme: Afrofuturist disco fantasia.
22:15 , Inga Parkel
A precious video for your feed of one of the security dogs getting his picture taken at the Renaissance premiere.
The security dog getting pictures at the premiere for RENAISSANCE: A Film by Beyoncé 😭🫶 pic.twitter.com/pWOojNSsnC
— RENAISSANCE Updates (@B7albumMedia) November 30, 2023
Beyoncé addresses attendees ahead of screening
22:05 , Inga Parkel
Ahead of the screening of her Renaissance Tour film, which was delayed by 45 minutes, Beyoncé addressed attendees thanking them for coming.
“Thank you for coming, thank you for dressing up,” the “Cuff It” singer said, adding that she was proud that the film was coming out on World Aid’s Day (1 December).
Beyoncé’s late uncle Johnny – whom she said she was raised by in a 2006 interview – died of Aids in the early 2000s.
She concluded her speech by telling the audience: “Feel free to dance, sing, cry... thank you.”
Beyoncé honours late uncle with release of Renaissance film on Aids Day
Concert film is hitting theatres on 1 December
How Blue Ivy responded to criticisms of her dancing on tour
22:00 , Inga Parkel
Of course, Beyoncé was the star of the Renaissance tour – but if there’s anyone who could’ve taken her shine, it’s her 11-year-old daughter Blue.
Blue popped up at several of her mother’s shows, performing some of the dance routine to Beyoncé’s Black is King track, “My Power”.
In the film, Beyoncé discusses how Blue responded when critics were harsh about her dancing skills on some of the earlier dates on the tour... and apparently, she used the criticisms as fuel to get better.
The New York Times reported that after the concert, Beyoncé was apparently “dismayed” to discover that Blue Ivy had read negative social media comments about her supposed “lacklustre” moves.
However, she was thrilled when her daughter decided to “put in the work” to improve.
Blue Ivy used Renaissance backlash as motivation, Beyoncé reveals
‘Renaissance’ artist was joined by her daughter, 11, for a number of shows on her record-breaking world tour this year
Beyoncé and Blue Ivy tear up the ‘red’ carpet
21:46 , Inga Parkel
Blue Ivy made an appearance beside her mum at the London red carpet.
Wearing black shades and a matching black floor-length gown, the 11-year-old posed with Beyoncé for photos.
🚨🚨 BLUE E BEYONCÉpic.twitter.com/N0nVRjZily
— BEYHIVE (@beyhivecombr) November 30, 2023
These sellers built businesses on the back of Beyoncé’s world tour. Now what?
21:30 , Inga Parkel
When Abby Misbin received an Etsy order for one of her handmade cowboy hats from someone claiming to be Beyoncé’s stylist, she thought it was a prank. Setting her reservations aside, in June 2022, Misbin sent off a one-of-a-kind Stetson adorned with more than 5,000 mirror discs, in the hopes that the order was genuine. Then there was silence.
Eight months later, Beyoncé announced her Renaissance World Tour on Instagram. In the official poster, the “Break My Soul” superstar is seen mounted on Reneigh, her disco horse, wearing a glorious diamanté leotard, cascading blingy jewellery and… Misbin’s hat. Three hours later – after Misbin asked a mob of her friends to tag her business account, TrendingByAbby, in the comments – she was inundated with orders.
Read more:
These sellers built businesses on the back of Beyoncé’s world tour. Now what?
Cowboy hats, handmade fans, disco ball earrings... dozens of small business owners made a killing this year when they fell into the niche of making unofficial merchandise for Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour. Ellie Muir finds out what happens when the music stops
What happened when the Renaissance tour came to the UK?
21:00 , Inga Parkel
Note from The Independent’s unofficial Beyoncé correspondent Nicole Vassell:
Even though I was lucky enough to watch Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour twice this summer, I definitely will be in the cinema tomorrow to experience it all over again...
If you missed it, and simply can’t wait to see the footage of the concert in the film, here’s my review from her first UK date in Cardiff – a fabulous four stars!
Full-out dance moves or not, Beyoncé rides her disco horse into megastardom – review
Beyoncé brings the party of ‘Renaissance’ to life in extraordinary and unexpected fashion with deep cuts galore
Renaissance – the album review
20:30 , Inga Parkel
Back when the album Renaissance was released in July 2022, fans were thrilled with Beyoncé’s embracing of more of a club, house-infused sound.
In his four-star review, Mark Beaumont noted how politics gives way to post-pandemic pleasure in the record, with the singer embracing joy, sexiness and the euphoria of movement.
He wrote: “It’s more dancefloor-friendly than Lemonade but still ensconced in its experimental cocoon. It represents the light at the end of a dark emotional tunnel for Bey.”
Here’s the album review in full:
Beyoncé review, Renaissance: Politics gives way to post-pandemic pleasure
In a catch-all spirit of musical modernism, trap, house, glitchtronica, disco, ragga, South African gqom and future funk are all lobbed into a heady mix, with songs blending into each other and shifting course mid-flow
20:00 , Inga Parkel
Watch the trailer for Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
19:37 , Inga Parkel
The Queen Bey has finally graced the London premiere with her presence, wearing a sparkly black dress and white hair.
BEYONCE pic.twitter.com/5rICY3bk8r
— BXK (@brlkay) November 30, 2023
Beyonce’s mum says her daughter is ‘really mean’ during stressful performance moments
19:30 , Inga Parkel
Tina Knowles is spilling the beans on how her daughter, Beyoncé, acts when she’s under a time crunch to change outfits.
On Tuesday 31 October, Knowles appeared on Sherri’s Halloween Renaissance, where she admitted that her daughter is “really mean” in the middle of her outfit changes during her Renaissance World Tour. She went on to joke about Queen Bey’s attitude.
Read more:
Beyonce’s mom says her daughter is ‘really mean’ during stressful performance moments
During singer’s Renaissance World Tour she had four stylists
19:22 , Inga Parkel
British socialite and model Emma Thynn at the premiere:
Emma Thynn at the #RENAISSANCEPremiere. pic.twitter.com/4su203n43h
— DailyBasics135 (@DailyBasics135) November 30, 2023
19:19 , Inga Parkel
Sia poses for photos at the premiere too:
🚨 SIA at the #RENAISSANCEPremiere. ✨ pic.twitter.com/NEcGIS3gS6
— Beyoncé Press. 🪩 (@beyoncepress) November 30, 2023
19:18 , Inga Parkel
will.i.am supporting Beyoncé tonight:
📸| @iamwill attends the London premiere of "RENAISSANCE: A Film By Beyoncé" pic.twitter.com/qqfls4cakF
— InMusic (@_inmusic_) November 30, 2023
19:12 , Inga Parkel
Blake Lively has shown up!
Blake Lively at the #RENAISSANCEPREMIERE ✨ pic.twitter.com/YFGMMkqoQs
— BEYONCÉ NEWS (@BeyonceHiveNews) November 30, 2023
Taylor Swift supports Beyoncé at London premiere of Renaissance
19:06 , Inga Parkel
Taylor Swift has arrived at the London premiere of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour movie.
Ahead of tonight’s screening, there had been rumours swirling that the “Anti-Hero” singer would likely show her support after Beyoncé turned up for the Los Angeles premiere of Swift’s Eras Tour concert movie.
Taylor Swift has arrived at Beyoncé’s ‘RENAISSANCE’ film premiere in London. pic.twitter.com/5YMUAcRUwI
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 30, 2023
Beyoncé clip cited as reason singer rarely does interviews resurfaces
19:00 , Inga Parkel
A clip dubbed the reason singer Beyonce rarely does interviews anymore has resurfaced.
The ITN interview shows a reporter asking Destiny’s Child about the foot and mouth epidemic back in 2001.
The trio were on the red carpet at the prestigious Brit Awards when they were asked about the news. The girls appear baffled by the question.
Beyonce replies: “We don’t know anything about that, all we know is we just got here.”
