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Stevie Wonder’s Eclectic Concert Setlist Stuns Fans Online
Admirers of the iconic Stevie Wonder were astonished after a screenshot of his diverse concert setlist gained significant traction online, sparking fervent discussion among music enthusiasts. The viral post showcased the Grammy-winning artist’s unconventional song choices, leaving fans in awe as he prepares for his highly anticipated UK performances later in the year.
Unpredictable Performance from a Musical Genius
Stevie Wonder, celebrated for his timeless hits such as ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ ‘Superstition,’ and ‘Living for the City,’ has long been recognized for his spontaneous stage shows. This particular setlist exemplified his artistic range, featuring unexpected covers of artists spanning genres and eras.
- Tributes to Music Legends: Wonder’s performance included renditions of songs by John Lennon and Daft Punk.
- Homage to USA for Africa: He also honored the supergroup USA for Africa, of which he was a prominent member.
- Collaboration with Pharrell Williams: The adventurous setlist incorporated collaborations with pop artist Pharrell Williams on several tracks.
A social media post displaying Wonder’s setlist from a past concert ignited online conversations. One user commented, “Stevie Wonder has to have the most unbelievable lineup of songs I’ve ever seen at a concert, what were we even experiencing?”
Setlist Highlights: From ‘We Are the World’ to ‘Happy’
The revealed setlist featured ‘We Are the World,’ the anthem from USA for Africa, followed by a medley assisted by Pharrell Williams. This medley incorporated Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky,’ Wonder’s own ‘Superstition,’ and Williams’ popular hit ‘Happy.’
Emotional Tribute to John Lennon
Following ‘Happy,’ Wonder delivered a moving rendition of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ During this performance, he reportedly paused to pay tribute to the late Beatles icon, noting that Lennon had lived and tragically died just a few blocks from the venue. The performance was described as especially poignant given the geographical proximity to Lennon’s life and death.
Reprise and Fan Reactions
The set then returned to familiar territory with a repeat performance of Williams’ ‘Happy.’ The individual who initially shared the setlist humorously remarked on the emotional shift, “It’s so funny because the Imagine performance was incredibly emotional, he mentioned that John Lennon lived and was murdered just blocks away. Then a minute later he’s like ‘Okay let’s do Happy again’.”
Fan Reactions Ranging from Stunned to Amused
The setlist, originating from a Central Park concert on September 23, 2017, has left some fans bewildered. One individual confessed to initially misinterpreting the list, “Not even kidding, at first glance I thought this was like a ‘top 20 most played songs of all time’ list or something. What do you mean this is for one concert? That’s remarkable.”
Mixed Opinions on Song Choices
While many fans were impressed by the setlist’s breadth, some expressed strong disapproval, particularly regarding the repetition of ‘Happy.’ One fan humorously declared, “If I went to see Stevie Wonder and he played Happy twice instead of virtually any Stevie Wonder song, I would cause an international incident.” Another fan wryly commented on the song order, “Happy/Imagine/Happy sandwich is crazy work.” A third fan echoed the sentiment, “If I go see Stevie and I have to endure happy, I think I’m making it a terrible night for everyone else too.”
Anticipation for Upcoming UK Tour Setlist
Fans have also been puzzled by Wonder’s recent live performances, noting his extended concert at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles where he performed covers of Carole King, Jimmie Davis, and Parliament. With the setlist for Wonder’s forthcoming UK tour yet to be revealed, fans are keenly anticipating the announcement, especially considering his previous concert included as many as 18 cover songs, sparking further speculation about what he might perform for his UK audiences.