Tracy Chapman - Fast Car [Wembley 1988]

Nelson Mandela's 70th Birtday / Wembley
THE STORY BEHIND THIS PERFORMANCE
Stevie Wonder landed in England on the Saturday morning of the concert and went straight to Wembley Stadium, where a room was prepared for him and his band to warm up. He was to appear in the evening after UB40. His appearance had not been announced.
UB40 were finishing their set on the main stage, and Wonder's equipment was set up, plugged in and ready to be rolled on after a 10-minute act on a side stage. He was about to walk up the ramp to the stage when it was discovered that the hard disc of his synclavier, carrying all 25 minutes of synthesised music for his act, was missing. He said he could not play without it, turned round, walked down the ramp crying, with his band and other members of his entourage following him, and out of the stadium.
There was an urgent need to fill the gap he had left and Tracy Chapman, who had already performed her act, agreed to appear again. The two appearances shot her to stardom, with two songs from her recently-released first album, "Fast Car" and "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution". Before the concert, she had sold about 250,000 albums. In the following two weeks, she was said to have sold two million.

[@seanlynskey9235]

Just one woman. One guitar. One song. and 60,000 captivated people. What a talent.

[@jull444]

+Sean Lynskey You tellin' me this is a woman? Wat.

[@flatearthreality8683]

bracikmen drop dead "looool"

[@LMurphyMusic]

no need to be a dick man.

[@mjselvig]

@@flatearthreality8683 She is a woman, look it up

[@louisstirling7922]

I thought Wembley held 90,000

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

Tens of thousands rowdy, drunk audience members, all gone quiet. All in complete attention as Tracey battles through her initial nerves to deliver a performance that will be remembered forever. Gets me emotional every time

[@JijoTomy]

When she sings her soul out everyone one can but listen ❤

[@zyxw2024]

How did you know something of the truth of the audience? 😉

[@icebergrose8955]

How respectful is that. She literally stunned them. The English know talent.

[@Arizona_Raven]

She did it with just her voice and an acoustic guitar. Very gifted.

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

@@icebergrose8955 Yes they do. Great example of that is Hendrix was going nowhere fast in America, then became the guitar God in England

[@MelMoy11]

Imagine, just 24 and you weren't prepared to sing more than 2 songs but Stevie Wonder can't come out to do his set because of sound difficulties. So they ask you to sing two songs. The crowd is loud and getting restless because they want to see Stevie. You hear the fear in the first lyrics, but as she starts singing the crowd quiets in awe. How powerful. Sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways, it was meant to be. Love Tracy Chapman.

[@spinny418]

They weren’t there to hear Stevie.. he was never announced

[@i-tiyahman6519]

Best performance ever at the Grammys it was awesome for both artists kill it bye bye TS. And Hanna no underwear montana

[@oni6903]

Relax, simp😂

[@brianhowald2995]

​@@spinny418incorrect

[@annlemaiyan6423]

Not true about stevie wonder

[@drricksjoquist4358]

Her vulnerability and sincerity are palpable. She held a stadium silent. Truly remarkable. A truly talented and, yes, beautiful woman.

[@03svterminator64]

She really is beautiful and in so many ways

[@urbannuance5151]

​@03svterminator64 I know, right? Her beauty touches the soul!

[@Msd4-13]

Yes extremely beautiful. Imagine being a little black girl never ever feeling pretty and then you see someone that looks like you on tv singing one of the most beautiful songs you’ve ever heard and you see yourself and her. Thats what it was like when this song debuted. I cry almost every time I hear it.

[@heatherdech7712]

@@urbannuance5151

[@ydiloreto4655]

​@Msd4-13 stop i'm already crying 😭

[@lyubovsidorenko2432]

And people say ed Sheeran is the only person to hold Wembley with only a guitar. I'm very happy this woman exists This is one of the best songs to ever exist.

[@ianh3307]

Those people are the same ones that don’t have a good knowledge of music other than whats on the pop charts

[@stefanjovanovic6840]

Only prince can do that

[@joeprice8044]

Ian H I agree to an extent, but don’t knock Ed as what he does live, truly is amazing and not many people have done and will be able to perform live the way he does

[@thefeelcompany]

lyubov Sidorenko Amen!

[@johnsmith-zw9yp]

Bob Dylan did it in 84...

[@heavygrizz5857]

She wrote and performed that song as if she’d lived a thousand lives. It never gets old or tired. I’m so glad this footage exists

[@pjd27p84]

She has lived a thousand lives and so have you.

[@aldersonkevin1894]

She was a talent never seen after

[@denverfrieslaar6575]

Nice comment

[@bingload]

For real man. Gosh shes just sooo good

[@pliit2101]

Its a man

[@jicks224]

she sounds soooo nervous. the crowd was agitated but when she started to sing, everybody just stopped talking. really breathtaking

[@rjs69]

I brick myself giving a presentation to 20 people nevermind singing to 60000

[@BDolan08]

Rob S lmao same

[@mikestevenson576]

I think the main reason is it's just a great song. One of the best of the era. Better than most of the ones they'd been hearing from the big stars that day and better than the ones she herself did earlier.

[@IRELAND_SAYS_NO]

60,000 people singing at you would stun anyone at the start of their career. How quickly they stopped and LISTENED shows what really happened

[@mikestevenson576]

@@IRELAND_SAYS_NO Is there anyone they didn't listen to that day? Wembley benefit show crowds tended to be there for the artists.

[@NaritusPwN]

This is literally one of the greatest songs ever written

[@ellenpederson-lewis8557]

Must agree. And it's gotten better with time.

[@easterlinear]

Yeah literally literally

[@bruceh4180]

You are literally using literally incorrectly

[@NaritusPwN]

@@bruceh4180 who cares?

