Sting at Hammersmith Apollo

In top form, Sting was phenomenal last night at the Hammersmith Apollo, the 38^th performance on his 57^th and 9^th world tour, highlighting his first true rock album in 13 years. Accompanied by a three-piece band, included were guitarists Dominic Miller and son Rufus, drummer Josh Freese, and Sting’s son, Joe Summer. Theatrically inspired lighting and clear, impeccable sound accented a vibrant, vivacious, top-notch show.

Sting launched the concert with a preview on acoustic guitar of the soulful spiritual folk ballad Heading South on the Great North Road. Synchronicity, by his original band The Police, opened the main gig with a massively energetic bang, followed by another great famous oldie, Spirits in the Material World. A reggae-inspired Englishman in New York delighted the crowd, as did the romantic I Can’t Stop Thinking About You.

The affable star introduced One Fine Day – in dedication to Donald Trump regarding the EPA, “because one day he will wake up and realise what these words mean”.  Hung My Head, with its beautiful, melodious guitar licks, had a Springsteen/Stones style, the well known, stirring Fields of Gold delighted, and the innovative rock blues track Petrol Head was driving and vibrant.

Sting’s rendition of another classic, Message in a Bottle, revealed a voice as stunning as ever. A tribute to David Bowie, a brief version of Ashes to Ashes was performed as a cameo by his son, Joe Summer – sounding like his dad but holding his own. A slightly jazzed-up oldie, Walking on the Moon was followed by So Lonely  – “How can I be alone with all this attention, the spotlight?” Sting mused.

The haunting composition Desert Rose, with its lovely middle eastern melody, preceded all time favourite Roxanne in a jazzier version that included a few lines from Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers) and which reanimated an ecstatic audience.

The generous selection of tracks included three encore numbers: two classics, the rollicking rock and roll Next to You and Sting’s most famous song of all, the passionate Every Breath You Take. Finally – dedicated to the Syrian people “who have suffered too much” – the moving acoustic ballad Fragile showcased the singer’s more spiritual musical style, his beautiful voice, exceptional skill on guitar and awe-inspiring creative talent.

A remarkable, legendary artist who has become better with time, yet with ageless vigour, has immense charisma and incredible musical genius, Sting in concert is perfection. Wow!

Catherine Sedgwick
Photos:  Rebecca Blissett

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Listen to I Can’t Stop Thinking About You here: