Billy Joel continues to receive widespread acclaim and awards, even from critics who once dissed his lack of hard-rock edge. They’ve come around and now appreciate him more fully than ever.
He’s currently co-headlining with 70s icon Rod Stewart at several stadium dates and will wrap up his Madison Square Garden residency this summer. Additionally, Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart both have gigs planned this year with The Piano Man.
The First Time They Ever Co-Headedlined a Concert
Billy Joel and Sting have amassed an impressive resume over their decades on tour together. Between them they’ve amassed 17 Grammy awards, one Golden Globe award, an Emmy nomination, as well as writing some of pop music’s timeless tracks like Englishman in New York, Roxanne and Message in a Bottle.
On February 24th they joined forces for one unforgettable performance at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Their joint performance featured memorable duets as well as special surprises that fans will long remember.
Sting got the evening underway with an electric set that featured many of his classic hits and made an appearance during “Big Man on Mulberry Street” to perform duet with Joel – as evidenced by fan-shot footage below.
Sting’s Guest Appearance on “Englishman in New York”
Sting took his audience step by step through each song’s lyrics, displaying his extensive musical knowledge and experience. Additionally, his band interacted with the orchestra to add special arrangements that added rich textures to its lush soundtrack.
Sting’s performance for the Florida Orchestra was sold out and was part of an annual fundraiser event hosted by this nonprofit organization. He made two appearances there over time – each time selling out the event as it went.
Englishman in New York by Sting was released as part of his 1987 album…Nothing Like the Sun. It chronicles eccentric gay English writer Quentin Crisp who made New York City his home after finding success as an author there.
Shirazee from Beninese artist Shirazee performed Sting’s classic song flawlessly and released a hybrid rendition dubbed “Englishman/African in New York.” Sting was so taken with her rendition that he invited Shirazee to perform it alongside him on NPR Tiny Desk Concert series for an extraordinary duet performance.
Sting’s Return to Duet on “Big Man on Mulberry Street”
Petco Park was alive with sound as Sting’s vocals echoed across “Every Breath You Take,” captivating everyone present. Their powerful performance defied even rain-drenched streets outside, giving one hell of an experience!
Former Police frontman Sting performed a 16-song set, split evenly between his solo work and The Police catalogue. He brought out a young harmonica player to echo Stevie Wonder’s parts during “Brand New Day.”
His final song was an emotional tribute to those affected by recent world events, with an audience that fell silent as he addressed it. It served as a powerful reminder of music’s unifying power even during difficult times.
Billy Joel will continue his sold-out residency at Madison Square Garden this spring and summer before teaming up with Fleetwood Mac for co-headlining dates this fall. You can purchase tickets for remaining shows here.
Sting’s Final Performance
Sting was looking forward to his final AEW match and wanted his performance of “Seek and Destroy” to leave an appropriate legacy behind him.
His band sounded harmonious as is usually the case, and he welcomed out reggae star Shaggy for a duet on “Englishman in New York.” To conclude their set with an intense rendition of “Fragile,” in which all in attendance participated as an orchestra of voices singing together as one large choir.
Sting was known to protect his sons Garrett and Steven from wrestling when they were younger, yet brought them out for this show. He even made sure to call out commentary legend Jim Ross before leaving the stage – all who knew him will miss him greatly in this industry and Sting will never forget performing in front of an audience so much larger than himself at Madison Square Garden; truly an acclaimed legend in every sense. He deserves it.