.

.

STING
+ Joe Sumner
@ Kings Park, Perth,
10th February 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

An Englishman In Perth:
Sting Wows Crowd with a
Night of Music, Magic, and Mastery

.

.

The first concert on Sting’s Australian Tour got off to a cracking start with the legendary Englishman performing a songbook that showed the breadth of his musical artistry and his impact in popular music.

With one sold-out show in the bag and another show tonight, Sting’s tour has the momentum to be a completely sold-out tour.

First though, was musician Joe Sumner who wandered out on stage with little fanfare to give a friendly albeit by the numbers folk-rock set of songs. Singing “It’s Up To You”, “Jellybean” and “Hope” with only his acoustic guitar as instrumentation, Sumner played with fervor. An interesting choice for support but given he’s Sting’s son, it seemed to be a case of keeping it all in the family.

.

Joe Sumner // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

“We are delighted to be back in your city! I think it’s been eight years.” STING

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

Sting has long since proven himself to be a prolific solo songwriter and performer yet he holds no pretence about delivering The Police hits. He appears to be quite matter-of-fact like that. Opening the night with “Message In A Bottle” the singer cut a sinewy figure while cradling a hefty bass and delivered a spirited performance that received an enthusiastic response. We were off to a great start.

Sting appeared relaxed as he roamed the stage singing into a microphone headset, making eye contact and interacting with the lucky few close to the stage. A jazzy outing of solo song “Englishman In New York” had the crowd singing along before moving into more beloved territory with “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”.

It was a hat trick that mollified the audience. Taking a seat on a stool Sting acknowledged with a cheeky smile that he had played some hits, but bad news he was going to now play some new songs.

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

Those new songs, which he mused might turn into hits one day, came off his 2021 album “The Bridge”. Displaying a tone of contentment in the lyricism, “If It’s Love”, “Loving You” and “Rushing Water” settled in snuggly amongst other anthems and were respectfully listened to by the crowd.

Backed by an impressive band that was tight and looking as if they were enjoying every minute, Sting merely had to deliver – well himself. His voice was still strong as he paced himself hitting the high notes through “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” and singing delicately for “Fields Of Gold” while accompanied by Dominic Miller for the guitar solo.

In between songs, Sting with dry humour chatted about his song’s inspiration, labelling “Brand New Day” a song intended for the new millennium bringing out Shane Sager to take up Stevie Wonder’s harmonica part and doing a fine job.

As soon as one song finished, another classic would be brought out. The musician with jazz and post-punk roots is a master at delivering thoughtfully constructed soft rock with a sharpened edge. “Shape Of My Heart” was a good example and brought the tempo down a little before he headed into the home stretch of massive hits.

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

“Walking On The Moon” went straight into “So Lonely” followed by “King Of Pain” which had his son and support act Joe Sumner out on stage. From here on in, everyone ditched their picnic chairs and blankets to bounce on their feet. By the time the opening guitar riff of “Every Breath You Take” washed over the crowd, it felt like 90 minutes was just not enough time with the legendary singer.

Encore “Roxanne” would just have to satisfy the audience and it did, with Sting cheerfully interacting with the crowd he closed the night like he was an old friend as thousands sang along with him.

It’s been eight years since he was last here and he appeared surprised at the overwhelmingly warm reception. Clearly, we’ve missed him. With the My Songs tour, Sting solidifies his place as a live performer that has successfully crossed genres and generations with sharp songwriting and a powerful show featuring songs. Who knows, with the ongoing popularity of this tour, those new songs may just end up being hits.

4.5 / 5 stars

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

Check out Isabelle Haubrich Photography’s full gallery of this event HERE

.

Follow STING
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

.

STING // Photo – Isabelle Haubrich Photography

.

Press Release October 2023 (below) HERE

STING: MY SONGS
Critically Acclaimed World Tour

Australian Tour in February 2023
adds new concert in Sydney
due to overwhelming demand

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB