After performing several solo numbers, Sting joined Joel for an unforgettable duet of “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” captured on video by fans. Joel added lyrics that pay homage to local newspapers by changing certain lyrics within this classic tune.
He then joined Joel for a performance of The Police’s ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ (with fan-filmed videos being widely circulated).
New York State of Mind
Joel made changes to the lyrics during a concert special that aired Sunday night on CBS, making specific reference to The Post while already noting the Times and Daily News in his original tune, which he has been singing for years.
After Sting had played piano, Joel performed some songs from Turnstiles; the show really kicked off when DJ Premier’s beat dropped, with 19-year-old Nas admitting that he “don’t know how to start this sh*t.”
But then he unleashes two massive verses packed with remarkable wordplay and gritty storytelling, even making the crowd rap along at times! At his conclusion, clips of Brooklyn and Liberty appear on screen as an adorable way of showing appreciation for his hometown.
Big Man on Mulberry Street
Billy Joel describes this jazz-influenced track as the tale of “a loser who thinks he’s a big shot”. It draws its inspiration from Little Italy in New York City where the piano man often strolled to clear his mind.
Joel’s songs stand out for their blend of jazz elements and storytelling narrative. A version featuring orchestral arrangement was included on The Bridge album released in 1986.
Joel frequently used this song during his live performances; recording a concert version for his 1987 tour of Russia that later appeared on Kohuept (1987) and A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia (2014) live albums. A music video for this song featured clips from Moonlighting episode directed by Stanley Donen who modelled its dance sequence after Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse’s classic number from Singin’ in the Rain (1952).
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Sting immediately made his presence known on Saturday night’s co-headlining tour, showing just what kind of show this was to be. At 74 years old, the legendary musician opened with a set that combined songs from his solo catalogue as well as former band The Police material. Sting even joined Joel onstage for a duet performance of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” before inviting 44/876 collaborator Shaggy for an interpretation of “Englishman in New York”.
Petco Park was in for an unforgettable musical evening as soon as the opening chords of “Big Man on Mulberry Street” echoed out. A timeless classic since first topping the UK charts back in 1981, this song continues to inspire and uplift listeners even today. Andy Summers’ guitar provided a subtle yet vital soundtrack while Copeland’s energetic bass and Sting’s emotive vocals led the show.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
“Piano Man” and former Police frontman Sting drew a sold-out audience of 60,000 to Petco Park on Saturday for an unforgettable show, co-headlined by two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers whose concerts they had shared stages before this one-night-only performance.
Both artists showcased a mixture of their own hits as well as classic tunes; during Sting’s set, Joel was seen accompanying him on “The Big Man on Mulberry Street,” captured on fan video clips.
As they sang, the pair was joined by an ensemble of more than 300 voices forming a choir that lifted its arms into the air for their final chorus, to cheers from an enthusiastic audience. Sting subsequently returned onstage solo to perform The Police’s “Message in a Bottle”, while also joining with them on several verses with crowd harmonies for multiple verses.