On Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, two multi-GRAMMY winners put Tampa into an entirely New York State of Mind with their stunning duet ‘The Big Man on Mulberry Street.’ Sting even looked similar to Frank Sinatra with his signature fedora on his head!

Joel opened with a 16-song set that combined songs from both his solo catalog and time with The Police. Q105 photographer Lisa Claire captured some highlights from this night of entertainment.

Performing Together for the First Time

Billy Joel has become one of the best-selling music artists ever since 1973’s autobiographical piano man. This iconic work has served as cultural touchstones ever since its release; recently being recognized by the Library of Congress.

Sting, an artist recognized with 17 awards – including Grammys, Brit Awards, Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards – has performed around the globe to sold-out audiences and earned multiple accolades, such as being honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame and CBE from Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for his contributions to music.

Performers from two rock icons kicked off their co-headlining tour together for the first time on Saturday in Tampa with an energetic show full of hits and duets – with fans-captured video of their duet on The Police’s ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ going viral, while later in the show Joel provided piano accompaniment while harmonizing with Sting on several verses of Sting’s 1986 classic, ‘The Big Man on Mulberry Street’.

Duets

Joel and Sting put on an unforgettable performance at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida as co-headliners at an outdoor concert on November 10th. According to fan videos captured of their opening performance at Raymond James Stadium, Joel and Sting began with The Police’s hit song from 1981 ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.’

Joel combined vocal lines and harmonized in harmony during the chorus to breathe new life into this familiar tune. Additionally, Joel displayed some bass playing skills he has shown during previous shows.

Later in the evening, Billy Joel brought back Sting for an engaging jazz rendition of ‘Big Man on Mulberry Street.’ Both musicians sang together, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Sting also collaborated with reggae star Shaggy for ‘Englishman in New York’ during his set and provided fans in Tampa a taste of Empire State pride. Billy Joel still has several more co-headlining dates scheduled with Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart and other artists before beginning his next solo residency residency at Madison Square Garden.

Sting’s Message in a Bottle

Sting, who celebrates his 70th birthday this year, has many talents and interests. Born into a dairy farmer’s household in Newcastle England, Sting first gained prominence through The Police during the 1970s and ’80s; later turning his focus towards politics, activism, human rights issues, as well as being an advocate for refugees today.

City Center will play host to Message in a Bottle, an exciting dance-theater production showcasing his songs through November 5th. Choreographed by Kate Prince from London-based ZooNation choreography company, it tells an inspiring tale of humanity and hope with music composed and orchestrated by Tony-winning composer Alex Lacamoire (known for Broadway hits like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen). Newly recorded instrumentals combine with preexisting recordings as well as guest vocals to tell an inspiring tale.

Sting: A Jukebox Musical stands out from other jukebox musicals by using his chart-topping hits to craft an immersive narrative arc that makes sense of them all. It is truly an impressive tribute to his talent as a songwriter, singer and activist.

The Big Man on Mulberry Street

Joel may not have released any new pop albums in years, but he remains active touring. This spring and summer will see several stadium dates featuring Stevie Nicks while his decade-long Madison Square Garden residency comes to a close in October.

At the conclusion of his set, he invited Sting back out for an energetic rendition of “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” To watch fan-shot footage of this performance click below.

The Piano Man dished up an Ike and Tina Turner tribute with an entertaining medley of their classic songs, as the audience sang along. Images of Brooklyn Bridge flashed across a screen for “Movin’ Out,” while Statue of Liberty appeared during “New York State of Mind.” He even surprised audience members by providing them with doo-wop renditions such as his cover of “The Longest Time.” Finally, a banner commemorating his career 150th show at MSG was hoisted high to mark his milestone 150th appearance at MSG!