Billy Joel & Sting – A Duet at Raymond James Stadium
Sting showcased his rock ‘n’ roll roots during his set, singing “Englishman in New York” alongside the crowd and hoping that Joel could join in a duet version of “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
Two of music’s iconic figures came together for one special evening performance in San Diego this Saturday night, and this video showcases highlights from their collaboration.
1. Every Breath You Take
Every Breath You Take, released in 1983, remains one of the most beloved songs worldwide. From wedding receptions and grocery store trips alike, its timeless melody has become part of daily life.
Sting first presented this song’s demo to his bandmates during a time of great personal turmoil: his divorce with Frances Tomelty had just ended and a new romance had started with Trudie Styler.
2. Big Man on Mulberry Street
Sting, dressed like Frank Sinatra with his trademark hat and suit, joined Joel for an incredible duet performance of Big Man on Mulberry Street – a timeless song rarely performed live by Joel himself.
Joel sounded strong and in high spirits as he kept the crowd amused between songs with hilarious between-song banter. He performed nearly two dozen favorites while mixing in an assortment of covers and snippets from previous performances.
3. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Joel’s catalogue spans his entire career. This performance included music from both 1973’s Piano Man and 1976’s Turnstiles albums.
Sting, who looked strikingly similar to Frank Sinatra when wearing his suit and hat, joined them for the jazzy song, “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
Joel will wrap up his Madison Square Garden residency in July; also scheduled are concerts with Nicks in Arlington, Texas and San Diego.
4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM —
The co-headlining tour officially kicked off Saturday in Tampa and will travel through Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium before concluding at one show this November at Allegiant Stadium. This unique performance from two music icons offers fans an exclusive experience while Joel wraps up his 10-year sold-out residency at Madison Square Garden this spring.
5. Walk On The Moon
Walk the Moon is a U.S. rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio best known for their hit single “Shut Up and Dance”.
Joel made the most of this one-night-only co-headlining show by staying behind during Sting’s set to help sing classics together and Tampa witnessed them both perform New York State of Mind together – creating an unforgettable memory for fans!
6. Fields of Gold
Fields of Gold is perhaps Sting’s best-known song from his 1993 album Ten Summoner’s Tales and stands as an timeless classic that utilizes minor and subdominant chords to create an ethereal atmosphere.
Two Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers made for an unforgettable close to their co-headlining show with an astonishing duet, delighting their audiences with an innovative rendition of 1993 hit Over My Shoulder over a house-inspired dance track.
7. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Under a full moonlight, Sting and his band regrouped for “English Man In New York.” Joel would likely have preferred being part of this version; instead he was replaced with reggae fusion star Shaggy.
Joel will then co-headline two more shows with Stevie Nicks at Arlington, Texas and Chicago before concluding his Madison Square Garden residency this July.
8. Walking on the Moon
Joel had some special treats in store for the Tampa audience. For one, he unveiled “Allentown”, his state-of-the-nation treatise that tends to lean towards politics.
Once again, Sting returned for Big Man on Mulberry Street, which hadn’t been performed live in Tampa since 1993. It was an exciting moment. Sting sounded fantastic despite turning 40.
9. The Longest Time
At Raymond James Stadium, The Piano Man and British rocker Billy Joel kicked off their co-headlining tour with this song despite raindrops that started soon after he took the stage.
This infectious tune serves as a gentle reminder that even in this age of synthesizer music and new wave, melodies remain essential elements.
10. Turn the Lights Back On
Piano Man Billy Joel recently issued a single to encourage fans not to “wish for the end” just yet, produced by Grammy-nominee Freddy Wexler and written by Wayne Hector and Arthur Bacon who have worked alongside artists like Kanye West, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Joel created an immersive and ominous song, complete with an incredible piano solo to showcase his talent on the instrument and mark an excellent return from an extensive hiatus from recording music. It represents an outstanding comeback opportunity for this veteran singer-songwriter.