Stevie Wonder Joins Dave Matthews Band At Concert For Charlottesville

Dave Matthews Band temporarily suspended their current hiatus to headline yesterday’s Concert For Charlottesville at Scott Stadium in the group’s hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. The first DMB performance in over a year came alongside appearances by several other musicians in support of the free event for members of the Charlottesville and University Of Virginia communities.

Sunday’s concert also saw appearances by The Roots who also served as the backing band for Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes and Pharrell Williams. Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande and Cage the Elephant were at Scott Stadium for performances yesterday as well. Dave Matthews began the concert with a solo performance of “Mercy” ahead of an introduction of Sussan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer who was murdered while protesting a white supremacy rally in Charlottesville on August 12.

Dave Matthews Band opened their headlining set with a rendition of “Don’t Drink the Water” with former touring keyboardist Butch Taylor joining-in for what would be the duration of the set. DMB offered subsequent takes on “Warehouse,” “Satellite, “Seven” and “You Might Die Trying.” Trumpeter John D’Earth then emerged to guest on “Grey Street.”

Legendary keyboardist Stevie Wonder then emerged unannounced and joined Dave Matthews at the center of the stage as the former addressed the crowd and the two musicians took a knee together, with Wonder stating, “I take a knee for America, and two knees in prayer for our world, amen.” The 67-year-old performer then led the group and fellow guests, guitarist Natural and vocalist RAab Stevenson, on the DMB debut cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Wonder also led the ensemble on the DMB’s first performances of his “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” and “Superstition” which closed out the set.

Watch DMB and Stevie’s take on “Superstition” at the Concert For Charlottesville below: