Stevie Wonder is to have a kidney transplant later this year and take a break from touring. The 69-year-old star broke the news to fans at a London concert last night.
Near the end of his headline set at British Summer Time Hyde Park, just after singing the encore “Superstition,” Wonder told the audience of about 65,000 people: “I’m going to be doing three shows then taking a break. So what’s going to happen is this. I’m going to have surgery. I’m going to have a kidney transplant at the end of September this year. I have a donor. It is all good. I want you to know that I came here to give you my love and to thank you for yours. You ain’t gotta hear no rumours about us, I told you what’s happening, I’m good. I love you, and God bless you.”
The Motown star received supportive cheers. The announcement comes after days of speculation about Wonder’s health. On Wednesday July 3, the Detroit Free Press said that he was battling a serious medical condition, leading to many fans’ worried posts on social media over the holiday.
Donors can give a kidney when they are still alive because only one kidney is needed for survival. The identity of the donor has not yet been revealed.
Wonder has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including about 20 million albums. His Songs In The Key of Life tour in 2014 and 2015 grossed $41.7 million from 46 shows, according to Pollstar. Wonder has had ten U.S. No.1 pop hits and 20 R&B number chart-toppers.
The Wonder show included his greatest hits, from “Higher Ground” to “Sir Duke” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).”
He peppered the set with covers of songs by late stars such as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Wonder was supported at the London show by his friend Lionel Richie. Lianne La Havas, Corinne Bailey Rae, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand are also performing during the weekend. The second weekend will feature Florence + The Machine, The National and Robbie Williams.
