Sting and Billy Joel Wow Audience with Vibrant Takes on “Big Man on Mulberry Street” and Police Classic

In 2024, Billy Joel made a strong return to the music scene with his first single in over ten years, “Turn the Lights Back On”. He also enlisted the help of a high-profile friend to enhance his live performance, which led to rock legend Sting joining the band for Joel’s deep track “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. The duo developed this collaboration while co-headlining a concert at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 24, 2024.

Sting truly captivated the audience by stepping onto the stage in a perfectly tailored silver suit, paired with a black fedora, setting the perfect tone for the jazz piece. Sting and Joel then shared lead vocals, with The Police’s frontman taking the spotlight while Joel showcased his skills on the grand piano. Sting clearly enjoyed performing and delivered an outstanding show, engaging with the band and displaying impressive dance moves.

The audience was treated to an exceptional evening, with Sting performing a 16-song set and Joel delivering an extensive 24-song performance that included many of his hits and a few covers, such as The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Not wanting to be overshadowed in the guest artist category, Sting invited rapper Shaggy—yes, that Shaggy—to perform a duet on “Englishman in New York”.

Joel also joined Sting during his set, appearing on stage for the opening song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. Sting played bass and provided backup vocals for the classic by The Police, while the Piano Man took the lead on the first verse and chorus. The duo then switched roles in the second verse, with Sting taking the lead vocal, proving he still has it.

Before performing The Police song, Joel introduced Sting to the audience, 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 displayed incredible chemistry on stage, and hearing two such legendary voices perform together on fantastic songs was truly remarkable. Later in the concert, Joel shared a personal moment with the audience before performing “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 elicited laughter from the crowd, and Joel added, “Just pray for me.” Whether the prayers were answered or Joel’s concerns were unwarranted, the videos from the night clearly show he was in excellent form.