Stevie Wonder marked the 50th anniversary of his album Songs In The Key Of Life with a joyful 25-song set at Manchester's Co-op Live arena, backed by a full orchestra and joined on stage by three of his nine children.
The 76-year-old, who has sold over 100 million records worldwide and released 30 albums, performed the penultimate show of his UK run on Remembrance Day. A crowd of 20,500 gathered for the celebration of the beloved record, which is marking five decades since its release.
A night of hits and family
Wonder opened the show with Love's In Need Of Love Today and Village Ghetto Land, quickly settling into a playful, party mood. He tried a British accent to the delight of the Mancunian crowd before playing a selection of his biggest hits. His unmistakable voice was described as gorgeous, like meeting an old friend.
The show featured a full orchestra, with classic tracks such as Sir Duke and I Wish given new life. The band jammed out, ad-libbing to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Later, Brandee Younger played harp while Wonder sang If It's Magic.
Messages of peace and equality
As the show progressed, Wonder addressed the crowd on Remembrance Day, calling for a moment of silence and praying that the world would find a way to end wars and destruction. He urged leaders with a responsibility to make life better to "cut the bullsh*t and just get to it."
On equality, he said: "I truly feel that, you know, being visually blind doesn't mean that you can't see. 'Cause I see, you know, the spirit of a person." He added that the planet and universe are in alignment, "but unfortunately, we are not," and stressed that everyone is equal regardless of colour or wealth. Manchester roared in appreciation.
A family affair and lasting legacy
Wonder's eldest daughter, Aisha Morris, sang backing vocals and watched proudly as her father performed Isn't She Lovely, the 1976 hit inspired by her birth. His son Mandla Morris joined him for Have a Talk With God, and his daughter Zaiah Morris sang a rendition of John Lennon's Imagine, seated beside her father at the piano.
The two-hour show was a fitting tribute to an album that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained at the top for 13 consecutive weeks. It was only the third album in history to debut at No. 1, though in the UK its highest chart position was No. 2. It won the 1977 Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
