Stevie Wonder

On Saturday, July 12, Stevie Wonder returned to American Express presents BST Hyde Park, delivering a performance that combined musical virtuosity with a heartfelt message for a capacity crowd of 65,000. Appearing as part of his "Love, Light and Song" UK tour, Wonder presented a comprehensive survey of his six-decade career, featuring a substantial 20-song setlist.

The performance began with Wonder, dressed in a white tunic adorned with images of John Lennon and Marvin Gaye, addressing the audience. His opening remarks emphasized the prevalence of love over hate, a theme he introduced as he launched into "Love's in Need of Love Today." This was immediately followed by an unexpected rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine," a song he had not performed publicly since 2019, which saw tears streaming down his face in an emotionally charged performance urging the crowd to sing along too..

The set then transitioned into a vibrant sequence of his signature hits. "As If You Read My Mind" led into the reggae-infused "Master Blaster (Jammin')," followed by the funk of "Higher Ground." Wonder engaged the audience with a singalong to Jimmie Davis's "You Are My Sunshine" before seamlessly transitioning into his own "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." Wonder's stage presence is always engaging, world class music is assured and the comedy is thrown in for free.

A collaborative moment arrived with Corinne Bailey Rae, who joined Wonder for a cover of Sly & the Family Stone's "Everybody Is a Star." Wonder's 15-piece backing band, a formidable ensemble of musicians, provided a robust foundation for his expansive arrangements, evident in tracks such as "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," which showcased the powerful brass and percussion section. The selection included "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing," "My Cherie Amour," and "Lately," demonstrating the range and quality he brings.

Throughout the evening, Wonder interspersed his own classics with covers, often featuring members of his extended musical family. Vocalist KJ McNeill took the lead on "Stranger on the Shore of Love," followed by Janis Watts on Aretha Franklin's "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)," and Zuri Harris on Anita Baker's "Sweet Love." These guest spots added variety and highlighted the depth of talent on stage. Wonder also introduced his son, Kailand Morris, for a performance of Keith John's "I Can Only Be Me," and later led a "Happy Birthday" tribute for his daughter Sophia.

As the evening progressed, the set escalated in energy with a sequence of hits: "I Just Called to Say I Love You," "Living for the City," "Sir Duke," "I Wish," and "Isn't She Lovely." The performance culminated with the iconic "Superstition," a staple of his live shows, which then transitioned into a medley of "As" and "Another Star," bringing the expansive set to its conclusion. Wonder's vocal strength remains undiminished and his command of the stage unwavering. A living legend if ever there was one.

Earlier in the day, the Great Oak Stage hosted an impressive array of artists, setting the tone for Wonder's headline performance. Ezra Collective, the Mercury Prize and Brit Award-winning jazz quintet from London, brought their characteristic blend of Afro-beat jazz. Their set, featuring tunes such as "Shaking Body," "Wish I Didn't Miss You," and "Femi Kuti Tune," created a celebratory atmosphere, with drummer Femi Koleoso acknowledging the significance of performing before Wonder. The collective's tight musicianship and energetic solos, including a notable drum solo, contributed to their reputation for engaging live shows. Impressive in this heat.

Stevie Wonder Setlist
Love's in Need of Love Today
Imagine (John Lennon cover) (first time since 2019)
As If You Read My Mind
Master Blaster (Jammin')
Higher Ground
You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis cover)
You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Everybody Is a Star (Sly & the Family Stone cover) (with Corinne Bailey Rae)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing
My Cherie Amour
Lately
Overjoyed
Stranger on the Shore of Love (Vocal by KJ McNeill)
Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) (Aretha Franklin cover) (Vocal by Janis Watts)
Sweet Love (Anita Baker cover) (Vocal by Zuri Harris)
Contusion
If You Really Love Me / Sweet Thing (Chaka Khan and Rufus cover)
You and I
Save Your Love For Me (Nancy Wilson cover) (Vocal by Aisha Morris)
I Just Called to Say I Love You (Preceded by Golden Lady piano intro)
Living for the City (Abridged)
Sir Duke
I Wish
Isn't She Lovely
I Can Only Be Me (Keith John cover) (Vocal by Kailand Morris)
Happy Birthday (Sung for Stevie’s daughters birthday (Sophia and maybe Zaiah too))
Superstition
As
Another Star


Photo credit: Marco Gandolfi