Stevie Wonder took to the stage in Glasgow for the first time since 1989 for an outstanding performance at the OVO Hydro where he blew the capacity crowd of 14,000 away.
He first played Glasgow in 1965 as 14-year-old “Little Stevie Wonder” on the Tamla Motown Revue, and returned as a headliner in 1969 when he played the Glasgow Odeon on Renfield Street.
This Songs in the Key of Life 50th anniversary tour marks half a century since the release of one of the most influential albums ever made, with Glasgow the final date on the UK run.
For many music fans, getting the chance to see Wonder perform in concert is a real bucket list experience and he did not disappoint with many people around me in the arena visibly moved to tears at times.
His 1976 masterpiece is in my opinion one of the greatest albums of all-time, and to see it played in its entirety was a real treat. From the moment he opened the show with Love’s In Need Of Love Today right through until Ebony Eyes which closed the first set.
Other highlights in the first set included “Knocks Me Off My Feet”, “Sir Duke” and “Summer Soft”. Wonder’s interactions with the audience were also fantastic as he thanked everyone for coming to the show and for the love that his fans continue to show him.
After a short break, the 76-year-old opened the second set with “Isn’t She Lovely” before another storming run of songs that took the gig to over three hours and pushed the Hydro’s curfew time.
Wonder spoke about performing the album for his mother after he completed it, and her favourite song being “As” after she told him she liked the song which said “always, always”. He performed that song at her funeral, and to see it performed live was a powerful moment.
The gig ended with “Superstition” which had everyone up in the Hydro on their feet as he brought the curtain down on one of the best ever gigs the Glasgow venue has ever witnessed.
Experiencing Stevie Wonder in concert is watching a true master at work, backed with a tremendously talented band who provide pure joy and magic.