On Saturday, two of music’s greatest icons will take over Petco Park for what promises to be an extraordinary concert experience. However, don’t just think of this event as another concert experience – rather consider this an unprecedented synchronised act between these iconic artists!
Sting joined Joel during his opening set to perform their collaboration, “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” as seen below. Additionally, Sting brought new life and fresh inspiration into classic tracks such as “Message in a Bottle” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, adding extended verses when necessary.
What to Expect
Sting may no longer have a powerful voice, but the 74-year-old British rocker still manages to find ways to compensate. On “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” for instance, he employed middle harmony voicing or played back his vocals half a step or so lower to accommodate for his sore throat and temporarily ease his strain.
He gave plenty of love to New York State during “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and with an upbeat rendition of “New York State of Mind.”
Sting made his presence known with his own set, beginning it with The Police’s “Message in a Bottle,” before joining Joel for an impressive duet of “Desert Rose.” Both musicians made appearances in each other’s sets as well. For his show at Petco Park, MTS extended Trolley service directly outside the stadium, stopping at 12th & Imperial Transit Center nearby – providing free rides for concertgoers who hold valid event tickets.
The Setlist
Joel spent much of 2024 touring co-headlining with Sting, from solo headlining shows and two stadium concerts featuring Fleetwood Mac stars Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart at Tampa Raymond James Stadium to San Diego Petco Park while still performing monthly at Madison Square Garden.
The Piano Man performed similar setlists in Tampa and San Diego, featuring classics like “New York State of Mind” alongside contemporary interpretations like “Shape of My Heart.” He even included Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams.”
Sting, who opened with an impressive rendition of his 1993 hit “Heavy Cloud No Rain,” delivered an energetic set, complete with his iconic Sinatra-esque suit and hat – even inviting vocalist/harmonica player Shane Sager ontostage to emulate Stevie Wonder’s harmonica intro on “Brand New Day”.
Sting’s Guest Appearance
Billy Joel and Sting kicked off their series of co-headlining shows in Tampa, Florida with a bang Saturday night, delighting audiences with two duets before each performing an individual set.
Joel performed hits from throughout his career. Additionally, he modified some of his signature tunes with influences from reggae, jazz and world music. Sting seamlessly integrated his various styles when performing fan favorites like “Roxanne” and “Englishman In New York.”
Both artists were in top voice: Sting showed remarkable versatility with his songs, shifting keys and time signatures to keep his tunes sounding fresh and vital, while Joel excelled at performing ballads that suited Sting’s singer-songwriter style crooner vocals perfectly. Together they performed classic rock song “Big Man on Mulberry Street” before enjoying themselves onstage together – this concert being recorded for CBS special “The 100th: Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden – The Greatest Arena Run of All Time,” premiering this Sunday on CBS!
Tickets
Billy Joel has long been one of the highest-grossing touring artists worldwide, his songs becoming staples in rock history. Pair that with 17 Grammy awards won by Sting and it becomes clear why any show featuring both artists would surely be an unmitigated success.
On Saturday night in Tampa, Florida, fans were treated to an unprecedented event when Sting and Joel joined forces for an unprecedented concert performance. Sting kicked off his set by performing both solo material as well as material performed with The Police while Joel helped Sting sing “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.”
Vivid Seats now offers tickets to see two of music’s biggest stars perform together live at concerts this spring in San Diego and Chicago as well as in October/November at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas – don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these unforgettable concerts! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of experiencing two iconic music artists performing together!