Sting Revives Tour with New Trio at Iconic Venues

Legendary musician Sting has returned to the stage, embarking on a North American tour titled “Sting 3.0,” marking the first time in over fifteen years that he has performed in New York City. However, this tour does not see the artist reuniting with his former bandmates from The Police, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. Instead, Sting is joined by his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, making up the new power trio.

On Monday, Sting kicked off the first of his three-night stint at the Brooklyn Paramount, resuming on Wednesday, where he delivered a set that blended beloved hits and lesser-known tracks from both his solo career and his days with The Police. The performance was characterized by its minimalist approach, reminiscent of the style that initially brought The Police fame, with a modest stage setup that emphasized the music.

Sting began with the classic “Message in a Bottle,” leading into a setlist that included hits such as “Fields of Gold,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Walking on the Moon,” “Desert Rose,” and “All This Time.” He also dabbled in deeper cuts like “Shape of My Heart” and “Why Should I Cry for You?”

A notable moment of the concert was the debut of Sting’s latest single, “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” recorded with Miller and Maas. Additionally, Sting revisited the past with a reimagined version of “I Burn for You,” a track originally recorded by The Police for the “Brimstone and Treacle” soundtrack in 1982.

As the concert neared its end, the audience was treated to “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.” During the latter, a jazzy interlude was incorporated before Sting concluded with the poignant “Fragile,” highlighting a reflective mood amidst the current global landscape. “Driven to Tears,” performed earlier in the set, matched this sentiment.

Sting remained in high spirits throughout the night, engaging with the crowd between songs. The synergy between Sting, Miller, and Maas was evident, with Sting’s vocal and bass performance proving he is as capable as ever. This trio captured the audience with straightforward yet compelling musicianship, reminiscent of The Police’s esteemed legacy.

The concert experience was further enhanced by the creative production elements, including a sophisticated lighting scheme and a large video wall that provided visual storytelling—in particular, displaying flickering candles during “Wrapped Around Your Finger.”

The artist’s adventure continues, with future performances scheduled, including a notable show at Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Here, Sting treated fans to a similar collection of his expansive catalog. The show gained additional intrigue with an opening set by jazz pianist and composer Eric Lewis, also known as ELEW, whose unique piano style captivated the audience.