[@jjf609]

Very true made it to Rolling Stones best song list

[@ArcadeStunfisk]

A lot of people talk about how this song sets them off, makes them feel emotional, gives them chills and I think it's because it evokes many very old feelings every single one of us can relate to: - The helplessness of being young and learning how to be an adult - The beautiful wonder of falling in love with someone - The pain of the people you love and look up to disappointing you - The grief of losing a parent, or the threat of losing one - The loneliness of being a person and of having to choose to leave things that once made you happy because they're no longer serving you - The uncertainty of growing older and realising how mundane life can be despite the dreams you once had.

[@ArrKayLondon]

👏 She says so much in this song. I ❤️ her music so much.

[@cloudbusting_]

@@ArcadeStunfisk ? Reddit gold is a positive thing.

[@cloudbusting_]

@@ArcadeStunfisk ugh you are boring woman

[@Lucifronz]

As well as the finale of the song where the person she loves turns out the same way as her dad, and instead of what her mother did and choosing to leave, she stays with her kids and tells him to leave instead. It starts off tragic and ends tragic, but also a bit hopeful, which is how the whole song feels under a thick layer of desperation and sadness.

[@jacobairy7851]

😅😅😊😊

[@ricasacasari1883]

When the then unknown Tracy Chapman was booked to appear down the bill at the Nelson Mandela birthday concert at Wembley Stadium on June 11th 1988, little did she know her appearance would be the catalyst for a career breakthrough. After performing several songs from her self titled debut during the afternoon, Chapman thought she'd done her bit and could relax and enjoy the rest of the concert. However, later in the evening Stevie Wonder was delayed when the computer discs for his performance went missing, and Chapman was ushered back onto stage again. In front of a huge prime time audience she performed "Fast Car" alone with her acoustic guitar. Afterwards the song raced up the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

[@Хишгээ-з8и]

Ricasa Casari oh, now that's a real great story! tnk u for sharing

[@benjenkins3220]

@Ryan Gillen Yes and no shit Sherlock. How about you appreciate the fact the story of her rise to fame instead acting like a Harvard smart ass. Yes, Wembley gives everyone a 1-up but it's the fact that she was unheard of, alone with no band, and had to perform under dire circumstances as well as many more other obvious things that makes the story so captivating. God some of you people can't appreciate anything. Negative minds. Waste of spaces really.

[@josephgarcia2072]

This is amazing i had no clue u made me feel like i was there even though i wouldnt be born til the next year

[@integral]

@Ricasa Thanks, I was wondering what concert this was from.

[@mileskenyon]

If that’s accurate then that’s cool af

[@tiffanysmith4153]

This video makes her Grammy performance that more special. To see how no one was really paying attention at first in 1988, to her first cords strummed in 2024 being deafen out by the applause.

[@adrianaavila8853]

🥹 exactly

[@annikaa7]

YES!!!❤️

[@bigkrutherford]

Beautiful

[@thomastorres428]

Idk. I think it's a statement to how powerful the song is that she won the crowd over and commanded their respect being a relatively unknown artist at the time. Now, it's a classic so it gets the attention of being so. Both are great performances either way

[@tiffanysmith4153]

We’re in agreement.

[@zachschaub7167]

I once saw a comment on a modest mouse song that said "idk if this song is killing me or saving me" and now im totally feeling that way. Its unbelieveably sad but also unbeliveably well written and performed

[@DavidVanHelden1]

As a 63 year old man sitting here watching this alone...I feel foolish having the tears in my eyes listening to this beautiful song...

[@jerryblades]

I cried once in front of my badass federal cop friend - about the possibility of losing a friendship over an argument. Dude told me dont worry about it, shows heart and you're human...It's ok to feel bro. It makes us human.

[@Bambisgf77]

You aren’t alone … totally caught me off guard after all these years..

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

Also 63. This song gets me every time. It's on my favorites play list.

[@charlesfaggart8546]

I’m a 30 year old man and a recovering alcoholic. Bawling listening to this song while my son is in the other room

[@sharoncerasoli4268]

The power of music to make is feel so intensely!

[@melanierice9655]

I was a teenager attending this concert and remember when she hit the stage! Her voice was mesmerizing and seemed to calm the crowd! Now Im 50 listening to this classic and it never gets old....❤

[@dujesimic6647]

You're blessed to live then and there. That time was something else.. Music wise specially.. How I'd like to live back then, and to attend some of these concerts...

[@whatkenyan7684]

It must have been a moment. I guess it is the closest thing to everyone around you striking gold at once, all including those who were searching and those who had no clue. Just for thrill of it I would take it from you for my soul.

[@StefphJ]

So I heard she performed this when Stevie didn’t perform. What was the crowd chanting originally? And was there like a moment in the song that everyone forgot and got captivated?

[@blingpongo]

@@StefphJ when she sang "I’ve nothing to lose" that's when the crowd got silent

[@nemesis8626]

Of course the crowd stopped to listen to it that's why people go to concerts

[@Mdydaf55]

She was so nervous, barely breathing... Added authenticity. Rest is history

[@justinkrichbaum832]

HB to have that amount of nerves and perform like that is incredible. What a great performance and song. One of the most emotional and best storytelling songs for sure

[@drewkelly1793]

She's not dead tho

[@jmadventures9830]

Is this a female ?

[@jmadventures9830]

@ buddy, are you sure? I'm not ridiculing this person I'm asking a legitimate question.

[@jmadventures9830]

@ they? it? this person?

[@seangibson9040]

The crowd was silenced by her performance. Just amazing the amount of respect.

[@redjoker4673]

you can't hear them because it was edited. it was a good performance, but you can tell it was difficult for her without the in ear monitors live performers use today, especially with a huge crowd like this. I bet she can barely hear herself sing.

