On Saturday night in Tampa, just a few drops of rain fell, yet that didn’t dampen spirits among a sold-out crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
Sting opened his set by performing The Police’s 1981 hit, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Joel joined later for their 1986 collaboration on their song “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. Check out below for photos and video footage!
What to Expect
Billy Joel hit it out of the park when he sang his opening set and declared: “It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday.” Despite a light drizzle lingering outside Raymond James Stadium, there was no dampening effect as Piano Man and Sting kicked off their series of co-headlining shows with sold-out audiences at this inaugural performance.
Experienced performers, the duo performed both duets and solo sets during this show. Boasting multiple Grammy awards, Las Vegas residencies and charitable initiatives between them, both artists understand the weight of their legacies as well as expectations and demands placed upon them.
Sting’s 16-song opening set was expertly orchestrated. Drawing upon both his solo work and The Police classics, including one performance of “Englishman in New York”, both artists showed exceptional form throughout.
Opening Numbers
Sting took to the stage first, singing several songs before Joel joined him to perform together for the remainder of the evening – both artists featuring on each other’s hits throughout.
“Glass Houses,” performed by The Piano Man in 1978, showcases an Afro-Cuban rhythm with maracas and castanets for added percussion chugging beneath. It pokes fun at an industry that was just as bent on forcing trends back then as today.
Sting’s set was full of timeless classics that felt fresh and vital for audiences that have followed him since the ’80s, delighting listeners with performances of timeless rock tunes such as Roxanne,”Englishman In New York”,and Fields Of Gold”.
Duets
Sting and The Piano Man collaborated on several duets that delighted their sold-out audience at Raymond James Stadium. First, Sting joined Joel for an exhilarating rendition of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. Sting’s voice fit seamlessly into this track that provided a snapshot of world events since 1949.
After each performed solo sets, Billy and Sting joined forces for an exciting rendition of his 1986 hit, “Big Man on Mulberry Street.” Sting donned a fedora to complete his look.
Later that night, Sting returned with Joel to perform “Englishman in New York.” Their performance blended influences from reggae and jazz for an emotive rendition that highlighted immigrant struggles. Yet it managed to remain hopeful; giving audience members pride in their city and its immigrant community.
Standout Performances
Joel made history at Madison Square Garden when he performed for 100th time; special guests including Sting and Jerry Seinfeld made special appearances. It can currently be streamed via Paramount+.
Sting and Joel were particularly impressive as a duet on “Secret World” by The Police, as well as performing a folk-tinged, upbeat version of Sting’s own “Solsbury Hill.” Gabriel’s strident, predatory “Games Without Frontiers,” with push-pull harmonies matching its rhythmic backbone perfectly; finally closing with Technicolor horn explosion “Sledgehammer”, was pure exuberance.
Joel unveiled an innovative music video, “Turn the Lights Back On,” using AI technology to transform himself back into his former selves from past decades while sitting at the piano. Reviving his 1970s self with brown suit and bushy hair before changing back into current-day Joel wearing leather jacket and coiffed look was an appropriate way to commemorate and acknowledge a milestone anniversary and the longevity of his career.