Stevie Wonder delivered a three-hour performance at London's O2 Arena on Thursday night, November 5, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. Around 20,000 music fans attended the show, which took place as the rest of the country marked Bonfire Night.
A Spectacular Celebration of a Classic Album
The 76-year-old music legend began the show off-stage, lowering the lights and asking the audience to close their eyes to experience life the way he does and begin to "see" sounds. Wonder, who became blind shortly after birth, then started to play as fans opened their eyes to see him on stage.
He was surrounded by a group of 30 musicians, including string and horn sections, guitarists, keyboardists and backing singers. The set featured hits such as Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise and I Wish, bringing fans to their feet.
Messages of Peace and Love
The tone of the evening, much like the record, was one of love, peace, togetherness and hope. Wonder voiced his thoughts on the state of the world, expressing happiness at the recent results of the US midterm elections. He said: "We want peace not war. Love not hate. Let your loved ones and the leaders of various nations know. Cut the bulls****!"
Showing appreciation for British culture, Wonder tried out a posh English accent, paid tribute to Sir Paul McCartney - whose daughter Stella was in attendance - and performed a cover of John Lennon's Imagine.
Finale and Upcoming Tour Dates
As the curfew approached, Wonder raced against the clock to fit in as many "I love yous" as possible, name-checking every member of the band. He ended the set with a rendition of Superstition.
The Songs in the Key of Life 50th Anniversary Tour continues in the UK with shows on November 8 at Manchester Co-op Live and November 11 at Glasgow's OVO Hydro, followed by a string of US dates including at New York's Madison Square Garden. A collection of four songs recorded at the time of the album but kept in the vault for five decades, titled Songs in the Key of Life 50 - The EP, is available to stream online now.