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@redjoker4673 no they were silent, I was there

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Of course a woman of those people would write a song about stealing a car. Unbelievable

[@stephenbrown4211]

@ hey racist plonker, lyrics say You GOT a fast car, not you stole a fast car. There is nothing in that song about a stolen car. It a song about getting out of your situation to better yourself, something I doubt you have the cranial capacity to do. It’s a bit like Born To Run. But I bet you’d never complain that he stole a car.

I agree man. God gives us all gifts, but Tracy, just... wow, her gift is so beautiful. Loved her since the 80s and always will. God put music IN her, and we're blessed that she found a way to share it with us.

[@wr44]

It refreshing to see a crowd that doesn't feel the need to "wooooo" every single silence, and just let the song breathe.

[@bluedalgona5286]

Yeah that’s what it is....

[@ahoybobby]

It's a modern day thing...it wasn't as prevelant in the 80s....her performance of this in Oakland in '88 was the same way.

[@SkeeterMcTavish]

Exactly. When I show this performance to people I always explain how amazing it is that she shut up 80,000 people.

[@darrynllee]

Basically no one knew this song before this. This was the performance that put her and the song in the spotlight.

[@mathiasthelander7834]

That´s not true. Every time the crowd sees themselfes on the big screen they start to cheer and whistle and wave regardless of the song. People were not different then.

[@lizzy_bu]

Stunned a drunk audience with just an acoustic guitar and a unique voice. No autotune. This is true talent !

[@Mishy555]

Well said

[@lady_s_pro_official]

💯 percent...I was there in person at 14yrs old winning the concert ticket at school by having raised over £100 for sport aid 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@mattlawson714]

My favorite part of this is that you can tell she's probably nervous, but by the last chorus you can see on her face and in her voice that she's just overcome with emotion for nailing this and mesmerizing the crowd. Like when she sings "I had a feeling that I could be someone", it's her seeing that come true right in front of her. Her voice trembles a bit and it makes it so powerful.

[@paiiininthebuttt2477]

She looks like a possum in the headlights, but did a great job despite the nerves

[@sethmath2778]

Oh.. i guess she is

[@sethmath2778]

@@usernametaken7971 Lol whos talking

[@jugoldman2230]

Made it all the more powerful like you state; it's beautiful seeing her nervous and a little unsteady as she sings " be someone, be someone" ... the humility and her credibility as an artist win through, delivering such an amazing performance.

[@JoeTakagi00]

Damn. Good comment.

[@fuzzywow8131]

I honestly think this is one of the greatest performances of all time.

[@ellenpederson-lewis8557]

Must agree! Gets better with age.

[@gonefishing2216]

Cmon now, Van Halen or nickelback live lol it’s good no doubt but yeah, she ain’t shit compared to the elites

[@MzKickz]

It is!!!

[@SteveoDuhh]

@@gonefishing2216your dumbass just said nickleback lmfao, get outta here

[@phillipcreed7933]

Caveat. Context. 100k rowdy drunk Brits waiting for next performance and expecting Stevie wonder. Delay. Rowdiness. Unrest. And managers beg her to take stage … incredible result

[@alicemcbain6670]

Wow, my dad was there that day and he remembers standing there waiting for the next act, talking to his friends when she started on one of the smaller stages, but instantly stopped talking and so did everyone else, it was like someone pressed mute on the crowd, she was all you could hear, it would have been such an amazing experience, no one there knew who she was at the beginning, all it took was one song. That is true talent.

[@paulapalais]

Alice McBain I am glad that you said that about the crowd.. I thought how much I have enjoyed her music all these years. And I was in awe of how quiet a huge stadium full of people could be...nobody wanted to miss one note from her. She makes me smile. When I got a cassette tape of her music ,there was not one song I didn't love.

[@thesleepdoctor.907]

Alice McBain wow. I wish I was there.

[@AndyHuff38]

Alice McBain I was there and everyone stopped to listen to this song...she was the smaller stage to the side of the main one..amazing

[@absalon1992]

Wish I was from that time..

[@MAngeloRun2012]

Alice McBain thank you for explaining!!! :)

[@AshEatsTheOliphant]

It feels like the older I get, the better this song gets. Thank you, Tracy, for delivering the human condition in your voice.

[@Sunfl0w33r]

Yessss!! I used to like it because it was just a nostalgic song from my childhood but now it just resonates so deeply with my personal journey with figuring out life and where I’m headed 🥺

[@suzannehansen7519]

​@@Sunfl0w33rthankyou for your comment. This song really hits an emotional chord, how each one of us , especially when we are young, are trying to understand life. And as an "older" person, it touches us in a different way. What we could have done differently, etc., dreams we had that never materialized, and so forth. It just resonates in a way you can't really describe. One of the great songs ever written.

[@chijhawk1462]

"The human condition" - what a perfect way to say what I love about her lyrics and vocal delivery but couldn't articulate on my own. Thank you.

[@ApheNtsenge]

Especially if you grew up with it as a child. It used to be just a really good song with a nice belting chorus sung by a heavenly voice. But now in my 20s fully fully understanding the lyrics😢😢

[@tomlawrance2176]

Imagine hearing this for the first time with 80000 other people

[@seanlyder3023]

60k but yeah

[@YEEOLD]

Sean Lyder stfu Jim halpert

[@Claudia-jn6pp]

Still remember

[@TheRealAndreScorman]

Ralphie that’s amazing haha

[@award89]

Maybe not in 2020 :)

[@ayoung1545]

Tracy Chapman will forever be known as one of the greatest artists to ever step foot onto that stage. So simple yet powerful! This performance/song alone solidified her legacy. Her unique vocals paired with her ability to story tell thru her songs is what sets her apart from the others. Her voice brings me to tears every time I hear it. They’ll never be another like her ❤

[@sharoncerasoli4268]

I hope you saw her performance tonight on the Grammys, pure magic

[@adampereira3485]

@@sharoncerasoli4268too bad Combs was there

[@ianpritchett103]

There's nothing simple about these lyrics. There's billions of poor people. I'm one of those billions that can't express any form of hope. She did.

[@stpdncr]

And she has so many songs than this that resonates just as much

[@CFLsurfr]

College music professors and music teachers in general love using Tracy Chapman as a shining example of the "less is more" chord progression.

[@guitardeek]

My Intro to Music class in college used her "Mountains O' Things" song as an example of polyrhythm (if I recall the subject correctly). Besides the professor, I was the only student who knew it, but it made my day. She's one of my favorites.

[@jacktravis2718]

First song I was taught while using a capo. Truly an amazing piece that anyone can do justice too, but a skilled guitarist can really make each voice sing.

[@sean78745]

Shining example of how lyricism and melody can carry a song so well it doesnt even need chords

[@wisteriaaaaa]

especially when its paired with this sort of godly lyricism

[@deeepdish]

they def dont lol

[@enigmaticx326]

It speaks to this woman’s talent as a songwriter that a crowd of this size, who were waiting for Stevie Wonder to come on stage and most would never have even heard of Chapman before this, were totally captivated by her performance.

[@Lucifronz]

Most? Maybe. But a large portion of the crowd were already singing the song as the guitar was strumming. A lot of people knew who she was and clearly loved this song. That doesn't take away from her talent, of course. This song is phenomenal.

[@Mac0SXTutorials101]

@@LucifronzShe performed this before it was released. This was the first time the world heard the song.

[@WaitHowDidIGetHere]

@@Mac0SXTutorials101"Fast Car" was released as a single in April 1988. This concert, the _Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute_ , was held in June 1988.

[@Mac0SXTutorials101]

I stand corrected. @@WaitHowDidIGetHere

[@iankrasnow5383]

@@Lucifronz Some people there might have known the song, but I'm pretty sure that sound at the start is just the crowd doing a chant, not singing along. Hard to tell.

[@fuzzy1237]

I was there Crowd was restless to begin with She stunned every one into silence She was on a side stage Just a filler Incredible performance

[@npkeith]

I wasn't there, but I was watching live on tv. Well to be fair, it was just on in the background. Until this. I think I just stood there. Flabbergasted.

[@convidtruthshallout]

I was there standing not far from the stage

[@value2887]

@@convidtruthshallout did you cheer

[@thewolf5444]

@@convidtruthshallout That would have been amazing... Such a beautiful song

[@ceesmaa]

I was too. 10 years old. Staggeringly epic moment

[@theean]

The amount of respect and appreciation from this crowd is overwhelming. A beautiful sight.

[@buttonebutton4985]

I think the ovation could have been bigger though

[@damien9553]

Actually the crowd was very lackluster 😭

[@tommymyers3183]

I think they were in shock by the unknown talent they were witness to.

[@ronbonora7872]

I agree. the crowed was silenced like the night Italy beat England for the Euro. You could hear a pin drop!

[@TheShadowTrick]

60,000 wild people stunned into total silence. Tracy is a legend.

[@thewatchmen4920]

🥺🥲

[@romaynegrace287]

I never seen this. We all feel how do. Like what is this angelic music

[@phillipcreed7933]

100k. Wembley at capacity plus audience in the field

[@Nehway]

Im nervous for her. How brave was she to have performed in front of that sea of people, all by herself. I love her

[@Literatories]

That’s what I’m saying!!!!

[@realboltfan]

I am performer (nowhere near this level) but you can hear the shakiness in her first words and then she gets stronger and stronger as she progressed. Has happened to me many times it's fascinatingly awesome to watch.

[@brownshit1]

How vulnerable must she have felt, bearing her soul to 80,000 people.

[@OnGod1007]

@@realboltfan I just watched your Incubus cover I love that song you did a great job

[@realboltfan]

@@OnGod1007 thanks brother! Much better now…. Was just starting then… appreciate it

[@lady_s_pro_official]

I was there in the crowd at 14 yrs old...I won a ticket to sport aid 88 wembley by raising over £100 at school by being sponsored by neighbours... amazing!!! I've still got the photographs ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@chrispaul1141]

The fact people who were there say she was just on a side stage performing and silenced and stunned the crowd .. even in this performance hearing a mic check happening while playing .. this performance has went down in history as one of the most 'stop everything and listen' performances ever to happen. The song is incrediblely good and Tracy Chapman is a presence all her own.

[@clairestocks6274]

There aren’t many songs that you can’t ever, ever, quite put your finger on the tumble of powerful mixed emotions they stir. And they do it every single time. This is one. A masterpiece of the understated.

[@kdburner7356]

“Belter” by Gerry Cinnamon does that for me. Check out his TRNSMT performance in 2019, it gives me goosebumps

[@fioregiallo]

Yes!!! Some other ones that hit me in a similar way are "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert "Youth" by Daughter "Hundred" by The Fray "Case of You" by Joni Mitchell "Emily" by From First To Last (acoustic) "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie 💚💚💚💚

[@abc-bu7nr]

And she had two of them She is nothing short of à master songwriter

[@nicholaslawley4252]

What a lovely and completely accurate description

[@eliudchelanga178]

greatest...perfomance

[@Bookwolf8014]

I watched this live. Tracy had already been on with a couple of songs. She left the stage. They were having technical problems on the main stage and the stage manager rushed up to Tracy saying, “Have u got anythin’ else?” She says, “Yeh, a couple o’songs”. “ Well, get back on”. So, amidst all the chanting, impatience and rudeness, this little guitarist filled-in with the first notes of ‘Fast Car’. Great job.

[@zlatanvujinovic2715]

And the rest is history…

[@47imagine]

So wait, she didn't sing 'Fast Car' as part of her regular set? Or did she just sing it again?

[@eliseheck2642]

@@47imagine she didn’t sing it as part of her original set, only when she was brought back to the main stage!

[@juul6633]

Thanks for sharing! Definitely a memory you’ll have forever im so jealous 💞

[@rolandoarauz-bryan1210]

She was actually filling in for Stevie Wonder, who's synth recodings had being misplaced. And as you daid they asked her to perform and she wowed them.

[@bananachild1936]

For a 1980s piece, this song sounds way ahead of its time in terms of style. Even today it feels like a song that could've been released last year or yesterday.

[@nino0057]

So true

[@bartpitt2991]

True I always thought it was mid 90s

[@bezuja2570]

So many pop artists from 2013 till now they still copy this style with high pitched and modern beats

[@zodiach]

To me it feels like it could fit right in with the best of Neil Young or Bob Dylan.

[@deldia]

The arpeggios are quite unusual. Those are 10th intervals which is still considered a very modern style today.

[@seancarberry1443]

My one regret is that I didn't understand the gravity of this masterpiece in 1988. It is perfect. Absolutely perfect.

[@nicoleleafty2479]

In the most compassionate way, may I suggest you meant “gravity?”

[@movingpicture77]

This exactly. I remember hearing this song all the time on MTV. I was into hair metal so I I didn’t hate it or love it. But it always stayed with me. It wasn’t until I way way older I finally understood the song. It’s one of the greatest songs ever written. I’ll forgive my 11 year old self for not grasping the true weight of the song.

[@seancarberry1443]

@@nicoleleafty2479 YESSSS! Good catch. Edited. Ty :) I think my keyboard was slippery from crying on it and I typed the wrong word.

[@nicoleleafty2479]

@@seancarberry1443 Of course! We gotta look out for each other. 😊

[@gunner4126]

I'm very happy this woman exists

[@esmin2400]

My TV is Turned Off shut the fuck up

[@tikalthewhimsicott2736]

Hold up he was a woman? So she’s like Narancia if Narancia was a woman everyone thought was a man. Man still love her though.

[@gregzgurl2004]

Me too! She’s incredible!

[@magnushyenna1574]

*man

[@jatinshetty]

Yep.. chapMAN

[@edratliff]

In my late 20’s I had an issue with alcohol. My fiancé stuck with me for a long time. As I sobered up I had a lot of depression and regret that came to the surface. One day I asked her to listen to this song with me because I thought the lyrics fit. From my point of view it was about someone with a drinking problem fixing their situation, fixing their relationship and later went on to live a happy life together lol. My ex began to cry and I was like oh what is it? It’s a hopeful song why does this make you cry? She never did explain it. Years later I listened to this song again and now I realize why she was upset. The song is about someone loving someone with a substance abuse issue. They want to love them but they see their life passing them by. They fantasize about leaving but don’t want to leave the person they love. Ultimately, they leave and a few years later my ex did in fact leave me. I suffered a lot of heart ache and guilt. I still do and I imagine I always will. But in an effort to get her back I sobered up completely and got my life back on track. So in a way her leaving saved us both. I still love and miss you E but I know why you left and I hope you’re happy.

[@MrSniccers]

Your story touched my heart. Hope, you are Okey

[@reillyse]

Thanks man for the story

[@cozmo562]

God bless you

[@joasveenstra2495]

I m stuck where you climb out of but i m affraid to ask for help i m affraid to lose what i got build up.

[@chrismuraguri5663]

@@joasveenstra2495 Rescuing yourself is a hard thing to do. Some parts you will lose and some you will gain

[@Millerbaz]

You can sense how nervous she is .. Very brave but clever move for her to take the slot ... Anyway amazing women who in my opinion is not celebrated enough for her talent.

[@garrymckenzie7963]

P Miller nervous yes nice pick up but just wow, absolutely aced it

[@finnpeters7867]

P Miller Woman*

[@satchfan2010]

Yes, you can hear the nerves in her voice.

[@civilizeddelinquent563]

Makes the performance better. Heart and soul in it. Authentic as it’s gets

[@hiems5647]

Cant blame her, who wouldn't be while playing wembley at that age?

[@Laura22_new]

Her nerves and emotions and vulnerability fed the souls of a crowd, in the stadium and around the world. She let her light shine and how captivating it is, Tracy. ❤

[@lionzion32]

She's such a badass. Look at her! She's basically just a kid and a rookie musician and she just smashes it. Love it

[@lo_ttie]

yeah🥺 also really love this comment

[@landmarkcreations1183]

24 years old and playing in front of a massive crowd at Wembley stadium. Incredible

[@homelessshaggy]

Amazing how she had to fill in for Stevie Wonder and was able to turn that restless crowd into a calm and captivated one. Genuinely amazing performance

[@kiddozoo]

Her vocal style, phrasing, even sounding breathless...all works together to make a beautiful voice of innocence struggling.

[@caliscribe2120]

Even after more than 30 years, I still tear up every time I hear this song.

[@zlatanvujinovic2715]

Same here…

[@zucchinigreen]

Every. Single. Time.

[@vengeance11c]

Yup. This song and Hey Jude always get me.

[@jamessharp9790]

Damn straight man.

[@jakopars]

Same crying rn and idk why

[@johnkwoka9016]

One of the greatest live performances ever! It catapulted her to stardom.

[@kiosk5595]

That’s what’s so fascinating. This accidental performance that wasn’t supposed to even happen had Stevie Wonder not walked off stage, she sang a song about trying to escape poverty and “be someone” and that single performance catapulted her to worldwide stardom. Why is there no biopic about her yet? Her story is cinematic gold

[@rogerwilliams5382]

This is so amazingly good that there's no words to describe it or her.

[@mhr5586]

Humble, private, classy, selfless, avoids drama, talented beyond measure.......today's "pop stars" could learn a thing or 2 from this amazing lady.

