11 pm on a Sunday night, totally wiped on the couch from the hectic weekend just gone, delaying the inevitable, I flick through the TV stations. My eyes sting for the want of sleep, but there’re determined to stay opened, especially when they stumble across a certain Mr. Wonder and his amazing band from around the world headlining Glastonbury.
Wonder, who was signed to Motown at the age of 11 had hit first #1 at the age of 13 with ‘fingertips’. He performed vocals, harmonica and bongos while a certain Marvin Gaye played drums on it.
Fronting the celebrations of the 40 yr old festival, Stevie invited the deep voice of festival organiser, Michael Eavis, on stage to sing happy birthday at the end of his set, which the crowd went crazy for!
His band consisted of 3 backing vocals, drums, 2 percussion, 2 brass, bass, keys 2 guitars and a group of about 10 Tabla players from around the world. While introducing the band he named every member and where they were from. Even though, if it were you or I reading them, we’d find it hard to pronounce them, never mind remember all of them. But no, not Stevie!!
He played all the hits, ‘Superstition’, ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’, ‘We Can Work It Out’ and a lot more. In fact, his repertoire is so extensive that he could still be playing 24hrs later and not repeat one song. After all, this is the only solo artist who has been awarded no least than twenty two grammys, so far.
In 2009 he was awarded the title of ‘Messenger of Peace’ by the United Nations, and again last night you tell the reason why. He requested people make the world a more accessible place for those of us with disabilities. I must say, I find it a lot easier to listen to Stevie spreading his words of peace and human righteous, as appose to Bono, as many would I’m sure.
Stevie played Dublin’s 02 last Thurs night and from what I hear it was also a belter of a gig. I really hope I haven’t missed my last chance to see this master at work. When it comes to an artist of this calibre, only the likes of Dylan like to play Ireland more than once in a year.
The first time I heard the groove of ‘Superstition’ he had it all going on, and I can safely say.
Stevie’s, still got it all going on!!!!
