It’s been five decades since Stevie Wonder last graced Cardiff, but on Wednesday 9th July 2025, he returned, and what a return it was. Taking to the stage at Blackweir as part of his Love, Light and Sound tour, the legendary artist delivered an unforgettable evening that felt more like a spiritual journey than a concert.
From the moment he appeared, guided by his son and daughter, who later showcased impressive vocal talents of their own, the crowd was electric. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, reverence and overwhelming joy. As someone lucky enough to be there, it felt truly humbling to witness Stevie Wonder, his family and his remarkable band perform live in my home city.
Opening Act: Corinne Bailey Rae
Kicking off the evening was the supremely talented Corinne Bailey Rae. With her soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery, she proved the perfect choice as a support act. Gracious and humble, Rae connected deeply with the audience. Her 2006 hit Put Your Records On had the crowd swaying and singing along, while Like A Star demonstrated her stunning vocal range and emotional depth.
A Night of Hits and Heart
Stevie’s performance was more than a setlist, it was a timeline of love, unity and hope, told through decades of chart-topping songs. His messages of peace and human connection resonated powerfully with the diverse audience. The emotional weight of his music was palpable, tears flowed freely as classics like Living for the City, Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing, and I Just Called to Say I Love You filled the air.
Midway through the performance, Stevie was honoured with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The heartfelt Welsh greeting, “Croeso, Stevie”, was a poignant reminder of how deeply his music has touched the world, as well as a nod to Welsh musical greats such as Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones.
Wearing a custom-made jacket adorned with tactile images of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, Stevie explained how these two figures were present with him that night, in spirit and symbolism. It was a powerful visual that underscored the deeper message of the tour.
Stevie shared that being blind since shortly after birth has enabled him to “see people not for how they look, but for their spirits.” That philosophy – of looking beyond the surface to the soul – was reflected in every word, every note, and every moment of his performance.
The Venue: Blackweir
Blackweir has hosted several music events this summer, but this was my first time attending, and what a first impression. I had a ticket for the Garden Area, which offered a separate entrance, a side-on view of the stage, and a more intimate atmosphere with fewer attendees. Picnic benches and grass seating made for a relaxed vibe, and queues at the bar and toilets were minimal.
Food outlets included Greek Meating Point and an Indian street food vendor, although I didn’t sample either on this occasion. While I didn’t spot any event merchandise in the Garden Area, I assume there was some available in the general admission zone.
If there’s one area for improvement, it would be the exit flow. Leaving the venue took longer than expected, and future events could benefit from wider exit points or better crowd management at the end.
A City of Music
Cardiff is fast becoming a true musical capital, boasting venues to suit every taste and scale, from Blackweir and Cardiff Castle to the Principality Stadium, Utilita Arena, Wales Millennium Centre, Acapela Studios and New Theatre. Stevie Wonder’s presence in Blackweir only strengthens this growing reputation.
As the final notes faded into the night, one thing was certain, this was not just a concert. It was a moment in history, a heartfelt connection between artist and audience, and a powerful celebration of music’s ability to unite us all.
Wales – we are the Land of Song. Let’s keep it coming.
