Stevie Wonder closes off Love, Light and Song tour in heatwave Hyde Park
Wearing a white tunic embroidered with the faces of John Lennon and Marvin Gaye, he welcomed the crowd with a London-accented 'hello'.
Wonder celebrated the technology that has made music more accessible for people and expressed his hope that more musicians will use their platform to help others, adding: 'Because every single person who is blind should be able to see in their own way.'
Signed, sealed, delivered! Thank you, @StevieWonder ❤️#BSTHydePark #StevieWonder pic.twitter.com/EtQYG6qWKr
— BST Hyde Park (@BSTHydePark) July 12, 2025
He added: 'And if you don't believe me, you don't agree, meet in the dark and let's see what happens.'
Wonder also gestured at the embroidered faces on his tunic, saying the names but pointing to the wrong face.
As he did so, he said: 'Sorry y'all, I'm blind you know.'
The first song, Love's In Need of Love Today, was followed by a tribute to John Lennon's Imagine.
After soloing on the harmonica, Wonder launched into Master Blaster (Jammin') and said: 'Now that we've made our point perfectly, clear, let's get to this.'
At 75 years old, Wonder has not lost any of his vocal power. His saxophone-like voice glided through each song as he tilted his body left to right.
It was his first UK performance since he last played BST in 2019 and people from the crowd kept shouting: 'Yes Stevie, we love you!' To which Wonder replied: 'I love y'all too.'
Underneath his black leather beret and behind his dark, sparkly sunglasses, Wonder also paid tribute to the funk-rock star Sly Stone who died last month.
He was joined by around 20 musicians on stage, including two other keyboard players, a brass section and backing vocalists that included his daughter Aisha Morris.
As the sun set over heatwave-baked Hyde Park, the stage lit up as a jukebox showing many of Wonder's hits over his six-decade career.
He dedicated the song Happy Birthday to his daughter Sophia saying it was her birthday on July 13, inviting her to the front of the stage mid-song.
The band then flew into I Wish and Isn't She Lovely, with another harmonica solo that sent whoops and cheers through the densely-packed crowd.
Wonder's penultimate song started with him tapping one key with one finger, saying 'we've got to do this one', before the famous-funky riff of Superstition filled the darkening arena.
The band continued playing past the official cut off time of 10pm with Wonder egging on the crowd, singing: 'I know we've got to go but we're gonna keep this party going.'
He then finished with Another Star, with many of the guest singers joining him at the front of the stage.
As the band continued playing, Wonder lined up with his family and bowed to the audience.
His last comment before leaving the stage was: 'I love you with my deepest heart and there's nothing you can do about it.'
Wonder was supported by Ezra Collective, Thee Sacred Souls, Elmiene and Corinne Bailey Rae, among others.
It was the last of five shows in Wonder's Love, Light and Song UK tour, where he also played in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Lytham.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
43 minutes ago
- The Sun
BBC admit new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance after Gregg Wallace axe and apologise to contestants
THE BBC have admitted that the new series of MasterChef is still hanging in the balance, after Gregg Wallace was axed, and apologised to the show contestants. The MasterChef star, 60, who was diagnosed as autistic midway through the investigation into complaints against him, was sacked after the BBC concluded he is unable to change his ways. 4 4 Now the findings of a long investigation into 30 historic complaints were unveiled today in a report. A total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Gregg during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of "unwelcome physical contact". The corporation said the possibility of Gregg returning to MasterChef was "untenable". And they also issued a statement on the future of the new series of MasterChef, saying that, at this time, 'we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year.' The statement acknowledged that this might come as "disappointing" news. The full statement read: 'We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has ' informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future. 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner. 'We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour. Grace Dent replaces Gregg Wallace on MasterChef after he stepped back amid 'grope' probe 'Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority. 'The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production. 'At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. 'In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards. 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' Grace Dent is set to be announced as the replacement for Gregg on MasterChef UK, The Sun on Sunday revealed. The food critic, 51, is understood to start filming for MasterChef UK alongside chef John Torode, 59, at the end of the summer. A source said: ' Grace is a natural fit for the show as she is also hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside John. 'Grace loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show. 'Filming is expected to start at the end of the summer through December. 'They are also filming at new studios in Birmingham so it will be a fresh start all round.' Alongside her successful journalism career as food critic Grace has been doing more mainstream TV, and starred on I'm A Celeb in 2023. She walked from the jungle after nine days, citing 'medical grounds.' 4
