Billy Joel recently took advantage of an opportunity to collaborate with another iconic artist: Sting. Both artists performed alongside one another during a co-headlining show in Tampa and fan footage showed both artists sharing career-spanning sets during their sets.
Sting kicked off his set with an engaging rendition of The Police’s classic hit “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Joel then joined Sting to sing along.
The Englishman in New York
Englishman in New York by Sting is a song dedicated to Quentin Crisp, one of his friends from England who faced serious backlash over his outspoken homosexuality.
Rosa’s dark vocals were an ideal fit for this song, and she sang some dynamic runs in its chorus. Though lighter and brighter than Sting’s version, hers didn’t lose any of its impact or emotion.
Joel appeared to be having an enjoyable experience; his piano playing was impressive and his vocals rich and expressive.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Sting joined Joel for “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
Tampa fans had not heard the track since Valentine’s Day 1999. To get fans in the right mindset for it, Joel teased it by singing its opening lines and teased by singing some words from it himself to warm up the crowd before beginning it properly.
Doo-wop tune written and recorded as Mbube in South Africa by Solomon Linda in 1939. Taken to number one status by The Tokens in 1961, its royalties continue to bring millions in royalties today.
The Longest Time
Sting kicked off his co-headlining tour with a 16-song set, mostly from his own catalogue. He and Joel traded off songs throughout the night, as well as dueting for several songs together on stage.
Joel never sought to subvert pop music conventions like Captain Beefheart did; in fact, his best albums relied more on lyrics and melody than on fireworks – this song serves as an excellent example.
We Didn’t Start the Fire
Joel wrote “Reasons To Remember,” his 1989 hit from Storm Front album. This song came after conversing with an anonymous friend who claimed nothing had changed during their era – prompting Joel to recount major historical events through song.
No matter where your beliefs may lie, Joel’s anthem serves as an invaluable time capsule that offers baby boomers and the generation after an overview of major political and cultural events such as Woodstock 99 and Oklahoma City bombing. Fall Out Boy followed in Joel’s footsteps, adding references like Woodstock 99 and Oklahoma City bombing as new chapters are unfurled in Fall Out Boy’s narrative.
Message in a Bottle
Joel shared the spotlight at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with fellow rock icon Sting, performing multiple hits from both their respective repertoires before inviting Sting onto stage for a duet performance.
Message in a Bottle by The Police was an epic 1979 song that captured the sentimental side of longing for love when you’re apart from someone special. It sent shockwaves through audiences across America.
Fields of Gold
Sting breathed new life into classic songs such as Message in a Bottle, Brand New Day and Fields of Gold with his dynamic performance of them. Though his voice may no longer be as potency, Sting can still hit those high parts with gusto even if he needs to alter them by dropping down one or more keys.
John Ellis shone brightest as an Englishman in New York with his ukulele performance and Evan Cullum (a regular at Rhumbelow Theatre) provided piano and stand-up bass accompaniment for an emotive Shape of My Heart performance.
King of Pain
Q105 fans in San Diego got an unforgettable treat Saturday night as Billy Joel and Sting took Raymond James Stadium by storm for “One Night Only”.
The pair performed songs from each of their catalogs, injecting new life into classics like “Message in a Bottle,” Brand New Day and Fields of Gold.
Joel has been hard at work recently, releasing his first album in 17 years and concluding his record-setting 150-show Madison Square Garden residency this summer.
The Entertainer
Billy Joel has an amusing group of rock royalty whom he refers to as the “barons of the second wave,” including Sting and Stevie Nicks.
He showcased Florida shows with plenty of Empire State flair, such as featuring a screen showing the Brooklyn Bridge during “New York State of Mind.” And of course there was always a doo-wop salute to ladies chanting for him in front row seats!
The Promise
Joel debuted a brand-new pop tune earlier this month during his Madison Square Garden run and Sting has scheduled several one-night-only stadium concerts with Stevie Nicks joining for various dates in 2024.
An affectionate tribute to Phil Spector and 1960s doo-wop music, this is a fun upbeat track. Although some sax licks may sound overdone at times, overall this tune stands up well as an entertaining piece with big sounding qualities.