Billy Joel & Sting made an outstanding joint debut at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa when they kicked off their co-headlining tour, performing hit after hit for an enthusiastic sell-out audience.
Sting’s performances of classic songs such as “Message in a Bottle” and “Desert Rose” always added new life, yet never felt forced or rushed. He took his time with each note, never rushing them through.
Sting joined Joel during his set to perform their iconic duet “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Check out fan-recorded clips below.
1. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Joel and Sting’s inaugural co-headlining stadium show of 2024 took place tonight, and was an overwhelming success! Joel invited Sting to perform their hit song, “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” alongside him. Additionally, fan-captured video footage captured this extraordinary event.
Sting and Martin brought their dynamic performance together on stage for an electric performance, leaving the audience spellbound and laughing out loud. He added his signature flair to hits like Roxanne, “Message in a Bottle”, and “Fields of Gold”.
Sting chose an extended version of his 1993 hit song “Heavy Cloud No Rain,” featuring its catchy lines: “The clouds won’t move until their work is done / Every morning I pray it would rain today / If only it would come today.” Reggae-fusion legend Shaggy then appeared for a surprise guest appearance on “Englishman in New York” while he made changes to “Roxanne,” including adding an audience shout chorus on its final line.
2. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Sting’s 16-song opening set was electrifying. Together with his band (including Cat Stevens’ keyboardist Jean Roussel’s delicate yet melodious keys) adding texture, melody and danceability to an incredible catalog of hits he performed flawlessly at perfect pace – his voice still carrying powerfully across every song even though its power may no longer match that of earlier times.
Joel invited him back for his headlining set, where they collaborated on Big Man on Mulberry Street – as seen in fan-captured clips. It was an ideal collaboration, with both singers taking turns singing verses before harmonizing on and jumping to the refrain together.
These rock legends will perform four co-headlining shows this year, including stops in San Diego, St. Louis, San Antonio and Las Vegas. Additionally, two one-night only concerts will take place this fall at Madison Square Garden.
3. Big Man on Mulberry Street
Joel gave the Tampa audience plenty of New York love during “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”, as the screen displayed Brooklyn Bridge clips during this song and an image of Lady Liberty appeared during another. Sting, dressed like Frank Sinatra himself with his trademark hat and suit combo, joined him back onstage for an enjoyable rendition of Big Man on Mulberry Street before Joel brought him offstage once more for another jazzy duet on Big Man on Mulberry Street.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bob Dylan and Billy Joel will join forces for more co-headlining shows this year, including those in San Diego and St Louis, plus solo dates by Joel (75) including his Madison Square Garden residency finale in July – at which many expect he may bring out Stevie Nicks as guest performer, or collaborate with Shaggy on “Englishman in New York” again (video of which can be found below).
4. We Didn’t Start the Fire
Billy Joel wrote “We Didn’t Start the Fire” upon reaching 40 years of age as part of his history lesson/rock song ode to life from 1949 through 1989 when it was recorded for his Storm Front album.
Sting joined Joel for this timeless classic, as seen in fan-captured footage. He maintained his classic crooner persona by belting out lyrics while Joel played piano and harmonized on various verses.
Fall Out Boy released an updated version on June 28, 2023 with new lyrics that span from 2019-2023, including references to North and South Korean tensions under leader Kim Jong Un as well as Prince and Queen deaths.
5. The Entertainer
Sting and Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer Don Henley made Tampa into New York State with a sold-out co-headlining show at Raymond James Stadium on August 1. They’ll continue performing together this year – including shows with Stevie Nicks and their final residency run at Madison Square Garden in July.
Few legacy artists can surprise crowds with fresh material like Joel did, yet his vocals still connected with thousands of fans. At 74, Joel even modified one verse in an ode to his hometown song to include an acknowledgement to The New York Post that had previously been referenced. Additionally, his lyrics to another tune paid tribute to those lost due to tragedies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.