Sting and Billy Joel began their One Night Only co-headlining tour on a high note Saturday in Tampa. Sting invited Billy Joel out for an electric performance of The Police classic ‘Englishman in New York’ before Sting joined him for another duet of “Lake of Fire.”
Joel then returned the favor, inviting Sting onstage for an in-depth rendition of ‘Big Man on Mulberry Street. Watch fan-shot clips below of their jam session!
1. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Sting’s beautiful voice and vast emotions have never been so apparent.
Joel was at his finest as well, making Madison Square Garden feel more like an intimate nightclub than an arena venue.
Stewart Copeland’s meaty beats and inventive flourishes were reminiscent of John Densmore, but more inventive, especially his cascades of rhythmic rat-tat-tat on “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Jean Roussel added melodic palette expansion that enhanced its catchiness.
2. Big Man on Mulberry Street
Joel returned midway through his set to perform The Police classic alongside Sting and fans captured it all on video.
The song tells a tale about someone who believes themselves to be more important than they really are, yet is actually quite unaware. Additionally, its jazz influences make for an engaging tune, along with an assertive melody which make this tune very appealing to listeners.
3. We Didn’t Start the Fire
Song has become a cultural touchstone, featuring references to major events. Pop-punk band Fall Out Boy released an updated version in 2023 which references Kim Jong Un, Prince and England’s new queen.
Fall Out Boy deviates significantly from its predecessor by randomly mixing in notable figures and events, such as Tiger King, L.A. riots and Eyjafjallajokull’s 2010 eruption that grounded planes – as well as those related to Netflix show Stranger Things which do not even mention specific years!
4. The Entertainer
Joel performed this song as part of his Millennium show, a four-hour New Year’s Eve concert televised and streamed live. Sting returned later in the set to sing duet vocals on Big Man on Mulberry Street with Joel.
Sting breathed new life into Joel classics such as “Message in a Bottle,” “Fields of Gold” and “King of Pain.” He extended songs without slowing them down; adding dynamic tension and release.
Joel explored early in his career the dark underbelly of fame through the lens of The Entertainer, an autobiographical song.
5. Only the Good Die Young
This song about a Catholic girl who refuses premarital sex was highly contentious at its time for its perceived slights to Christianity, yet remains a great rock tune with acoustic guitars and zydeco organ jabs that still shine bright.
Sting’s voice may no longer be what it once was, but his vocal range still allows for great performances. One might assume he would join Joel onstage to perform “Englishman in New York,” yet instead reggae-fusion artist Shaggy joined them for one last verse of this classic tune.
6. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Since Billy Joel first performed at Madison Square Garden 10 years ago, every show has sold out and Thursday marked his 100th concert as part of a residency that will air April 14 on CBS special.
The song begins by recalling Brenda and Eddie’s high school romance. Over time, however, their passion and ardor appear to have lessened.
Sting gave classic songs new life with his performance of “Message in a Bottle.” His latest single, “Turn the Lights Back On,” earned a shout from fans waving wrist lights.
7. Piano Man
Joel made history with this story song from 1973. In spite of a failed debut album (Cold Spring Harbor), legal battles with his first record label and years spent waiting tables in piano lounges on Long Island, Joel finally hit it big with this story song from 1973.
Characterization and dialogue really elevate this song; instrumentals alone would have been excellent without stories to enhance them. Joel excels in writing songs like these as well as Big Man on Mulberry Street and Captain Jack – so fans of his should not miss this chance to watch them live!
8. The Entertainer
Sting was an example of pace and vocal power throughout his 16-song set. He added an exciting dimension to classic songs like “Message in a Bottle”, “Brand New Day” and “Fields of Gold”, by taking time to build dynamic tension in each song.
He drew enthusiastic applause when he unveiled his first new song in 17 years: “Turn the Lights Back On.” The tune allowed crowds to wave musically synchronized wrist-lights. Additionally, Joel joined him for an energetic jazz duet performance of “Big Man on Mulberry Street”, keeping energy high throughout.