Kelly Rowland adds: “Some tests should be run so this can stop!”
Many fans claim the interview in question is the reason the singer rarely does interviews anymore.
Joe Biden calls Beyoncé ‘Britney’ before confusing her with Taylor Swift
18:30 , Inga Parkel
President Joe Biden appeared to get confused over Beyoncé and Taylor Swift during the annual White House turkey pardon on Monday (20 November).
The yearly event sees the US president spare a turkey or turkeys from the dinner table ahead of the country’s Thanksgiving celebrations.
“Now, just to get here, Liberty and Bell had to beat some tough odds, a competition,” Biden, 81, said of this year’s turkeys.
“They had to work hard to show patience and be willing to travel over a thousand miles,” he said.
“You could say even this is harder than getting a ticket to the Renaissance tour, or, for Britney’s tour she’s down in – it’s kind of warm in Brazil right now.”
Read more:
Joe Biden calls Beyoncé ‘Britney’ before confusing her with Taylor Swift
President Biden made the confused comments during the annual White House turkey pardon
17:55 , Inga Parkel
Beyoncé takes over Leicester Square
17:50 , Inga Parkel
If you didn’t already know: It’s Beyoncé’s world, and we’re just living in it.
The Independent’s music correspondent Roisin O’Connor is on the ground at the Renaissance film premiere in London. Here are a few of her snapshots of the incredible setup:
Guess who came to dinner?
17:40 , Nicole Vassell
Rumour has it that Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z dined in Mayfair on Wednesday evening, and were joined by none other than Tom Cruise and... Henry Cavill.
A random assortment of stars! Who wants to bet that the Carters are massive Mission: Impossible / Superman fans?
A look back at Beyoncé’s on-stage moment of vulnerability
17:20 , Nicole Vassell
This tour was about embracing imperfections, Beyoncé declared – and in the opening act of the show, she reinforced this with the inclusion of “Flaws and All”, a song about being loved despite your flaws. (Aww.)
During one performance, she shared her insecurities with her fans with a simple, but meaningful gesture...
‘She’s so real for this’: Beyoncé praised for ‘vulnerable’ gesture during live show
Just a moment of appreciation for Beyoncé’s latest photoshoot
17:00 , Nicole Vassell
After touching down in London yesterday, Queen Bey posed for some pictures wearing a chic white hooded top, with sweatpants, heeled boots, a blazer and a floor-length furry coat on top.
Elegance! Grace! And warmth! This ensemble’s got it all.
Why Beyoncé is worth your money
16:40 , Nicole Vassell
No-one needs a reminder of how times, for many, are tough. Lots of people don’t have the luxury to spend a significant chunk of money on going to concerts – and it’s a shame for music lovers hoping to catch their favourite artist.
But! If you do find that there’s room in the budget for a good gig, I humbly suggest trying to get a ticket to a Beyoncé show – because you will go away feeling the value of every penny.
Here’s my justification for investing in an experience like a Bey show... and soon, you can get a piece of the action from the cinema. Happy days!
Paying up to £199 to see Beyoncé live? I can vouch for the spectacle that awaits you
How Blue Ivy responded to criticisms of her dancing on tour
16:20 , Nicole Vassell
Of course, Beyoncé was the star of the Renaissance tour – but if there’s anyone who could’ve taken her shine, it’s her 11-year-old daughter Blue.
Blue popped up at several of her mother’s shows, performing some of the dance routine to Beyoncé’s Black is King track, “My Power”.
In the film, Beyoncé discusses how Blue responded when critics were harsh about her dancing skills on some of the earlier dates on the tour... and apparently, she used the criticisms as fuel to get better.
The New York Times reported that after the concert, Beyoncé was apparently “dismayed” to discover that Blue Ivy had read negative social media comments about her supposed “lacklustre” moves.
However, she was thrilled when her daughter decided to “put in the work” to improve.
Blue Ivy used Renaissance backlash as motivation, Beyoncé reveals
A peek at Leicester Square...
