Sting, the legendary musician known for his work with The Police and his successful solo career, has been making headlines with his new power trio. The group, featuring guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, made their North American debut on September 17, 2024, at the Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan. This tour marks a significant milestone in Sting's career as he continues to perform and create new music.
Set List and Performance Highlights
The set list for Sting's Fillmore Detroit show was a testament to his enduring legacy. Half of the 20 songs performed were originally released with The Police, including classics like 'Message in a Bottle,' 'If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,' and 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.' The performance also featured several songs from Sting's solo catalog, such as 'Fields of Gold' and 'Shape of My Heart.' The trio's rendition of 'Roxanne' was particularly notable, showcasing their ability to bring new energy to iconic tracks.
Sting has been touring extensively under the banner of his 'Sting 3.0' tour, which began in May at Dresden, Germany. This tour has seen him revisit some of his most beloved songs, including 'Voices Inside My Head,' a track from The Police's album *Zenyatta Mondatta*, which had not been played live since 2006. The Police's 'Synchronicity II' also made a return to the set list after a six-year absence.
New Music and Collaborations
In addition to his live performances, Sting has been actively creating new music. His latest single, 'I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),' features Miller and Maas and marks Sting's first new release since 2021's *The Bridge*. This song was described by Sting as a spontaneous creation with simple chords, reflecting an elemental and aggressive sound that he aimed to surprise his audience with.
Sting's collaboration with Philippe Petit at the Ohana Festival in New York was another highlight of his recent activities. Petit, known for his high-wire walks, commemorated his 50-year anniversary of walking between the Twin Towers with an event titled 'Towering.' Sting provided music for the evening, performing 'Fragile' and 'Fields of Gold' with a classical ensemble. The event concluded with Sting performing a new song from a musical work in progress about Petit called 'Let the Great World Spin.'
Upcoming Tour Dates and Special Performances
Sting's tour continues to thrill audiences across North America. Following his successful debut in Detroit, he will perform in Toronto (September 20-21), Philadelphia (September 30-October 1), Chicago (October 28-29), San Francisco (November 6-7), and Los Angeles (November 12-13). He will also play three nights in Brooklyn on October 7, 9-10. Additionally, Sting has scheduled a series of tandem stadium dates with Billy Joel, showcasing his enduring ability to captivate diverse audiences.
At 72, Sting remains as energetic and committed to his craft as ever. In his own words, 'Why not? I'm not wearing a corset or anything.' This attitude reflects his dedication to continuing his career on the road, ensuring that fans will continue to enjoy his music for years to come.
