Stevie Wonder has begun his UK tour commemorating the 50th anniversary of his acclaimed album, 'Songs in the Key of Life'. The tour's inaugural performance took place at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, where Wonder addressed the audience about his long-held ambition to perform the album in its entirety.
The live show features a substantial ensemble, including three percussionists, a string section, five brass players, six backing vocalists, two guitarists, and three keyboard players, with Wonder himself playing various instruments. The performance also incorporates an additional instrumental track and the jazz-fusion influenced 'Contusion' into the album's first half, alongside an encore of 'Superstition'.
Wonder's performance is described as a live experience rather than a perfect recreation, with instances such as restarting 'Isn't She Lovely' due to dissatisfaction with the initial version. The concert also sees songs extended, with the band engaging in the funk of tracks like 'All Day Sucker' and 'Black Man'.
Despite the album's understated opening tracks, the audience reportedly received the performance ecstatically, particularly for songs like 'Sir Duke' and 'I Wish'. The lyrics, depicting themes of lacking empathy and inequality, resonated with the audience, suggesting their continued relevance.