Back to Bass Tour

Feb
29
2012
Frankfurt, DE
Jahrhunderthalle
1

Back to the roots and the bass...


After his career with the Police, Sting has been touring as a solo artist for 25 years. He congratulated himself on the anniversary at the Jahrhunderthalle.


A strong male hand nimbly plucks chords on the strings of an acoustic guitar: 'Message In A Bottle' is the title of the last song in the rapturously applauded finale, which served as an anthem for the baby boomer generation in 1979. Without the band that had accompanied him for more than two hours, the wiry, athletic guy performs on an austere stage in the white light. Skinny jeans, a T-shirt, sneakers, and millimetre-short hair make the wearer appear years younger. Global star Sting has once again redefined himself.


Gordon Matthew Sumner has never been short of ideas: From the Newcastle jazz-rock band Last Exit, the former English and sports teacher switched to the London band The Police in 1977 under the nickname Sting. The passionate rainforest rescuer, yoga expert, vegetarian, animal breeder, occasional actor and Amnesty International strategist, who went solo in 1985, now draws on that pre-police era when he dynamically blends jazz, rock, pop and country.


More recently, the 60-year-old father of six, now in his second marriage, has attracted attention with further escapades: eccentric lute interpretations of Renaissance musician John Dowland were followed by a Police reunion, an introspective song cycle on the theme of winter, and a foray into classical music led by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Time, then, to slow down.


The opening with the rapid-fire interpretation of "All This Time" made it clear that Sting's head voice has gained even more volume and range. In the packed Frankfurt Jahrhunderthalle, he finds his way back to his roots – without any of the usual high-tech gimmicks. Under the motto "Back To Bass," Sting congratulates himself on his 25th anniversary as a soloist. That could get a bit irritating in the long run. Therefore, various Police classics, from 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic' to 'Demolition Man', from 'Driven To Tears' to 'Next To You', spice up Sting's solo fare in rather hearty versions. Of course, the crowd favourite 'Every Breath You Take' is also included.


With expertise, tact, and detailed announcements in almost accent-free German, the singer, who usually remains static in the centre of the stage in front of the microphone with an antique, chipped Fender bass, plays the charmingly chatty solo entertainer: "The game of love is dangerous and unpredictable. If you win, it's like paradise. If you lose, it becomes inferno," he dramatically announces "Inside" with a wink.


Sting also has flowery words for his musicians: "My right hand for 22 years," he says, introducing guitar virtuoso Dominic Miller. Miller's son Rufus plays acoustic guitar. Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta has returned to the fold. Sting indulges in several fiery vocal duets with singer Jo Lawry. Alternatively, the Australian can also play as second violin with violinist Peter Tickell, steering the sound even more towards rustic country and jazz.


(c) Frankfurter Allgemeine by Michael Köhler

Comments
1
posted by iriskunz
Fantastic!
Great to be there yesterday in Frankfurt - it was amazing! Sting as his best! Thanks für such a fantastic evening to all of the band - good job!! hope to see you soon! iris
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