Stevie Wonder

LONDON — Stevie Wonder surprised concertgoers Saturday night in London by announcing that he will take a break from performing so that he can receive a kidney transplant this fall.

The 69-year-old music legend made the announcement after performing “Superstition” at the end of a packed British Summer Time concert in London’s Hyde Park.

He said he was speaking out to quell rumors and sought to reassure fans he would be okay. “I’m going to be doing three shows then taking a break,” he said. “I’m having surgery. I’m going to have a kidney transplant at the end of September this year.”

He said a donor has been found and that he would be fine, drawing cheers from a devoted crowd of tens of thousands.

“I came here to give you my love and to thank you for yours,” he said. “You ain’t gonna hear no rumors about us. I’m good.”

He did not provide additional information about his kidney illness. There had been a recent report that Wonder was facing a serious health issue.

He was smiling as he left the stage with the band playing the memorable conclusion of “Superstition” one final time.