Telegraph
43 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Damien Hirst accused of plagiarism in breakthrough artwork
Damien Hirst is embroiled in a plagiarism row after being accused of stealing the idea of using live flies in his breakthrough work from a fellow artist. Hamad Butt, a classmate of Hirst at Goldsmiths university in south London, displayed Fly-Piece, consisting of live flies in a vitrine, at his degree show in June 1990. A month later, Hirst reportedly unveiled A Thousand Years, a glass case full of live flies feeding on a cow's head, which elevated him to worldwide acclaim. Butt, meanwhile, Butt died in 1994 aged 32 after developing Aids, and having failed to break through into the art world. Dominic Johnson, a curator who has overseen a new exhibition of Butt's work at the Whitechapel Gallery in east London, claimed A Thousand Years 'appears to have directly appropriated from Butt'. Mr Johnson, a professor of performance and visual culture at Queen Mary University, London, claimed Hirst 'likely encountered Butt's piece first-hand in its development' as Butt had produced a prototype in his studio in 1989. It is claimed that Hirst displayed A Thousand Years at his exhibition Gambler which opened in July 1990. Butt felt that Hirst had appropriated his idea and 'was unhappy when Hirst's sculpture received greater acclaim', Mr Johnson wrote in the exhibition's catalogue, according to The Times. 'Whether the appropriation was direct or not, Butt chose to withdraw the Fly-Piece from his subsequent installation [in November 1990],' he added. Butt's original artwork, which has since been lost, has been recreated for the exhibition. Hirst continued to produce bio-art, most notably animals preserved in formaldehyde, including a dove, a pair of calves, and a shark dissected into three pieces. He dominated the British art world for two decades and has been reported to be the world's richest artist, with an estimated net worth of more than £300 million. The Turner Prize-winning artist's career has been dogged by allegations of plagiarism. In 2010, an art magazine published an article accusing Hirst of producing 15 works 'inspired by others' including his work Pharmacy. Charles Thomson, an artist and co-founder of Stuckists, a group which campaigns against conceptual art, tallied the number of plagiarism claims relating to Hirst's work in Jackdaw magazine. In 2007, former friend John LeKay claimed Hirst's diamond skull For the Love of God was based on his own crystal skulls made in 1993 Although Hirst has faced allegations that some of his works were the ideas of others, copyright does not protect ideas, only a specific form of expression. In 2000, it was disclosed that Hirst had paid an undisclosed sum to prevent legal action for breach of copyright by designers of a toy which resembled his famous bronze sculpture, Hymn. Hirst, 60, has always denied allegations of plagiarism but admitted in a 2018 interview that 'all my ideas are stolen'.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Prince William and Kate Middleton's sweet gesture to Louis: Royals ask new Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner to sign a tennis ball for Prince Louis 'so he doesn't get upset' after missing the SW19 final
The Princess of Wales sweetly asked Jannik Sinner to sign a tennis ball for Prince Louis after her youngest son missed out on the Wimbledon Men's Final on Sunday. Kate, 43, brought her two eldest children George, 11, and Charlotte, 10, to watch the final at SW19 from the Royal Box, alongside their father Prince William, 43. However, Louis, who is only seven, was notably absent, but his parents made sure not to leave him out. After Sinner's triumphant defeat of two-time consecutive winner Carlos Alcaraz, Kate kindly asked Italian tennis player to sign a ball for her youngest son, so he 'doesn't get upset'. Clearly keeping her youngest close to her heart, both literally and figuratively, Kate accessorised her royal blue outfit with a 9ct gold pendant from Daniella Draper, complete with stunning gemstones. The £3,000 pendant is not only a glamorous accessory; but a sweet tribute to Prince Louis as the gems are the birthstone for April - the month Louis was born. In adorable footage taken after the game, George and Charlotte, who are said to be avid tennis fans, shook hands with the new men's victor and told them it was 'very nice to meet you.' And in a touching moment of motherly love, the Princess of Wales made sure to ask Sinner to sign three tennis balls, with one extra for Prince Louis who was no doubt waiting keenly at home. The royal laughed as she told the 23-year-old: 'We're taking one for their brother,' to which William chimed in: 'Louis will be upset otherwise.' Louis's older siblings politely thanked Sinner before their mother said: 'huge congratulations' and shook his hand. Mother-of-three Kate has been patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, also known as the AELTC (which organises the day-to-day running of the prestigious tournament), since 2016. The Princess looked radiant in a blue dress as she arrived at the All England Club for the second consecutive day yesterday - after presenting the trophy at the women's final on Saturday. Kate also wore her ' Wimbledon bow' - a brooch featuring the tournament's iconic colours - which it's believed she has worn every time she has visited Wimbledon. She debuted