[@theveryaverage]

Why do people have to make these comments??? Just appreciate both and the difference of culture of both

[@L.argemike]

@@theveryaverage you must be joking mate, compare tracy chapman to 'megan thee stallion'. Tell me you shouldnt compare the two and come to some sort of conclusion that things have deteriorated.

[@longview2517]

@@L.argemike Who thinks comparing Meg and Tracy is a meaningful comparison in the first place? It’s clear you have no clue what you’re talking about.

[@L.argemike]

@@longview2517 low IQ response. Both are incredibly popular mainstream artists from 2 different eras. Thats how you can compare them, they are on equal footing popularity wise (relative to their time period).

[@tilatequilafan5836]

@@L.argemike megan is better than Tracy so sit down. Tracy will never have the longetivity of queen Megan 👸🏾 Tracy can’t even afford a fast car these days…

[@numbnutz7832]

Poignant words. Was a soldier in Northern Ireland at the time, on R & R so was at Wembley for this and I couldn’t believe how everyone was captivated by this young lady. Brilliant artist. Tempus fugit. Where does it go?

[@heyman6821]

This was the breakout moment for her. Stevie wonder had to cancel and they had her play two more songs to fill time. The world went crazy after she played this off her debut album. Incredible!!

[@lannamama2034]

Wow! Fate can be a strange lady... such a cool backstory. No wonder she started off a lil quiet.. must've been nervous singing a song that wasn't on her set list to so many fans.

[@landy952]

Incredible story. You can imagine how scared shitless she was. I think I would’ve pissed myself. It’s one of those moments where they just push you on stage and say OK this is your moment. And you have to take it and there’s a part of her wrestling with knowing she deserves to be there, and struggling with the shelf, doubt and nervousness. She pulled it off beautifully and deserves all her success, absolutely wonderful❤

[@phillipcreed7933]

@@lannamama2034Im curious. Not sure this was on her debut album. She played 7 songs already which I assume were from debut album. This song had yet to be released

[@trevpr1]

I remember this. She was supposed to do a couple of songs before Stevie Wonder's set... but there was a major issue with the set up for Stevie Wonder's kit. She ended up playing to Wembley with the world watching for about 45 minutes and I was hooked. I bought my first CD player the next year and and my first CD was her first album.

[@ScottyFang]

Nice, I remember my first CD was the Beatle's "1" album. I got it for my 6th birthday I think. Music's cool

[@eartheternal3565]

... And my first album was Slayer: Seasons in the abyss. Yet here we are, leaving our digital imprint while listening to Tracy Chapman. 👍

[@harrywiersum5875]

Stevie Wonder landed in England on the Saturday morning of the concert and went straight to Wembley Stadium, where a room was prepared for him and his band to warm up. He was to appear in the evening after UB40. His appearance had not been announced. UB40 were finishing their set on the main stage, and Wonder's equipment was set up, plugged in and ready to be rolled on after a 10-minute act on a side stage. He was about to walk up the ramp to the stage when it was discovered that the hard disc of his synclavier, carrying all 25 minutes of synthesised music for his act, was missing. He said he could not play without it, turned round, walked down the ramp crying, with his band and other members of his entourage following him, and out of the stadium. There was an urgent need to fill the gap he had left and Tracy Chapman, who had already performed her act, agreed to appear again. The two appearances shot her to stardom, with two songs from her recently-released first album, "Fast Car" and "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution". Before the concert, she had sold about 250,000 albums. In the following two weeks, she was said to have sold two million.

[@Oscar_Armstrong]

@VeteranCape huh?

[@bluedalgona5286]

Hedgehog1963 oh.....

[@momentarytruce]

It‘s cute to see / hear how she gets more and more confident as the song goes on. True talent!

[@TodayFreedom]

I am overjoyed with the number of young people who are discovering the 80s. Nothing more than that. I love you. I’m so happy.

[@slydoll7877]

When she sings "I had a feeling I could be someone" at the end, you can feel her so much.

[@phildatweeders8759]

I was at that gig it was brilliant, Tracy Chapman really stole show.

[@flatearthreality8683]

yep he is amazing

[@niceguy4871]

My TV is Turned Off He?

[@flatearthreality8683]

Edgy Teenager 33 yep. if no one told you Tracy is a woman - you would think it's a man. very obvious transgender many celebs are secretly transgendered

[@tosspot1305]

@@crimesforkibble6912 hahaha ok that fucking had me...im done!

[@hiems5647]

@@flatearthreality8683 ohh so now we make people transgender, is that how it works now?

[@helpallanimals3096]

This isn't just any stadium this is Wembley! Home to this biggest concerts and festivals ever and she has them captivated.

[@TheFever77]

Michael Jackson's Bad Tour that he sold out 7 times in this very stadium.

[@susanlongosky5153]

Tracy Chapman is the epitome of a woman with talent, class, & beauty. Love her!

[@phillipcreed7933]

Epitome of musical talent

[@gleam6370]

Fun fact: the then-unknown Tracy Chapman was booked to appear down the bill at the Nelson Mandela birthday concert at Wembley Stadium on June 11, 1988, little did she know her appearance would be the catalyst for a career breakthrough. After performing several songs from her self titled debut during the afternoon, Chapman thought she'd done her bit and could relax and enjoy the rest of the concert. However, later in the evening Stevie Wonder was delayed when the computer discs for his performance went missing, and Chapman was ushered back onto stage again. In front of a huge prime time audience she performed "Fast Car" alone with her acoustic guitar. Afterwards the song raced up the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

[@angelop2003]

This is in the description

[@marksilva311]

Dude. I was fuckin captivated till you said that. I feel like i got the best suck of my life and then it was stopped short.

[@snorgonofborkkad]

This is all in the description.

[@gleam6370]

@@snorgonofborkkad they added it after my comment

[@thegorn]

@@gleam6370 so you claim...

