The 60-year-old dedicated his performance to Michael Jackson, who died a year ago, and performed a moving harmonica version of the late King of Pop’s “Human Nature.” He also performed hits including “Superstition” and his own take on Beatles classic “We Can Work It Out.”The artist invited Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis up on to the stage and sang his famous track “Happy Birthday” to celebrate the festival’s 40th year. It was a high point on which to close an event which this year basked in glorious sunshine for four days, and Wonder’s musical prowess and interaction with the fans helped ease the pain of England’s loss to Germany at the soccer World Cup.
Around 150,000 people danced to acts including Gorillaz, Muse, Radiohead, Scissor Sisters, Shakira and Snoop Dogg, as well as hundreds of less famous names playing across a bewildering array of stages and venues.
Eavis, who founded the event in 1970 when 1,500 punters paid a pound each to attend what was then known as the Pilton Pop Festival, said he had had the best birthday ever. “I’ve never enjoyed myself so much,” said the softly-spoken 74-year-old, describing his Saturday night when English rockers Muse were joined on stage by U2 guitarist The Edge for one of this year’s highlights.
“I didn’t feel tired, I had such a buzz off it, and I was very proud of what I’d created. For four or five hours it was total magic.” He added he had already identified three headline acts for the next festival, but declined to name them.
