Billy Joel and Sting opened up their co-headlining show in Tampa with a stunning duet, now streaming live on Paramount+.
Former Police frontman Sting sounded in top form while performing classic 80s hits such as “Message in a Bottle”. To add another layer to his performance, reggae icon Shaggy joined him for an unmissable rendition of “Englishman in New York.”
Below you can view highlights.
1. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Q105 fans got the opportunity to witness two music icons share the stage for One Night Only at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium Saturday. Both musicians brought hits from their extensive back catalogs as they showcased their extensive musical histories.
Sting kicked off his concert with an energetic performance of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Joel then joined Sting for an inspiring duet of “Englishman in New York”. Together they created an unforgettable night full of great music and unforgettable memories.
2. New York State of Mind
Joel and Sting made sure it wouldn’t be an evening to stay indoors despite the drizzle; Joel even modified one verse on a classic to include an acknowledgement to The Post in its lyrics.
Petco Park saw an enthusiastic, sold-out audience attend their show, where even raindrops did little to dampen spirits. Both artists have many more events scheduled this year – stadium shows with Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart are planned, as well as Joel’s MSG residency starting this July.
3. Turn the Lights Back On
Sting opened his co-headlining show with an astounding duet performance on its inaugural night. Amid an age-diverse audience full of fellow bald heads and broccoli haircuts, his voice rang warm and clear on beautiful renditions of “Vienna” and “Only the Good Die Young.”
He breathed new life into familiar favorites such as “Message in a Bottle,” “Fields of Gold” and “King of Pain.” Check out Q105’s photo gallery from this event HERE.
4. Only the Good Die Young
Billy Joel and Sting have never before shared a bill together, yet both performed hit after hit for fans in Tampa. Billy’s song about working and lower middle class New Yorkers inspired by Sting’s hit titled ‘Upside Down World’ is particularly beloved among his audience.
Sting wore a Sinatra-esque suit and fedora for this song’s classic crooner feel, and sang his heart out accompanied by enthusiastic crowd singing along. His performance was memorable for everyone in attendance!
5. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
These legendary performers began their co-headlining show in Tampa with a duet performance, and later Sting returned for “Big Man on Mulberry Street”.
This narrative song recounts the tale of Brenda and Eddie, two high school sweethearts. It’s a thoughtful look back on love, nostalgia, and time passing – we examine its lyrics closely to discover its meaning.
6. The Longest Time
Tampa concertgoers were treated to an exceptional treat Saturday night when Billy Joel invited Sting onstage for their debut co-headlining performance at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay. Sting performed his opening song as Joel opened with it.
Not one of his best tracks, this rock song boasts catchy vocals and solid rock instruments – I just wish it were shorter; it attempts to achieve Steely Dan-level complexity but falls short in several aspects.
7. We Didn’t Start the Fire
Joel brought Sting back ontostage for a jazzy rendition of Big Man on Mulberry Street that channeled Frank Sinatra.
On Saturday night, Joel and Fall Out Boy updated the song to reflect major events since its original composition in 1986. Last year, Fall Out Boy covered it and again performed it this time around; making a beautiful duo together on Saturday.
8. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Billy Joel and Sting rocked Raymond James Stadium Saturday night with their joint one-night performances, continuing their tour across San Diego, San Antonio and Las Vegas before concluding this year with additional shows with Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart.
Joel demonstrated an astounding energy and range in his singing, even in his most well-known tunes which still seemed fresh and vibrant.
9. The Stranger
Joel’s most successful album features this surprising upbeat track; though slightly outdated now, it still sounds quite good today.
He returned to the stage for another performance of ‘Englishman in New York’ but this time with reggae superstar Shaggy in tow – they have recorded 44/876 together over 2018.
This one-night performance kicked off a co-headlining tour and can be watched online via Paramount+ (it can also be viewed live on CBS). Watch it here.
10. My Life
Billy Joel once expressed a wish to form a supergroup featuring Sting and Paul McCartney; it’s evident that that dream came true.
After performing his hits, Joel brought Sting back out for one final jazzy tune–“Big Man on Mulberry Street.” It marked their first co-headlined concert experience and it was an exciting momentous occasion.