[@uhRoid]

She was 24 here, truly amazing skill. One of the most underrated artists to ever be known for making music.

[@userSchlonsch]

One of the most powerful musical performances in history. Proof a good song needs nothing more than a guitar and a captivating, beautiful voice to capture tens of thousands of hearts in the moment. And millions in the aftermath!

[@tylersmall8876]

One moment you’re writing this song alone in your bedroom, and the next you’re playing it for thousands of people.

[@jordanturner9094]

What an unreal experience that must be. could not imagine

[@jonothandoeser]

Tens of thousands!

[@Cccc-ky4vq]

Incredible right

[@LoveTotingStrap]

This is one of our anthems. England loves tracy Chapman

[@jesterking27]

It’s like you literally just want to hug her every time she plays this song and be like but you definitely are someone. Of course in actuality it’s all of us who need the hug and the reassurance.

[@MaryJoMamaJojo]

Tracy and i are the same age and i loved this song. I spent 25 years as a small town GA teacher telling my HS students every year to please get out of our small town when they graduated because otherwise they'd be stuck here just like her lyrics say. Now at 58 after raising 2 sons alone and caring for my mom and later my brother, I'm still in this town looking to escape in my own fast car...

[@angel4405]

Just think about all of those amazing students that you touched. You ARE living out in the world because your words and what you taught them are with them

[@MaryJoMamaJojo]

@@angel4405 one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me! You just made my day ❤️

[@majors1186]

But you helped others to realise they needed to take their own fast car and go. That's something to be proud of right there 👏🏽

[@BSmith-vc6be]

I bet you changed a lot of lives for the better!

[@paulLaRiviere-q1v]

You still have time to Get out, long as you have breath in your body

[@mycarjournal]

This is just one of those songs that don't get old. Especially because this was acoustic with no backup vocals, guitars or drums it sounds even better than the album version. An absolute timeless masterpiece that will live on forever!

[@31415seattle]

Tracy showed what it means to rise to the occasion- am she was not without fear stepping in for Stevie Wonder at the last moment but showed fearlessness in stepping out to a stadium crowd in such an auspicious occasion with just her guitar her voice and her message. Courageous.

[@ConservatismHarms]

I was imagining what it may be like to play in front of 75k people for the first time, but to play in Stevie Wonder’s place, would be even more intense.

[@work7844]

The silence of a crowd that size is powerful. Just mesmerized. This is the power of music.

[@Therabidrabbit89]

Volume doesn't go high enough ❤️❤️❤️ Merry Christmas to all in 2024 ❤❤❤

[@trafyknits9222]

The power of that song comes from its unvarnished truth. It kept that massive crowd transfixed and respectful. "Fast Car" comes from the deepest part of Tracy's life. Standing alone on that stage, she held the crowd spellbound for a special moment.

[@celieboo]

This performance brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine how nervous she was! The crowd was expecting to see the great Stevie Wonder and she was just thrown out there to delay until he found hid floppy disc! What an amazing and mesmerizing performance.

[@TraumaER]

A real floppy disc?

[@davidanderson3652]

@@TraumaER My understanding that he had pre-recorded music which was lost and why he didn't come out until way later, but I didn't know it was a floppy disc.

[@LilliLotus]

😂😂😂 not the floppy disc!!

[@nicktomei7642]

Man the crowd got silent all at once. They all realized in the same moment that something special was happening.

[@bradr2142]

No shit good observation.

[@nicoleg9619]

I’m not usually very emotional when it comes to music, and I’ve loved this song for years, but something about watching her sing it gives me all the feels

[@phero2]

her father with "his body's too young to look like his" will always get me

[@cubancucumber]

A song ahead of its time. I sometimes forget that this song came out 30 years ago.

[@anastasiakhain]

Agree, true art is eternal

[@Echolyris212]

She started singing and that crowd got super quiet. Love it.

[@tubeyou89119]

Wow...I got nervous to perform just in front of 6 people... The courage it took to do this, completely solo with a guitar and do it well, so admirable... Many musicians are introverted too...

[@nicbongo]

The emotion towards the end when she says "be someone". Heartbreaking, because she made it. Singing it infront of a packed Wembley. Stellar performance and song.

[@sliimbambino]

This is the physical representation of vulnerability and bravery. Tracy now and forever built different. I’m grateful, whether or not our connection peaks at a KZbin comment. Thank you Tracy for giving countless shadows more than you’ll ever know.

[@thedreamisstilldead]

This has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Most artists will never achieve the greatness of this one song.

[@juanpinheirx]

Words can't express how beautiful you are, Mrs. Tracy.

[@DREvans-hn2fh]

I love that she calmed the crowd and won them over.

[@Titonava]

No matter what people say nowadays, Fast Car is a top 3 song ever.

[@طيورالحذرلعروسي]

ممكن طرجمة من فضلك ..وأغنية بنق بنق شكرا

[@thomasdang4860]

What are the other 2 songs in your list? :~)

[@countof3everybodyOD]

@@Titonava reported

[@realboltfan]

@@countof3everybodyOD haha

[@jdnt23]

Fast car was just released at that point...... if that concert had happened one year later, every single soul out of those 82 thousands would’ve sung along

[@carolbenevides3690]

Just imagining this is mesmerizing. I had goosebumps in all my body

[@joshiahayash]

I think it's better that they're awed to silence and only Miss Chapman is singing. Makes it more powerful imo

[@MineralGPK]

@@joshiahayash agreed

[@somekidwithacomputer2939]

Actually, if it wasn't for this performance, barely anyone would be singing along and the record wouldn't have gotten so huge.

