Features
Stevie Wonder No-Show Explained
Stevie Wonder recently failed to make an appearance during a flood relief concert in Cayce, S.C., but there was a good reason for it – he wasn’t actually contracted to appear.
Photo: Jim Ross / Invision / AP
Calling Festival, Clapham Common, London, UK
Columbia Speedway co-owner Bobby Sellers told The State Wonder and ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons had been asked to perform for free at the Rockin’ 4 Relief concert Nov. 15.
Wonder was also scheduled to receive a key to the city. Wonder played a show in Charlotte, N.C., the previous evening and organizers reportedly weren’t told he wouldn’t be appearing at the Speedway until the night of the event.
“Due to circumstances beyond his control Stevie Wonder did not appear at the disaster relief concert,” according to a statement on the Rockin’ 4 Relief website following the show.
“All other artists performed. Plans are in the works to reschedule this concert for spring. Stevie Wonder voiced his sympathy for the victims.”
Gibbons ended up playing the event, as did Lyfe Jennings, Benton Blount, and others. Promoters offered the crowd VIP passes to another flood relief concert next year, the paper noted.