The London Community Gospel Choir is Britain's first renowned contemporary "performance touring, inspirational gospel choir band", fusing gospel with multi-genres of music, including pop, soul, jazz, R&B, and classical. It was founded in 1982 and has gone on to provide backing for performers such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Gorillaz, and Kylie Minogue. History The London Community Gospel Choir was founded in 1982 by the Reverend Bazil Meade, with Lawrence Johnson, Delroy Powell, and John Francis. Francis would later go onto form The Inspirational Choir of the Pentecostal First Born Church of the Living God. Initially, the idea was for a single concert, and this was staged by a 120-strong choir before an audience of more than a thousand people. The one-off event gave rise to a permanent choir, performing internationally for over 25 years. The success of the first event led to enquiries for the choir to appear on television and radio and at various corporate functions across the United Kingdom and Europe. The choir debuted on television with a performance on Channel Four's Black on Black. In December 2003, The Guardian described the choir as "controversial, professional, energetic, inspiring and spirit-filled!" The choir is known for its funk-flavoured gospel, swing-beat, rhythm and blues, traditional, and soulful arrangements, with lively choreography and vocal gymnastics. Notable performances 1992: joined George Michael's performance of Queen's "Somebody to Love" and "We Are the Champions" finale at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. 1994: joined Luther Vandross's performance of "Impossible Dream" at The Royal Albert Hall London, England on 13 September. 1996: LCGC performed for the former South African president Nelson Mandela during his first visit to London in July 1996. The choir sang in August 2007 as a statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at a ceremony in Parliament Square, London. 2005 backing Madonna's Live 8 performance of her single "Like a Prayer" in Hyde Park, London. 2005–2006: LCGC performed "Don't Get Lost In Heaven" and "Demon Days" with Gorillaz at the Demon Days Live concert tour. 2009: performed the traditional hymn "Abide with Me" at Wembley Stadium to open the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Everton. 2011: joined Eric Clapton at Hyde Park in 2011 on the song "Holy Mother". 2012: joined Kylie Minogue at Hyde Park in 2012 on the song "Wow". 2012: LCGC joined Blur to perform "Tender" at the 2012 Brit Awards. The choir also featured on the original