The steady rainfall could not dampen the spirits of anyone attending Sting’s 60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York on October 1, 2011. The celebrity-packed celebration carried on oblivious to the weather, and the majestic Beacon was crammed with eager concert-goers by 7 p.m., all partaking in free drinks for the evening. It was difficult to move around and locate acquaintances in the swelling crowd and navigating to my front row, center seat in the balcony was challenging. It was worth the effort, however, for the distant but perfect view of all the action eagerly anticipated onstage.
The view from the balcony
The show kicked off around 8:30 with Robert Downey Jr. presiding as host for the evening and introducing Sting after a short monologue. Sting then proceeded to introduce one musical guest after another with a personal story explaining their history. In return, each of these musicians paid tribute to Sting on his 60th birthday by performing one or more of his songs, with Sting performing on his own at times as well. The setlist for the concert follows along with the artists contributing for each song.
These were all unique versions altered by each singer’s personal style and musical interpretation. I particularly enjoyed “Consider Me Gone” with Herbie Hancock and Branford Marsalis; I’m not certain I’ve ever heard that one performed live before. Sting’s duet with son Joe Sumner on “Why Should I Cry for You” was another touching favorite for me since Sting wrote the song about his own father.
The absolute highlight of the night was definitely saved for last when Bruce Springsteen took over the stage to perform. He first gave a hilarious account of his friendship with Sting and thoughts on him turning 60, then mesmerized the crowd with his stunning rendition of “I Hung My Head”; the song was perfectly suited for him and has never sounded better. Bruce followed next with “Fields of Gold,” declaring it one of his favorite Sting songs. Sting then joined Bruce and together they rocked “Can’t Stand Losing You.” Without a doubt, this was the pinnacle of the whole evening, and I will always treasure the memory of seeing these two legends performing side by side onstage.
Sting and Bruce Springsteen "Can't Stand Losing You"
The birthday celebration ended appropriately with a surprise present from wife Trudie Styler – Scottish bagpipers and drummers marching down the aisles and joining Sting onstage for the intro to “I Was Brought To My Senses.” Then everyone, performers and audience, joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to Sting as flower petal confetti showered the stage and floor near midnight.
For those keeping track, the show was three and a half hours with one intermission, 27 songs, and a boatload of guest entertainers. I feel privileged indeed to have experienced such an extraordinary concert in celebration of Sting’s 60th birthday and 25 years as a solo artist along with so many other enthusiastic Sting fans. Although it was Sting’s birthday, I am left with a treasured gift to remember always. Happy 60th birthday to Sting!
Sting’s 60th Birthday Concert Setlist:
1 Englishman in New York
2 All This Time with Joe Sumner
3 Seven Days with Chris Botti
4 If You Love Somebody Set Them Free with Branford Marsalis
5 Walking On the Moon with Will.i.am
6 When We Dance with Chris Botti
7 The Hounds of Winter
8 Sister Moon with Herbie Hancock
9 Consider Me Gone with Herbie Hancock and Branford Marsalis
10 Driven To Tears with Robert Downey Jr.
11 Whenever I Say Your Name with Mary J. Blige
12 Brand New Day with Stevie Wonder
Intermission
13 Roxanne by Bryn Terfel
14 Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic with Billy Joel
15 Don’t Stand So Close to Me with Billy Joel
16 End of the Game
17 Why Should I Cry For You with Joe Sumner
18 Wrapped Around Your Finger with Rufus Wainwright
19 Bring on the Night/When the World is Running Down with Herbie Hancock and Branford Marsalis
20 King of Pain with Lady Gaga
21 Fragile with Stevie Wonder
22 I Hung My Head by Bruce Springsteen
23 Fields of Gold by Bruce Springsteen
24 Can’t Stand Losing You with Bruce Springsteen
25 Desert Rose
26 Every Breath You Take with everyone
27 Message in a Bottle
28 I was Brought to My Senses intro with bagpipes/drummers
29 Happy Birthday
First photo and Sting/Springsteen video courtesy of Shawn Farrell.