[@bunnybubs9002]

Chills truth

[@F0rtysxity]

I grew up in a pleasant white neighborhood in California. I remember when I was very young black folk were not part of popular mainstream culture. The first two in my experience were Michael Jordan (whose PR rep must have been working tirelessly!) and Tracy Chapman, the most unassuming unthreatening gentle black person on the planet. I know she worked up to this moment through many small incremental experiences but to from the outside It looks like one of those small incomprehensible miracles. She just appeared on stage one day in front of roughly a million rowdy white folk and won them over with a solo acoustic set. How nervous was she before going out? How courageous? What a beautiful moment.

[@christofjork8446]

I remember watching the whole concert live on german television. Tracy played one or two songs at a time on a side-stage during the conversion breaks, when the main stage was prepared for the big stars. Saw and heard her for the first time then. To me she was the biggest star in that stadium. This almost unknown little woman completely stole the show.

[@SB-ki3jw]

Anyone that grew up poor can appreciate this song on a whole other level.

[@FlorenciaMamani]

totally...me from Argentina i can tell.. but ibeen that checkoutgirl.. been in US.. return to Argentina.. and travelled a lot more...life gives second chances.. sometimes.. not always

[@jonburrows2684]

@@FlorenciaMamanidid you want to go back to Argentina?

[@FlorenciaMamani]

@@jonburrows2684 Im in Argentina. Was nice knowing US but i like being here. Its hard, but is my country. Home.

[@jonburrows2684]

@@FlorenciaMamani I can understand that. I ask because the United States is NOT what it once was and I was wondering if Argentina is better. I wouldn’t be offended if you said yes. Just so long as you’re honest. Plus I always thought I might like to visit Argentina. Especially since I adore foreign countries.

[@FlorenciaMamani]

@@jonburrows2684 great cuontry to visit... from north to south not just Buenos Aires, good wine and meat,, and lot of plaves to visit... but with many politics problemas and the economy is worst than ever.. too many nobel prizes that are not reflected in society choses. hope someday you visit this country.

[@marcimonroe7352]

God knows she got me through my awful teenage years in the 90s, and I don't know what i would've done without her music. I love you Tracy!

[@Prime.knuckles]

It's amazing how in 2024 I can feel how the crowd in 1988 felt whilst listening to the beautiful song. Truly music transcends time.

[@xolaurababyxo]

Just a 24 year old woman with a guitar and her lyrics and she had Wembley in awe.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

This song literally feels like living.

[@Strabbs12345]

I was there, she walked on no one knew who she was and she owned the joint, it was the Nielsen Mandela 70th birthdays

[@David_Thompson]

Strabbs12345 *Nelson!

[@sageywavey]

Strabbs12345 *Neilsen Mandoola

[@nstuey6974]

Very few songs have captivated me like this one. No matter my mood or moment in life, Tracy’s voice comforts me in a way that I don’t understand. I’ve been through a lot in my life, but hearing her voice? I don’t feel alone. I feel like someone else feels the same as me

[@Mastagaga]

This will forever go down history as one of the most iconic performances so far ... let's just declare Tracy chapman day for her music..

[@keithwallace1746]

The crazy amount of pressure that day must have felt. Being a black woman performing in front of that stadium and having things going the way they were around this time must've been so nerve racking only to turn the stadium just really shows how much music can captivate and bring people closer. This is and will always be my favorite song. I'm from the 90s, and i distinctly remember hearing this on tape for my first time ever and enjoying every second. Thank you so much for this piece of art you created for us to enjoy.

[@Hondadctrider]

What does her race have to do with it? There were other black artist performing that day.

[@daniel-bkk]

Because the UK was still racist as fuck back then. ​@@Hondadctrider

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Risk/reward. Imagine her fear stepping out there alone with her guitar. This is how to become a super star. Naked honesty from the heart. And talent.

[@christinasims4747]

Ladies and gentlemen.... when you are aligned with your destiny.... MIRACLES happen. She shut that crowd RIGHT UP.

[@dolly_f4rton]

if i need to feel something i watch this video. i cannot watch it without shedding a tear. a nobody becoming someone all due to technical difficulties, and her saying "i had a feeling i could be someone" it doesnt get better than that

[@claredown3028]

Omg what a rocking performance. Some A.. hole doing a sound check. Tracey holds them all. And they get it. WOW . What an artist, what a song, what an amazing chick xx. ❤❤❤

[@maryannmccarthy1824]

Bless you for this comment❤

[@DeadSezSo]

This may be the greatest song ever written, the story speaks so clearly for those of us born into poverty with nothing but a dream to make something of ourselves. The difficulty of having dysfunctional parents, the struggle to make enough money to survive, the inability to get someone you love to want more for themselves and come along for the ride with you...just extremely powerful lyrics. You can see the writer grow up with this sense of responsibility to care for those around her, a responsibility many young people born into poverty shoulder and something that drives so many poor kids into addiction, that holds so many poor kids back from reaching their full potential...but by the end of the song, she's finally realized that its okay to let go of someone you love that won't help themself. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do in order to make the most of your life. Just beautiful and poignant lyricism

[@naancowoewiyu40]

So true 🥹

[@CanadianTobs]

Well written

[@graphitepencil6522]

Love your comment from Northeast India 🇮🇳❤ I often heard and like this song.. Until I checked out the lyrics and realised that this music speaks about me... I was born and raised in a poor family, I dropped my college and started to look for a job.

[@TheNorm9999]

That performance changed the trajectory of her life, she was filling in for Stevie Wonder, what a song and moment!

[@Iamthesnxiousgemini]

Her being so nervous made this performance so much better! I love her!!! ❤❤❤ the crowd here was SPECTACULAR!!!

[@SapphirePanorama]

This song never gets less powerful or emotional to me. Tracy truly created something magical.

[@eproulx100]

Her perspective at such a young age is amazing. It's about poverty and dead-end America and finding yourself as a young person, but it's also about an older person realizing they no longer have the opportunities they had when they were younger. She ultimately said "Drive your fast car away." Such a sad but real perspective