Steve Winwood sang “Higher Love” at the Coronation Concert for King Charles, at Windsor Castle, on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The commanding performance of one of his solo favorites—with a full chorus and orchestra composed of members from Commonwealth nations—was just the second stage appearance in the past four years for the legendary artist who turns 75 on May 12. The rest of the concert featured a lineup that included Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Take That, Bette Midler, and Andrea Bocelli.
Winwood’s previous performance was as a special guest of the Staks Band, on July 10, 2022, at the final Cornbury Music Festival in Oxfordshire, England, when joined the band’s set to play several songs including “Higher Love,” “A Whiter Shade of Pale”—as a tribute to Gary Brooker who died earlier that year—and “Gimme Some Lovin’.” According to the reliable website, Setlist.fm, Winwood’s last known performance had been on Feb. 28, 2019, in Dublin, Ireland.
Watch Winwood perform “Higher Love” at the Coronation Concert
The amazing Steve Winwood singing Higher Love #CoronationConcert pic.twitter.com/YU7kiOxRWn
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) May 7, 2023
Winwood was supposed to be the supporting act on Steely Dan’s tour, which was originally planned for 2020 and then 2021. After it had been KO’d twice by the pandemic, Winwood withdrew from the tour with a brief announcement on his various social media platforms. “Due to unforeseen circumstances,” it read, “Steve will not be appearing with Steely Dan on the upcoming Spring/Summer 2022 tour.” The note added, “Please stay tuned for new show announcements.” None have been forthcoming.
The day before the 2022 performance, Winwood posted a rehearsal clip. The Staks Band describe themselves as “a high-energy Soul/R&B band featuring musicians who have collectively performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the industry. The regular line-up is often augmented by well-known guest artists.”
You know, like Steve Winwood.
According to a fan who attended the 2022 outdoor performance in the sweltering summer heat, Winwood didn’t join the band’s set until around halfway through. The fan says he played three songs: “Higher Love,” “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.” “I think that was it, unless emotion has clouded my memory, she joked.” Winwood was joined by his son, Cal, who plays congas.
Watch Winwood and the Staks Band perform “Higher Love”
Related: Our Album Rewind of Winwood’s most successful solo release, Arc Of a Diver
