Stevie Wonder signed, sealed and delivered an amazing performance for stunned Irish fans at the packed Three Arena in Dublin.
In his first Irish show for nine years, the multi Grammy Award winner delivered a setlist jammed with hits from his extensive back catalogue to the delighted audience.
He opened up by saying: “Are you ready for the song party? I love you.
“It is wonderful to be back in Dublin.
“We are having our song party.
“Make sure you’re good.
“You are the fighting Irish, fighting for the good of peace and unity."
The legendary singer, 69, can list 25 Grammys, 100 million record sales and an incredible influence on music, as some of his achievements.
It was his third last concert before taking time out to get a kidney transplant.
He manoeuvres between a grand piano and keyboard stack for most of the show.
Sometimes, Stevie just sits back taking in the adoration of the crowd, the Irish audience really made it feel like a celebration of a lifetime’s work as they chanted words back at him.
Sir Duke lifted the roof in an incredibly warm atmosphere with the Irish summer making its presence felt. His harmonica playing during For Once In My Life really for the crowd going.
The band is very accomplished, they include a brass section, DJ and a ferocious percussion section. During the first half of his set, Stevie feels like he’s flexing his musical muscles but in the second half it was hit after hit.
The Stevie Wonder Song Party lived up the billing of being a Celebration of Life, Love & Music. He is a master of his craft and unique.
His voice can still hit all of those incredible notes.
There is a DJ section in the middle which features six tracks paying tribute to some artists who have passed away.
They included Marvin Gaye's What's Goin On, Michael Jackson's Billy Jean, David Bowie's Let's Dance, Amy Winehouse's Rehab and Aretha's Respect and Prince's When Doves Cry.
He did a wonderful cover of Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garafunkle.
He really took his time to max out his jamming session and joked: “ I know you can’t be here all night” Stevie then took on John Lennon’s Imagine.
Retirement has been ruled out by the blind musician who has been playing professionally since he was a child.
He finished with a wonderful rendition of favourite Superstition. Stevie truly lives up to his name and is a wonder.
