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Billy Joel & Sting opened up their one-night co-headlining shows in Tampa with an unforgettable duet at Raymond James Stadium. Both artists brought decades of hits from their legendary careers.

Sting brought his classic hits such as “Message in a Bottle”, “King of Pain” and “Fields of Gold” back with an exciting energy during his performance in San Jose, CA on January 17. Check out fan-captured footage from that night here!

What to Expect

Billy Joel and Sting co-headlined at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night to launch their “One Night Only” concert series with an exciting performance. Both rock icons featured prominently on each other’s setlists – Sting staying behind to help sing one of his chart-topping Police hit songs: “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.”

Sting gave each song new energy despite having performed them multiple times before. He expertly blended reggae, jazz and world music into classic rock staples such as Roxanne and “Englishman in New York”.

Joel kept the audience riveted through a selection of his blockbuster hits, featuring powerful vocals that sometimes seemed rough but overall proved powerful and expressive. Additionally, he pulled from his extensive repertoire for covers like The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and Tokens’ “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (along with opera aria “Nessun Dorma,” performed by fellow musician Mike DelGuidice).

The Setlist

Sting was in fine voice throughout his performance, performing all his classic hits with renewed fervor. Even his early songs like “Message in a Bottle” and “Fields of Gold” still felt current thanks to dynamic arrangements that brought them up-to-date.

He breathed new life into older material, such as “Desert Rose,” with its haunting Arabic melody which seemed particularly pertinent at a time when war is once again raging in the Middle East. Additionally, he extended many songs such as “Walking on the Moon,” in order to create dynamic tension and release.

Joel returned after Sting had completed his set to join him for two duets – performing “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” from The Police, as well as Sting’s 1984 hit, “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Fans caught glimpses of them together singing.

The Audience

Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers Peter Frampton and Rick Springfield kicked off their co-headlining tour together at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Saturday evening, performing many hits together as well as joining each other for duets.

Sting opened his show with a 16-song set encompassing both his solo catalog and The Police discography, showing why even at 62 years old his music still resonates with force and conviction. Backed by his one-woman five-man band that included bassist Ben Butler (who seamlessly filled in for Dominic Miller) as well as three younger backup singers he delivered his material with power and conviction.

After Sting left the stage, Joel strode onstage and took center stage. Sitting at a grand piano, he immediately launched into “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway).” To the delight of everyone present, his plaintive piano chords filled the entire venue. Joel brought plenty of New York charm with him onstage: Scenes From An Italian Restaurant’, ‘Uptown Girl” and the jazzy “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Additionally he provided plenty of comic relief throughout his set with comedic breaks between songs!

The Final Words

Billy Joel keeps his songs fresh as they get older; his warm voice remains captivating, while his keyboard work can be breathtakingly gorgeous. And when he brings in an audience member for a duet performance, their response is immediate and heartfelt.

Sting’s opening set in Tampa featured his beloved “Englishman in New York,” while Raymond James Stadium saw plenty of Empire State love from him as well. For example, there was even an image showing clips from Brooklyn Bridge during their 1993 hit song, “Heavy Cloud No Rain.”

Mr. Ross made sure to honor his fellow bald-club members with an astounding cover of Sting’s hit, “The Longest Time,” before inviting fans from the front row into an amazing jazzy rendition of Sting’s “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” That truly was something special!