Billy Joel and Sting Bring Energy to “Big Man on Mulberry Street” and The Police Classic in Live Performance

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

Sting completely dominated the stage, appearing in a perfectly tailored silver suit paired with a black fedora, setting the perfect tone for the jazz performance. Sting and Joel then alternated lead vocals, with The Police frontman taking the spotlight while Joel showcased his skills on a grand piano. Sting clearly enjoyed his time on stage, delivering an impressive performance for the audience, engaging with the band, and displaying some impressive dance moves.

The crowd was in for a special experience that night, as Sting performed a 16-song set, while Joel delivered an extensive 24-song set, featuring many of his classics as well as some covers, including The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Not 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, taking the stage for the opening song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. Sting played bass and provided backup vocals on the classic Police song, while the Piano Man took the lead on the first verse and chorus. The two then switched roles in the second verse, with Sting leading vocally, 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 onstage, and listening to two legendary voices perform together on such fantastic songs was truly remarkable. Later in the evening, Joel shared a personal remark with the audience before performing “An Innocent Man.”

“I wrote this in 1983 and I didn’t realize 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 unnecessary, the videos from the night clearly show he was in excellent form.