Sting joined Joel onstage for “Big Man on Mulberry Street”, dressed like Frank Sinatra with a hat and suit. Additionally, Sting sang several songs together with Joel including one called “Christmas in Fallujah”, written to raise funds for servicemen serving in Iraq.
From “King of Pain” to ‘Englishman in New York,” both artists had timeless classic hits and iconic covers in common.
Sting & Shaggy
Piano Man Billy Joel made his return to music in 2024 with the single, “Turn the Lights Back On,” and recruited Sting as co-headliner at shows in San Diego, San Antonio, St Louis and Las Vegas – including Tampa where both elder statesmen performed together to a rendition of Sting’s deep cut song, “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
Sting and Elton performed an impressive duet during one of their tour dates in London last night, and are likely to continue this pairing on future dates. He was at ease and appeared comfortable, channeling classic crooner persona to fit song perfectly.
Fans could expect an abundance of Empire State love through screens that alternated between shots of Brooklyn Bridge during “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and waves crashing on a beach during “New York State of Mind.” In between, Joel dazzled his audience with energetic renditions of “Uptown Girl” and “Morning Has Come,” featuring its lines: “The clouds won’t leave until they do their work” which Joel later referenced when singing the final verse’s chorus: “Every morning you’ll hear me pray/ If only it would rain today”.
The Police
After emerging on the music scene with their album Synchronicity in 1983, The Police quickly became one of the most successful groups of late ’70s and early ’80s music. Accomplishing success on both Top 40 radio and album rock radio stations alike, their songs included pop, dance and rock genres to appeal to an eclectic audience, producing hits like Roxanne, Message in a Bottle and Every Breath You Take.
Sting’s vocals blended perfectly with Stewart Copeland’s polyrhythmic drumming and Andy Summers’s guitar virtuosity; together they created an eclectic combination of pop and rock music with lyrics about romance, social issues and politics.
Joel made sure his fans got an emphatic dose of Empire State pride with “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and jazzy rendition of “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” To complete his set he donned a baseball cap to perform “New York State of Mind.”
The New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic has had an incredible year. After maestro Leon Botstein left to become music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, he was quickly replaced by former Berlin Staatskapelle conductor Lorin Maazel who took up conducting. Additionally, they performed at both Ray James Stadium’s inaugural concert and also an sold out show in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Arena.
Joel has also donated both time and resources to charitable causes, initiating an educational initiative which provides seed money and musical scholarships to various East Coast colleges, universities, and music schools.
Since 2014, he has also used his voice to promote environmental awareness and tour with the Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time ever. He injected new life into classic songs like “Message in a Bottle,” “Brand New Day” and “King of Pain,” taking time with each number to build dynamic tension without rushing through them all at once; showing New Yorkers plenty of love along the way!
The Boston Pops
The Boston Pops Orchestra is an acclaimed American orchestra which specializes in light classical and popular music, touring worldwide since 1973 and offering annual holiday concerts that have become an annual tradition since 1973. Since Arthur Fiedler (then Conductor Laureate of the orchestra) took charge, more commercial recordings than any other orchestra have been sold commercially by this ensemble.
Sting joined Joel for a duet performance of “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. Sting will also join Joel during his shows with Stevie Nicks this spring in Arlington and Chicago as well as co-headlining gigs this summer before their final Madison Square Garden residency dates with Rod Stewart.
Sting injected renewed life and excitement into iconic songs like “Message in a Bottle” and “Fields of Gold.” He skillfully extended songs such as the winding melody of Desert Rose for maximum tension and impact, while being an outstanding host by welcoming WGBH’s High School Sing-Off winner as well as performing duets with Katie Mayhew.