16:00 , Nicole Vassell
The countdown until Beyoncé and several other celebs take the red carpet is well and truly on. Here’s another peek at how things are taking shape...
BEYONCÉ IS COMING TO LEICESTER SQUARE 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/nKJtqUtWvk
— Lucy Bacon (@LucyEBacon) November 30, 2023
Beyoncé’s mum Tina Knowles defends her from skin-lightening accusations
15:30 , Nicole Vassell
Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, is no stranger to speaking out for her family when the time calls for it.
Earlier this week, she responded to a video that alleged that the “Alien Superstar” singer had lightened her skin in order to appear like a white woman, declaring she was “sick of you losers”.
“Came across this today and decided to post it after seeing all of the stupid, ignorant, self-hating racist statements about her lightening her skin and wearing platinum hair wanting to be white,” the fashion designer wrote.
“She does a film, called the Renaissance, where the whole theme is silver with silver hair, a silver carpet, and suggested silver attire and you bozos decide that she’s trying to be a white woman and is bleaching her skin? How sad is it that some of her own people continue the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy.”
Tina Knowles responds to ‘ignorant’ claims Beyoncé ‘lightened her skin’
15:00 , Nicole Vassell
Happy Beyonce in London day!
— l. anderson (@Leomie_Anderson) November 30, 2023
Well, yes!
Will Taylor Swift turn up to the London premiere?
14:30 , Nicole Vassell
Back in October, Taylor Swift launched her concert film, tracking the dates of her North American leg of the Eras tour.
The Beyhive and the Swifties were united in their joy as Beyoncé made an unexpected appearance at the Los Angeles premiere, as the two music titans posed together for pictures.
Rumour has it that the “Anti-Hero” singer will return the favour in London, making Christmas come early for members of both fandoms.
Here’s what happened when Bey met Tay...
Taylor Swift hails Beyoncé as ‘guiding light through my career’
Renaissance – the album review
14:00 , Nicole Vassell
Back when the album Renaissance was released in July 2022, fans were thrilled with Beyoncé’s embracing of more of a club, house-infused sound.
In his four-star review, Mark Beaumont noted how politics gives way to post-pandemic pleasure in the record, with the singer embracing joy, sexiness and the euphoria of movement.
He wrote: “It’s more dancefloor-friendly than Lemonade but still ensconced in its experimental cocoon. It represents the light at the end of a dark emotional tunnel for Bey.”
Here’s the album review in full:
On Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’, politics gives way to post-pandemic pleasure – review
A sneak peek...
13:30 , Nicole Vassell
The setup for tonight’s premiere started bright and early in London’s Leicester Square – here’s a peek at how things were looking at around 9am this morning:
What happened when the Renaissance tour came to the UK?
13:00 , Nicole Vassell
Hello readers – The Independent’s unofficial Beyoncé correspondent, Nicole Vassell here!
Even though I was lucky enough to watch Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour twice this summer, I definitely will be in the cinema tomorrow to experience it all over again...
If you missed it, and simply can’t wait to see the footage of the concert in the film, here’s my review from her first UK date in Cardiff – a fabulous four stars!
Full-out dance moves or not, Beyoncé rides her disco horse into megastardom – review
Beyoncé to premiere her Renaissance concert film tonight in London
11:45 , Roisin O’Connor
Hello and welcome to our liveblog for tonight’s premiere of Renaissance, A Film by Beyoncé in London. I’ll be heading down to the event itself shortly, but will leave you in the capable hands of my colleague and Beyoncé aficionado, Nicole.
The documentary chronicling Beyoncé’s just-concluded 39-city Renaissance World Tour will be released in cinemas around the UK and North America on 1 December.
Like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which debuted on 13 October, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé is being released directly in the US by AMC, the movie theatre chain, without studio involvement.
Beyoncé’s previous films include the acclaimed 2019 Netflix film Homecoming, which captured her Coachella performance in 2018.
In the deals with AMC, Beyoncé and Swift are both reported to be receiving at least 50 per cent of ticket sales.