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Stevie Wonder performs during music legend Tony Bennett's 90th birthday celebration at the Rainbow Room on August 3, 2016 in New York City, New York, U.S. /VCG Photo
Stevie Wonder surprised concertgoers in London Saturday night by announcing that he will take a break from performing so that he can receive a kidney transplant this fall.
The 69-year-old music legend made the announcement after performing "Superstition" at the end of a packed British Summer Time concert in London's Hyde Park.
He said he was speaking out to quell rumors and sought to reassure fans that he would be okay.
"I'm going to be doing three shows then taking a break," he said. "I'm having surgery. I'm going to have a kidney transplant at the end of September this year."
Stevie Wonder performs at the funeral for Aretha Franklin at the Greater Grace Temple on August 31, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. /VCG Photo
He said a donor has been found and that he would be fine, drawing cheers from a devoted crowd of tens of thousands that stretched out from the stage as far as the eye could see.
"I came here to give you my love and to thank you for yours," he said. "You ain't gonna hear no rumors about us. I'm good."
He did not provide additional information about his kidney illness. There had been a recent report that Wonder was facing a serious health issue.
Stevie Wonder performs during the opening ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 24, 2016 in Washington, D.C., U.S. /VCG Photo
A representative for Wonder didn't immediately respond to a request Saturday for details about his health. He has kept an active schedule, including performing recently at a Los Angeles memorial service for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Wonder, who has received more than two-dozen Grammy Awards, has produced a string of hits over a long career that began when he was a youngster who performed as Little Stevie Wonder.
His classic hits include "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Living for the City."
Recording artists Usher (L) and Stevie Wonder attend Usher being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California, U.S. /VCG Photo
Wonder seemed in top form throughout the concert, performing a series of his hits and paying tribute to musical heroes including Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and John Lennon. He performed stirring rendition of the latter's "Imagine" near the end of the show.
His fans reveled in the warm summer night – though a light drizzle fell near the end – and the career-spanning retrospective that evoked Wonder's early days as a young Motown star.
He did seem less ebullient than in the past and made his health announcement in a somber tone with a severe look on his face.
But he was smiling as he left the stage with the band playing the memorable conclusion of "Superstition" one final time.