Even as rain began to fall at Ray James Stadium, its sold out crowd remained undimmed by it. Both members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and former Police frontman provided captivating performances of fan favorites.
Sting made an appearance during Joel’s set to perform “Big Man on Mulberry Street” with him, as can be seen in fan-captured footage.
The Story
Joel always puts New York City front and center when it comes to both his piano playing and song lyrics, so it was fitting that he brought that love of New York State love with him when co-headlining at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday night with Sting.
Since February, two iconic rock legends have collaborated on an exclusive one-night-only concert series as co-headliners. Although both artists had performed together previously, this was the first time they shared the stage as co-headliners.
Tom Teicholz: Tom Teicholz and Mike Campbell put on an outstanding show together, clearly enjoying themselves immensely as they sang many classics from their respective albums and some new material too.
Sting began his set with an energetic rendition of his 1993 funk-driven hit “Heavy Cloud No Rain,” during which the chorus featured images of Liberty Island that proved fitting as forecasters predicted showers throughout his performance.
The Songs
Joel’s vast catalog features classics, overlooked tracks deserving reemergence, popular tunes that have worn thin over time and plain bad songs – but his latest project: co-headlining tour with Sting, which kicked off this month at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida offers something special.
Sting brought new songs to Billy Joel, but together they also performed some of his classics such as his duet on “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Watch below, and then click through for 10 best Billy Joel songs of all time! “Big Man on Mulberry Street” remains one of Billy Joel’s signature tunes; Sting even joined Joel’s band to duet on it together with its creator himself! Click through to view his other legendary tracks! This stately piano number exploring aging well has stood the test of time – making it an audience favorite at live performances while simultaneously serving as proof that his lyrics reach across generations – such as when performing live concerts!
The Performances
As Sting and Piano Man performed for the first time together in Tampa on February 24th, there was no mistaking that they made an excellent pair. Both sang each other’s songs with equal ease and made each sound new and exciting.
Joel showed his appreciation of New York in other ways as well, including showcasing clips of the Brooklyn Bridge while performing “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” At the conclusion of “New York State of Mind,” he waved toward Lady Liberty as a nod to his Long Island roots.
As the show continued, Sting joined Joel for a duet performance of “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Wearing his suit and hat as though straight off Sinatra’s set, adding his jazzy touch to the song. Together they rocked Raymond James Stadium with this unforgettable concert that proved why both artists must collaborate more often.
The Final Words
Sting’s 16-song opening set was an extraordinary example of how to effectively structure, balance and deliver a concert. From start to finish (his duet with Joel on “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”) and beyond (“Every Breath You Take,” one of the most memorable rock songs about stalking), his concert was mesmerizing from beginning to end.
Sweet and breezy ballad with an infectious rhythm. Not one of Innocent Man’s best tracks, but still pleasing nonetheless.
Joel’s 1993 Billboard 200 album “Push the Feeling Away” included powerful, funk-fuelled performances that resonated with fans, such as its title track and “Roxanne.” For an encore closer, Joel performed an energetic version of the 1974 anthem “Heavy Cloud No Rain”, with lyrics that proved all too relevant on Saturday night at Downtown Ballpark: “The clouds won’t move until their work is done / And if only it would rain today.