Mon 8 Sep – Stevie Wonder

It’s been a wee while since Stevie Wonder last hit these shores to do a full tour. I’ve always been keen to see him. Very keen. I remember seeing some of his performances on the West German music programme Beatclub and being mesmerised by them. Having said that I wasn’t overly keen on his Natural Wonder album – as notoriously difficult as live albums can be. I signed up for two gigs and through gifts from friends are seeing two more in October. Lucky me 

So which Stevie would turn up?

The lights dimmed, some beatboxing and percussion filled the air and in came Stevie flanked with his backing singers to the cheers of the crowd. The harmonica came out, that incredible voice filled the air and the keys were tapped with aplomb.

The night was a hit-filled affair with an excellent choice of covers – a really atmospheric People Make the World Go Round made famous by The Stylistics, Spain by Chick Corea really showed off the band to its best.

The only really dampener on the night was an unnecessarily prolonged appearance by a chap talking about Arthur Wharton (the first black professional footballer in Britain). Though to be fair if I was on stage with Stevie I’d do the same.

However things got back on a more than even keel with the hit-list going through his major works of the sixties and seventies.

I think everyone has their favourite album tracks that they’d like to hear and I wait with bated breath to see if they appear. In the meantime I’m happy he does “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” which is pretty much my all time favourite.

All in all – eight out of ten for this evening.


Setlist (as best as i can remember and with thanks to CaesarXxx)
All Blues
As If You Read My Mind
Master Blaster (Jammin')
Did I Hear You Say You Love Me
All I Do
Knocks Me Off My Feet
People Make The World Go Round
Higher Ground
Spain
Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Moon Blue
Visions
Living For The City
Ribbon In The Sky
Overjoyed
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
Sir Duke
I Wish
Do I Do
I Was Made To Love Her
My Cherie Amour
I Just Called To Say I Love You
Superstition
As