her green and purple bow back in 2017, when she paired it with a white, short-sleeved dress. More than just a mere accessory, the Princess's go-to Wimbledon brooch is actually a symbol of royal patronage, gifted to her from the Queen Elizabeth II. The women's 2025 final saw Iga Swiatek beat Amanda Asiminova 6-0, 6-0 in a match that lasted just under an hour. The Princess donned a £3,000 gold pendant which contains the birthstone for April - the month Prince Louis was born Mother-of-three Kate affectionately nicknames her youngest son Prince Louis 'Lou-bug' (pictured at the VE Day flypast in May) Mother-of-three Kate pictured yesterday with her only daughter, Princess Charlotte Kate appeared overwhelmed upon arrival at the Royal Box on Centre Court and was welcomed by a huge chorus of cheers and a standing ovation. It was reminiscent of the reception she received last year, when she chose the tennis tournament as her first solo outing after taking time away from public duty while being treated for cancer. Yesterday's final saw Jannik Sinner take on Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz - of whom Princess Charlotte is known to be a fan. Charlotte delighted fans last year with her animated reactions as she watched her favourite player win the coveted trophy. Throughout the nail-biting match, the young royal winced, cheered and beamed, as she watched the players compete for the prestigious title. Kate took over the role of patron in 2016 from the late Queen who had held the position for 64 years. The accessory is worn by members of the Committee of Management during the Fortnight – the Main Board of the AELTC and representatives of the LTA. It signifies their responsibilities as the Committee governing the tournament. The Patron has always traditionally been given a Committee bow in recognition of her role, which is why the Duchess has chosen to wear it when visiting The Championships. Other individuals also given an honorary Committee bow are the Chief Executive. The present colours of dark green and purple were introduced in 1909 as the club's previous colours, blue, yellow, red and green, were too similar to those of the Royal Marines. The royal was praised for her Wimbledon outing on Saturday, after she consoled the tearful runner-up Amanda Asiminova who was thrashed by Iga Swiatek in the most one-sided Wimbledon final since 1911. The Princess of Wales arrived at the All England Club for the men's Wimbledon final on Sunday with her eldest two children and husband Prince William Kate placed her hand on the American's arm and told her to 'keep your head high' following the 23-year-old's 6-0, 6-0 loss on Centre Court in just 57 minutes. Anisimova had to briefly leave the court following her humbling at the hands of an inspired Swiatek, 24, as she recorded a double bagel scoreline in the women's final - the first in 114 years and for only the second time in the tournament's history. Anisimova said meeting Kate 'was the positive of today' and told how she had been 'really kind'. Speaking after the match, she said: 'It was such an honour to meet her. 'I wasn't sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going to be there, so it's just really nice to see her. 'She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again.' A tearful Anisimova wiped away tears during her post-match interview on court as she praised Swiatek and said she had 'run out of gas a bit today'. She was playing in her first Wimbledon final and said 'she would never forget this experience'. Anisimova broke down again as she mentioned how her mother had flew in from America that morning to watch her. 'Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of not flying in - it isn't why I lost here,' she joked. Anisimova: 'I know I didn't have enough today but I will keep putting in the work and I hope to be back here one day.' A victorious Swiatek, the first Polish woman to win Wimbledon, also offered words of encouragement to Anisimova. 'First I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks. You should be proud of the work you are doing and I hope we will play more finals her,' she said. 'I didn't even dream, for me it was way too far. I feel like I am already an experienced player after winning the Slams before but I never expected this one. 'This year I really, really enjoyed it and feel I improved my form here. 'I am always going to remember the opening of champagne bottles between serves! It is a sound that will keep me away at night!' The only ever time there has been a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline in a Grand Slam final was in 1988 when Steffi Graf beat Natasha Zvereva in the French Open. For her appearance on Saturday, Kate donned a custom Self-Portrait white ensemble. The two-piece outfit featured a high collared, military-style belted top and a flowing midi skirt. Kate has worn designs from Self-Portrait on a number of occasions, including a 2023 Wimbledon appearance, where she wore a similar two-piece outfit, but that time, in green. She finished the ensemble with a pair of Gianvito Rossi suede slingback heeled pumps in cream, and Anya Hindmarch's Neeson Small Square Tote bag in cream, which retails for £950. Her jewellery included a gold Halcyon Days bracelet and Cartier earrings. She also gave a sweet nod to her husband Prince William, wearing what appeared to be her Cartier Bleu watch, which Prince William gave her as an anniversary gift in 2014. Last year also saw Carlos Alcaraz in the final, which he won, beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
