Sting
‘My Songs’ Tour
San Diego
Photos and Review by SYLVIA BORGO
SAN DIEGO – Sting, the legendary British musician, took the stage in a whirlwind of excitement and nostalgia during his “My Songs” tour, leaving the crowd in awe with a night of musical brilliance and storytelling. At 72 years old, Sting proved that age is merely a number, delivering a skillful performance.
The concert kicked off with three of Sting’s biggest hits: “Message in a Bottle,” “Englishman in New York,” and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” The famous former frontman of rock trio The Police captured the hearts of those in the crowd on a balmy San Diego evening.
What truly set this concert apart was Sting’s ability to connect with the audience through storytelling. He introduced songs or sets of songs with brief, captivating anecdotes. It was evident that he wanted to set the record straight on his musical history during the “My Songs” tour.
In one poignant moment, Sting delved into the topic of love, performing a set of two songs dedicated to the subject. He shared that he had “real estate” on the subject of love because he had experienced it in all its forms—falling in love, having his heart broken, and even breaking a few hearts himself.
Sting’s vocal prowess is astonishing, defying his age. His rich voice showed no signs of wear and tear. Whatever his secret to maintaining such a remarkable vocal range, it’s definitely working. His charisma shone through as he humorously introduced “Fields of Gold,” describing it as a song about his house, “a castle really.”
A highlight of the evening was “Why Should I Cry For You,” which Sting introduced by sharing a personal story.
He talked about growing up in a seaport town and how his father had urged him to go out to sea, make something of himself, and see the world. This touching story added a layer of depth to the performance, making the song even more resonant.
While Sting undoubtedly commanded the stage, he was also generous in sharing it with his incredibly talented band. His long-time friend, Dominic Miller, was, as always, brilliant on lead guitar. Shane Seger, the youngest member of the crew, impressed on the harmonica, stepping into the shoes previously filled by Stevie Wonder on “Brand New Day.” Two fantastic backup vocalists, Melissa Musique and Gene Noble, added depth and harmony to the performance, shining on tracks like “Heavy Cloud No Rain” and “Shape of My Heart.”
Sting’s energy was contagious, and he even injected some sexy swagger into the groovier songs, treating the crowd to a seductive hip swivel that prompted several cheers and screams.
As the night drew to a close, Sting took a moment to reflect. “It is my custom to finish the evening with something quiet and thoughtful so you can go home quiet and thoughtful,” he said before launching into “Fragile.” The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics was the perfect conclusion to a night filled with music, stories, and timeless classics.
In the end, Sting’s “My Songs” tour was a journey through his illustrious career, showcasing his enduring talent, wit, and charm.
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