As raindrops began pelting Petco Park during Billy Joel’s set on Saturday evening, the pianist joked about other musical figures who have had to contend with inclement conditions.
At the conclusion of his 16-song set, Sting invited Joel back onstage for a duet performance of their deep cut “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Learn more.
The Duets
Sting delivered an incredible set, performing all his classic songs with such passion that they seemed as though they had only recently been written. Even after performing them countless times before, Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, and Englishman in New York seemed fresh as ever.
Billy Joel opened with a strong performance. His set featured every hit imaginable and was an effective way for fans to relive their youth and begin the show in style.
Joel surprised fans with an extra special duet when he brought out Sting to perform The Police song ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’. They will again join forces at San Diego’s Petco Park in April as well as his remaining co-headlining shows with Stevie Nicks – watch fan-shot clips of this performance below!
The Songs
Sting’s 16-song opening set was an impeccable example of pace, balance and musicality. His vocals may not be as powerful anymore but were still warm and resonant during his performances of “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”, “Message in a Bottle”, and even his new wave hit song, “King of Pain”.
The singer demonstrated his impressive bass skills by adding depth and texture to some of his classics. Additionally, he used Juice WRLD’s harmonica intro from “Lucid Dreams” for a fresh interpretation and sampled instrumentals to boost the beat in Billy Joel’s “Shape of My Heart.”
Joel showed the Florida audience his affection for New York through clips of the Brooklyn Bridge during “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and crashing waves during an upbeat rendition of “New York State of Mind.” On jazzy songs like “Big Man on Mulberry Street” he would twirl his mic stand like a baton like an orchestra conductor while bopping across stage wearing his gray suit and brimmed hat to create some delightful music; looking as cool as ever as well!
The Performances
Reintroducing Sting for “Message in a Bottle” seemed like the natural choice. His voice sounded smooth as ever and their rapport kept audiences riveted in their seats.
Joel also proved he could rock as hard as his critics claimed he couldn’t, unleashing an energetic version of “New York State of Mind.” As it played, crowd members cheered and images of Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty flashed across the screen.
And when it came time for “Turn the Lights Back On,” the singer truly shined. His rendition sounded just as impressive live as on radio, and fans were treated to an encore performance featuring Sting singing lead on choruses – leaving their fans in no doubt that this performance would long be remembered.
The Venue
Billy Joel has garnered various honors and awards during his impressive career. He was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as receiving one of America’s highest cultural honours: the Kennedy Center Honor. Additionally, he has received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and has composed music for multiple films.
He has never been one to rest on his laurels; rather he continues producing music (including a comeback single released earlier this month) while doing some charitable work and lecturing at colleges around the country.
He has an exciting schedule lined up, including two shows with Stevie Nicks and solo gigs. Later this summer he’ll conclude his 10-year Madison Square Garden residency and has performances scheduled in San Diego, St Louis and Texas – it doesn’t appear he plans on slowing down anytime soon!