Stevie Wonder campaigns for Pres. Obama

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Music legend Stevie Wonder played a free concert at the Norfolk Scope Monday night in support of President Obama's campaign for reelection.

"We're fired up and we're ready to go!" Wonder chanted, as he took the stage. He was introduced by gold medalists Francena McCorory and Gabrielle Douglas.

Photos: Stevie Wonder holds concert in Norfolk

The concert, which was held on the eve of Election Day, was free and open to the public. Attendees had to get tickets. More than 8,000 fans watched Wonder play inside the venue, while more than 2,000 watched on large screens outside.

The show was a last minute effort to get voters to the polls Tuesday. The candidate Wonder publicly supports is President Barack Obama.

"I can only speak from the heart. I can only speak from what I've written about in the songs that I've written," he said in a one on one interview with WAVY.com. "It's more than political issues to me. They're really social issues to me."

Watch the full WAVY.com interview with Wonder.

In between sets, Wonder encouraged the audience to vote for the president, but he also preached a message of unity.

"Everybody talks about all the politics, you know, still, it's an icon, Stevie Wonder. And, he's holding a free show. That's enough for me," said Zachary Barry, of Chesapeake, who waited in line to see Wonder perform.

WAVY.com asked Wonder about his favorite memories of Hampton Roads. He remembers playing Motown concerts in this area as a child, and one in particular, where he had to play with a stomach ache.

"'Hey want some popcorn? Want some caramel corn? Want some candy?'" said Wonder, describing how someone kept offering him junk food at the show. "And, you know me, I'm like, 'Yeah, okay!'"

Little did he know, the influence he would have as an adult, and he is using it to promote the person he believes is best leader for the country.

"Four more years!" Wonder shouted to the audience. "President of the United States!"

Organizers say the goal of the event is to encourage voters to get out to the polls and vote on Tuesday.