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.

[@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...

[@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"

[@liammurphymusic9962]

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

[@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 :)

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@ArcadeStunfisk]

@@cloudbusting_ well then, let's thank our lucky stars it's not!

[@cloudbusting_]

@@ArcadeStunfisk ? Reddit gold is a positive thing.

[@ArcadeStunfisk]

@@cloudbusting_ It's also a Reddit thing 🤢

[@cloudbusting_]

@@ArcadeStunfisk ugh you are boring woman

[@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

[@gmailuser3377]

The fact that she’s nervous makes this performance all the more poignant. I love how human she is, here. No backups, no crazy acrobatics, no lip sync. Just a human and her guitar.

[@theharshtruthoutthere]

We all are on a fast ride, a ride which can end at any moment. Souls ain´t alright nor right with GOD, to go back home. Choosing not to repent and BORN AGAIN, souls still daily live in sins. (Luke: 13:3 KJV) Perishing because of the knowledge, which they didn´t care about knowing. (HOSEA 4:6 KJV)

[@richardcoughlin8931]

Wonderful, poignant, human.👍🏼

[@davidelliott5843]

I bought her album. The implications of her home life are shocking.

[@LukucProdigy]

Yes because she is not famous inside, inside she is just ordinary girl/woman which is only doing what she loves, playing guitar and singing, but doing it from heart.

[@SuperChampionRocker]

She shut the football hooligans up quick.

[@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

[@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.

[@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😢😢

[@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!!! :)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@JohnMartin-th9zh]

When you book a gig a few more people show up than you expected

[@gdfggggg]

Lols. You’d be like, FUUUUUUUCK HELLLLPPP.

[@SummeRain783]

Lol!

[@sisenorrr]

@@paniknanikin So did I! 😅

[@xebatansis]

She sounds live the same as on record. Not many artists like that.

[@Foiki]

there is actually many artists that sound even better live

[@flatearthreality8683]

she is actually HE

[@freestylefinland9902]

Freddie Mercury ?

[@flatearthreality8683]

erick hokhold Tracy is clearly NOT A LADY. its a man

[@ollihro82]

no she doesnt ... stop the crap

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@Allwaysgolden222]

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

[@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. ❤

[@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.

[@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❤

[@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.

[@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

[@earthsurgery1237]

@@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

[@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

[@landmarkcreations1183]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@nina_ana333]

yeah🥺 also really love this comment

[@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

[@kiddozoo]

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

[@bhaveshtochabbra6853]

3 unsolved mysteries in the world: Bermuda triangle Area 51 KZbin algorithm

[@codaknigga5906]

Simple reinforcement learning algorithm trying to maximize the amount of time a user spends in the app

[@FunBoysGaming]

None of these are mysteries. You're taking out of your ass.

[@lukeon1184]

Ik right

[@kelvinwaweru2238]

I'm sure he is wondering why the video doesn't have a lot of views

[@shannonmoraes6282]

69th like

[@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.

[@momentarytruce]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@slydoll7877]

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

[@KushSmokinJack]

This is one of our anthems. England loves tracy Chapman

[@cheesecakelasagna]

This song literally feels like living.

[@lydiaboyes5123]

Wow they threw her in the deep end but she managed to let her talent speak for itself and that really captivated the crowd. No theatrics just her ,her guitar and a mic. 👏🏼👏🏼Absolutely annihilated her assignment

[@uhRoid]

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

[@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. 😊

[@mariahh5456]

I wish I could have been there.

[@Bigtime1998]

Fuckin A!!

[@Angelface-zp3fk]

Me too

[@alandavis3715]

You are there now

[@thoughtupquick]

i was looking for a raw, solo performance of this song without her band on stage. didn't know that was the very thing that shot her into stardom. thanks for the video and story!

[@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.....

[@christinasims4747]

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

[@dreamelatte]

this song makes me cry every damn time I listen to it

[@27deblyn]

omg, me too! It's so beautiful, and I absolutely love it, but man.. how can she even sing it without crying?

[@larsbars4254]

Same! When her voice cracks (I think from nerves), I was thinking that I could not even perform the song because my voice would be cracking from crying! Lol

[@RastaSaiyaman]

The guitar she's using is a Martin D-18E, which is the same model Kurt Cobain used at Nirvana's Unplugged performance. She and Kurt are the only well known players to have used these.

[@jackmiller4275]

Underrated instrument, it has such a pleasant sound and beautiful emotionally empowering tone

[@jesseiii2988]

To use that model but most artists use Martin or Taylor.

[@small6248]

I knew the guitar looked familiar

[@thefeelcompany]

RastaSaiyaman No piezo quack! Remarkable for 80s, 90s even and 00s!!!!

[@arthurias7693]

RastaSaiyaman yep, I think Kurt’s has some work done to it to accommodate his lefty playing :)

[@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

[@smashkin92]

Think about it: in a stadium known for its absolute crowd madness, tens of thousands of people silently and respectfully listened to a Black Queer woman. In 1988. Anytime we feel hopeless, we can remember this to give us back hope.

