As soon as “Every Breath You Take” began to play at Petco Park, it was an unforgettable moment for all in attendance.
This concert, taped for CBS special that will air this Sunday night, marks the inaugural co-headlining dates between Sting and Billy Joel. Sting opened his own set before Joel joined him for a duet of “Big Man on Mulberry Street”.
The Tour
Sting and Joel kicked off their joint stadium tour on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida, performing a set list that showcased solo hits as well as those from former Police frontman Sting’s catalogue. Both performers joined each other onstage for several duets during their performance.
Billy Joel has been performing his classic songs for decades now, often in keys that better suit his late-career baritone rather than the high tenor of his younger days. Yet the Piano Man still manages to keep audiences enthralled thanks to a longstanding touring band and repertoire that fit him like a glove.
Joel will conclude his 10-year, sold-out monthly residency at Madison Square Garden this July but still has plenty of shows planned this year. Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac has agreed to perform in concert alongside Billy Joel this April at Petco Park in San Diego; Rod Stewart will join Joel on tour for several US headlining dates including one at Petco Park himself! In the Netherlands and Australia as well!
The Songs
Last month, Billy Joel kicked off a co-headlining series with Sting at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Each artist joined each other onstage during their respective sets for two duets that they performed together onstage.
Joel’s set list consisted of many of his signature hits, such as Rosalinda’s Eyes (dedicated to his maternal grandmother who died during the Spanish Civil War at sea) and Allentown – which he has performed continuously since 1982 – along with some early works like Captain Jack and An Innocent Man which offered historical context for his musical career.
As the night went on, Sting’s set emerged as the star attraction. This rock ‘n’ roll veteran boasts 17 Grammy Awards as a solo musician – and many more with The Police. Sting is known for being a melodist like Paul McCartney; his songs often become memorable earworms like his version of ‘Englishman in New York’ which left guests breathless.
The Venue
Billy Joel & Sting’s co-headlining tour kicked off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida last night, where both rock legends collaborated during both sets – Sting opened his set with The Police classic ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ before returning during Joel’s set to perform Big Man on Mulberry Street with him. Additional joint shows are planned throughout 2024 in San Diego, St. Louis and San Antonio before concluding at Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium.
The New Yorker instilled his audience with an “New York State of Mind,” through songs reflecting their Empire State heritage. A video screen flashed images of Brooklyn Bridge during “New York Minute”, while waves crashed onto screen during “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).”
Sting then took to the stage to present his extensive catalogue of hits, with crowd members going wild during ‘Englishman in New York’ when Shaggy joined on vocals and harmonica for its rendition.
The Audience
At Raymond James Stadium, a sell-out crowd gathered for Billy Joel and Sting’s first of five co-headlining shows at Raymond James Stadium. As they performed their extensive catalogs together, taking their audience on an emotional journey from heartfelt tributes to victims of recent world events to performing “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Together these legendary musicians gave more than music; they provided hope and inspiration for those attending these shows.
Sting kicked off his show with an energetic solo set featuring hits from both himself and The Police, such as “Roxanne,” “Englishman in New York” and “Fields of Gold”. He even swing on stage for a jazzy version of “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Later dressed like Frank Sinatra with suit and hat in hand he performed duet of Billy Joel’s classic track, “New York State of Mind”. Sting was fantastic to watch – sounding fantastic himself but even more enjoyable was watching him sing alongside Billy Joel who both made an excellent pair!