Billy Joel returned to music with a vengeance in 2024, with his first single in more than a decade, “Turn the Lights Back On”. He also pulled in some favors from a big-name friend to help spice up his live show, which resulted in rock legend Sting sitting in with the band on Joel’s deep cut “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. The pair cooked up the collaboration when they co-headlined a show at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 24, 2024.
Sting absolutely stole the show by taking to the stage in an immaculately fitted silver suit, complete with a black fedora, which definitely set the stage for the performance of the jazz number. Sting and Joel then traded lead vocals, with The Police frontman taking center stage while Joel did what he does best on a grand piano. Sting was clearly loving being up there and really put on a great show for the crowd, interacting with the band and showing off some serious dance moves.
The audience was in for a real treat on the night, as Sting played a 16-song set, while Joel really stretched his legs with a 24-song set, which featured many of his hits as well as a few covers, such as The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Not to be outdone on the guest artist front, Sting invited rapper Shaggy up – yes, that Shaggy – to sing a duet on “Englishman in New York”.
Joel also made an appearance during Sting’s set, taking to the stage on the opening song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. Sting played bass and sang backup on The Police classic, while the Piano Man took the lead vocal in the first verse and chorus. The pair then swapped roles in the second verse, with Sting taking the lead vocal, and he’s still got it.
Before playing The Police number, Joel introduced Sting to the crowd, saying, “I saw this guy when he came with his band to the States, and I was blown away. This was the late seventies. I thought he was great then and I think he’s great now. He’s one of my favourite musicians of all time.” You and many others, Billy!
Joel and Sting show off remarkable chemistry onstage, and hearing two such iconic voices sing together on such great songs is really something else. Later in the show, Joel made a confession to the crowd before playing “An Innocent Man.”
“I wrote this in 1983 and I didn’t realise that I was going to be singing all of the high notes when I was 74,” he said. “So every time I do this song, I’m a little worried, because if I don’t hit those high notes you ain’t going to like it.” This got a laugh from the crowd, then Joel continued, “Just pray for me.” Either the prayers worked or Joel’s fears were unfounded, as when you watch the videos from the night, it’s clear he is in absolutely cracking form.
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