Music icon Stevie Wonder delivered a mesmerising performance at Manchester's Co-op Live arena on Sunday evening, charming the sold-out crowd with a Mancunian accent impression and issuing an impassioned plea to world leaders. The 76-year-old Motown legend is touring globally with his Songs in the Key of Life 50th anniversary tour, celebrating the 1976 album, with the Manchester show serving as the penultimate date on the European leg.
A night of two sets and playful moments
Fans piled into the arena just before 8pm, with many discussing the absence of a support act. One audience member remarked, 'I wouldn’t fancy opening for him'. Instead, devotees were treated to two sets from Stevie Wonder. At 8.08pm, he emerged, inviting the crowd to close their eyes to momentarily see the world the way he does.
At the end of Love's in Need of Love Today, there was rapturous applause. Village Ghetto Land and Contusion had many on their feet, while the instantly recognisable intro to Sir Duke took the energy to a higher level. From behind his piano keys, the icon received screams of 'we love you, Steve!'.
Stevie, supported by an ensemble of around 25 musicians including a string section and soulful backing singers, produced a brilliant soul and funk party. Despite his legendary status, he showed a playful persona. When his piano-side beverage disappeared, he proclaimed: "$100,000 fine for moving my tea!" This was met with much laughter.
During the night, Stevie tried out his Mancunian accent. Addressing a fan, he exclaimed 'don’t interrupt Stevie, please'. He added: "I just wanted to say it is a pleasure being here in Manchester."
An impassioned plea and heartfelt moments
Taking a break from the piano, Stevie wowed on the harmonica with a rendition of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean towards the end of his first act. Before closing for a break, he made an impassioned plea about challenges facing the world.
Ahead of performing Saturn, Stevie declared: "I know that is Remembrance Day. I want to do this song and have a moment of silence and pray that we will find a way for the world to find a solution on how we end wars and destruction. I want to say this right now, all the leaders who have a responsibility for making life better for all of us, cut the bulls**t and do it."
The thousands, refreshed following visits to the concourse bars, welcomed Stevie back as he underwent a costume change, now in a snazzy red and white sports jacket sparkling with sequins. A heartfelt moment came ahead of Isn't She Lovely as Stevie introduced his family, with daughter and backing singer Aisha Morris guiding her father around the stage.
"I am truly happy to be here with you," Stevie said. "I’m very thankful and I will never, ever, ever not be thankful."
A memorable finale
Another tender moment came ahead of As, arguably the highlight of the night, with Stevie informing Manchester it was his late mum's favourite from Songs in the Key of Life. After that number's conclusion, he took a brief pause to acknowledge the appreciation from the crowd.
Nearly three hours from the start, loud cheers came when Stevie told the Co-op that as a blind person he takes great pride in being able to 'see the worth in a person'. As the clock neared 11pm, Stevie welcomed one of his young daughters on stage as she took lead vocals on a cover of John Lennon's Imagine. There was also a snippet of Happy Birthday for backing singer Jada Spight, who was celebrating on-stage.
"I know we’ve got to go," he joked, ahead of the 11.10pm finish. "They’ve got a curfew and they’ll cut the power mate." The 76-year-old brought so much energy to the unmistakable Superstition, which had the vast majority of the Co-op Live dancing. One final message came from Stevie Wonder: "Let’s just allow life to love again. Open up everybody."
Heading to the exits, one captivated fan let out a deep exhale of breath, astounded by what he'd just witnessed, and declared: "What a gig. What a gig. What a man."
