Stevie Wonder Opens ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ Tour, Welcomes Lenny Kravitz in Paris

Stevie Wonder has embarked on a global tour commemorating the 50th anniversary of his seminal album, Songs in the Key of Life. The tour began on a prominent stage at Birmingham's Utilita Arena in England, where Wonder delivered a performance that honored the entire original album alongside its accompanying EP, A Something’s Extra.

The concert was structured to reflect the album’s original sequencing, with the first set covering sides one and two, and the second set presenting sides three and four. The additional EP's tracks were woven into the middle of the performance, maintaining the integrity of the album’s conceptual flow. This comprehensive presentation marked a return to live renditions of several tracks that had not been performed in over half a decade.

Wonder’s setlist included rarely heard live performances of songs such as “Pastime Paradise,” “Summer Soft,” and “Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing,” among others. These selections had largely been absent from his live shows since 2016, highlighting the special nature of this anniversary tour. The show concluded with an encore featuring “Superstition,” a signature hit from his 1972 album Talking Book, providing a familiar and powerful close to the evening.

Following the UK debut, the tour progressed to Paris’ Accor Arena, where Wonder replicated the full album performance with similar precision. However, this date introduced unique elements that enriched the concert experience. French harmonica player Frédéric Yonnet, a collaborator from previous tours, joined the stage during key moments, adding dynamic live instrumentation to numbers like “Have a Talk with God” and “Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call).”

An especially notable moment occurred during the encore in Paris when rock artist Lenny Kravitz took the stage to perform an extended version of “Superstition.” Kravitz contributed both guitar and vocals, infusing the performance with additional energy and referencing Wonder’s 1974 track “You Haven’t Done Nothin’.” This collaboration underscores a longstanding creative relationship between the two artists, which dates back decades and includes shared recordings and televised performances.

Kravitz, who resides in France, brought a distinctive flair to the Paris concert, highlighting the international appeal and cross-genre connections fostered by Wonder’s music.

The anniversary tour is set to continue with upcoming dates, including a scheduled performance at Copenhagen's Royal Arena. As the tour unfolds, it offers fans worldwide an opportunity to experience the full scope of Songs in the Key of Life live—a landmark album that has shaped contemporary music for half a century.

This tour not only celebrates the enduring legacy of one of Stevie Wonder’s most influential works but also reaffirms his continued vitality as a performer. By revisiting rarely played tracks and incorporating esteemed collaborators, Wonder elevates the anniversary into a rich, evolving musical event that bridges past and present.

Details about subsequent tour stops and special guest appearances remain limited, but the events in Birmingham and Paris have set a high standard for what audiences can anticipate as the celebration continues.