Big Buzz/ Adele pauses Las Vegas gig to pay tribute to Matthew Perry, says 'I'll remember Chandler for life'

Matthew Perry, famously known for portraying the role of Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom FRIENDS, died by drowning in a bathtub on Sunday. The actor was 54 at the time of his death and was found at his Los Angeles residence. Honouring his death, Adele paid a special tribute to Perry at her concert in Las Vegas. 

Adele honours Matthew Perry

Shortly after the FRIENDS star's death was made public, Adele honored Matthew Perry on Saturday night during her performance in Las Vegas. About two-thirds of the way through her set, she paused to remember Perry while introducing her song When We Were Young.

The British singer, like millions of FRIENDS viewers, felt a connection to the popular sitcom, particularly Perry's Chandler Bing, whom she referred to as "probably the best comedic character of all time." In his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry wrote about his struggles with alcoholism and opiate addiction. Adele, who decided to give up booze earlier this year, also spoke on these topics.

“He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which I think is incredibly, incredibly brave. I just wanna say how much I love what he did for us, especially what he did for me… and hopefully now he can rest in peace,” said Adele. 

Celebrities who paid tribute to Matthew Perry

Adele was one of many celebrities who honored Perry on Saturday, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mira Sorvino, Selma Blair, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more. 

Saturday Night Live also showed a tribute card for Perry during the weekend’s episode. Perry once hosted the show, in 1997, which featured one sketch where he played Matt LeBlanc’s character Joey and Colin Quinn played Chandler.