Billy Joel and Sting Perform One Night Only in Tampa
On February 24th 2024, four legendary rock and roll acts co-headlined a “One Night Only” concert in Tampa for Q105 photographer Crystal Taliefero to capture some of the highlights from their outstanding sets.
Sting invited reggae icon Shaggy for a duet performance of their popular hit ‘Englishman In New York’.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Sting and Joel joined forces on several hits and even collaborated in some duets, with Sting in particular looking like Frank Sinatra with his silver suit and brimmed hat for their jazzy “Big Man on Mulberry Street” collaboration; clearly having fun.
Rian Malan provided a thorough account of its history in a 2000 RS report by Rian Malan. Mbube (or Wimoweh in America where it was misheard as song title), was responsible for earning millions for South African composer and band leader Solomon Linda and their Evening Birds ensemble.
Linda lived out his final years in poverty and died penniless; although legal settlements provided his family with respectable but not lavish amounts of money, these sums paled in comparison with what Linda might have made had he been allowed to keep all his royalties over time.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Sting kept his audience satisfied with a selection of Police hits such as “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle” and “Fields of Gold.” In addition, his own songs still felt fresh even after decades.
He even sang an early demo version of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”, featuring guest keyboardist Jean Roussel who recorded it against the wishes of his fellow band members – eventually, this track contributed to making Ghost in the Machine the Police’s best selling album.
These rock veterans will unite for several One Night Only shows this year, such as April 13 in San Diego and two Alamodome performances in October and November, followed by one appearance each at Allegiant Stadium and Allegiant Field respectively – get tickets here.
Big Man on Mulberry Street
Anyone familiar with Billy Joel shows knows he doesn’t shy away from covering songs other than his own; at Tampa’s Ray James stadium on Saturday, Billy performed the opera aria “Nessun Dorma” to great acclaim.
After Sting’s opening set of Police and solo hits, his duo joined together on “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” as shown by fan-captured videos. Both sang harmony vocals while taking turns leading the song for an intimate duet performance.
On Oct. 25 and Nov. 9 respectively, these rock stars will reunite at two concerts: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Additionally, they’ll perform solo shows – one with Stevie Nicks as well as their final Madison Square Garden residency residency.
Turn the Lights Back On
Billy Joel has released “Turn the Lights Back On”, co-written with longtime fan Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector – after 17 years without writing an original song of his own.
This love ballad depicts an everlasting romance on its last legs; but, the singer refuses to let go without making one last effort for its continuation.
Joel shows his undoubted skills once again with chord progressions reminiscent of classic hits like “She’s Always A Woman” and ivory playing abilities that surpass any expectations. No longer do fans fear their beloved artist has turned into an old man; rather he remains an artist of true longevity.
The Entertainer
Sting was in great form as he breathed new life into classic songs such as “Message in a Bottle,” ”Brand New Day,” and “Fields of Gold.” While remaining faithful to each tune’s essence, Sting added just enough innovation so as not to become repetitive or stagnant.
At Tampa’s age-diverse crowd of bald club members and grey locks, “Englishman in New York” drew them all to their feet for a singalong. While it would have been great to see Joel join Sting for the second verse, instead reggae-fusion icon Shaggy appeared out of nowhere to complete it instead.
Joel and Sting will continue performing together this year with dates in San Diego, St. Louis, and San Antonio. Additionally, The Piano Man will perform stadium shows with Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart before ending his 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden on July 25.