Stevie Wonder paid tribute to the late Bobby Womack as he closed the Calling Festival in London on Sunday night (29.06.14).
The soul legend sent his "condolences" to Bobby’s grieving family following his passing last Friday (27.06.14) at the age of 70 and then covered his track ‘If You Think You’re Lonely Now’ at the music event held on Clapham Common.
Speaking to the crowd, Stevie said: "It’s always a painful thing when we lose someone in this industry, but each time we lose someone, we can say we are left with their musical history … I want to give my condolences to his family and hope that he is in the best place spiritually. Please give a hand to Bobby Womack.
"We picked out a song we thought was appropriate."
At the beginning of his set, Stevie came on stage playing his signature keytar and as he stepped out the dark clouds and showers which had been threatening to dampen spirits cleared and the sun shone on him and his thousands of fans, a sign of "God’s love" according to the musician.
The 64-year-old star performed a hit-filled set with highlights including ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’, ‘Sir Duke’, ‘Master Blaster’ and ‘Sunshine of My Life’.
At one stage Stevie led the crowd in an A cappella version of ‘Ebony and Ivory’ – the track about racial harmony he recorded with Sir Paul McCartney in 1982 – and a sing-along to ‘My Cherie Amour’.
He later joked with the crowd by claiming he was actually British and just looked like Stevie Wonder.
Speaking in an English accent, he said: "I’m English actually, I’m from Brixton … Most people think I’m Stevie Wonder … People say, ‘Why don’t you sing like Stevie Wonder? So I learnt his accent."
Stevie closed his set with fan favourite ‘Superstition’ and before he exited the stage he told the cheering crowd "remember I love you, thank you" and then took a bow with his band and backing singers.
Other performers at the festival included Paloma Faith and Jack Johnson, while Aerosmith headlined the event on Saturday (28.06.14).
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Bobby Womack at London Calling