[@UnderwaterJohn-fn7jg]

You're queer.

[@jonathanjensen7892]

Her music is very working class and hopeful.

[@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.

[@DREvans-hn2fh]

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

[@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.

[@cubancucumber]

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

[@anastasiakhain]

Agree, true art is eternal

[@ObiWanKenobi]

Really cool to see her getting comfortable near the end of her song.

[@KAD10895]

The force was with her.

[@roughpatches]

Kinda how Anakin felt by the time he got to the last couple of Younglings

[@usakira428]

@@roughpatches lol

[@thedreamisstilldead]

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

[@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.

[@TheDatpussy]

Damn this song could have come out today and it would still be a hit... I honestly thought this song was a few years old haha. This is one of those few timeless songs...way ahead of her time.

[@ncb6487]

they turned it into a dance remix a year or 2 ago. i have no words.

[@TheNastyPS]

@@ncb6487 The remix is alright, let's be honest. But it butchered the lyrics and lost its meaning.

[@peanutbutterrobot]

great music is timeless

[@mei-jw4hy]

I thought it was maybe made in 2014 or something, turns out its made in 1988

[@EarlSquirrelsonn]

Didn't know there was an original before the dance version. Can appreciate this version, but the dance version is a huge improvement.

[@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

[@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.

[@Echolyris212]

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

[@work7844]

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

[@jonaflynn74]

This song sounds very contemporary for the 80s. Ahead of its time

[@felixlasso402]

True

[@elmagico17]

It’s timeless

[@peterthirdandthebridges]

@Winston Leg-Thigh even so, tho sounds closer to modern folk-pop than the 60s revival

[@karimqk1895]

@@peterthirdandthebridges Definitely agree, TBH I long thought this song was from the late 90's/ early 2000's

[@amberpena6408]

I heard this song for the first time in the late 90s, I was born in 93. I couldn’t believe that it was “10 years ago” and complained at the time cuz that’s what kids do. But today I cry hearing this song because she was so ahead of her time, she was able to put straight up emotion into a song in a very simple way that was unheard of at that time

[@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...

[@agreen182]

4:11 the symbolism of her singing this line in front of 60,000 people is pretty wild

[@shogan8460]

The shot from above as she sang those lyrics Wow

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

Goosebumps. That is destiny, kismet, Dharma, many words for that synchronicity

[@mattlawson714]

I thought the same thing. I think she probably realized how incredible she was doing, her voice even breaks a bit (in the most beautiful way possible). It's so authentic.

[@austinhess4967]

Felt that for sure

[@heynieghbor]

Thank god you all noticed too like holy shit the power in it. You can just see it in her face hear it in her voice. It makes me so happy

[@ArtBrain]

She looks terrified, but they were all there rooting for her to do great, but you can see the terror in her eyes. She's such a humble lady.

[@TheGroovyGuitarDude]

For anyone who wants to play this on guitar, here's how :) - Standard Tuning - Capo 2nd Fret - - Structure Of The Song - Verse, Verse, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Verse - Verse - E| 3 A|3 7 5 D| G|0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B|0h1 0 3 3 8 8 7 7 e| *Repeat this picking pattern through all of the verses!* - Chorus - C, G, Em, D C*, Em*, D (x2) C*, D* For each chord, strum: ↓ ↓ *↓ *Play this once for each chorus!* Hope this helps out! If you get stuck or need a little extra help, I posted a video lesson for this on my channel :)

[@leokimvideo]

Up there with Freddie Mercury, maybe more awesome because she's doing it all alone.

[@kitodemey492]

More awesome?

[@Admo8090]

More awesome than Freddie Mercury?? Ehhhhh....

[@viratsharma309]

Are you kidding me buddy shes still alive

[@picklesandcheese25]

Comparing the two for no reason. They're both great but Freddie Mercury is in a whole different category.

[@GavinPlayz123]

She’s good but Freddy Mercury was an entire different level of amazing

[@xolaurababyxo]

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

[@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.

[@tommy6905]

She had them all in her hands, pure talent.

[@jjd1799]

When you can see the pain in a performers eyes... you know the lyrics was written from the heart ❤️.... powerful stuff

[@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❤

[@moosesnWoop]

At some of the chourses you can hear her fear break through her voice, but by the end she's literally living the song

[@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

[@torrubirubi]

1988 was the year I left Brazil to live in Switzerland. I felt very lonely, away from family and friends. Tracy’s songs came exactly in the right time for me. I remember listening her magic songs in the dark. Does she knows the huge impact she has on many of us? I hope so.

[@juanpinheirx]

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

[@rosswell6884]

I didn't realise how absolutely beautiful she is

[@snorgonofborkkad]

I know. It's like looking at a renaissance sculpture.

[@thegorn]

She is

[@harry793]

Dunno if I would tap but yeah

[@thegorn]

@@harry793 Every hole's a goal. That's what grandad always told me

[@BC-on7uf]

@@thegorn that’s fucking great😂😂😂😭

[@waitingmp]

I remember watching this live on TV in 88 as a child and then going out to buy the album straight afterwards.