The weekends Backstreet Boys concert at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria proved to be a captivating journey into the past, delighting a jam-packed crowd with an electrifying display of talent and showmanship.

As we assess this highly anticipated performance, let's delve into the highlights that made it an unforgettable night for fans. The tour started in 2019, was postponed due to covid and ended on South Africa shores. The tour included 218 shows, performed in 44 countries and over 6 continents. It was their biggest tour to date.

Originality was on full display as the Backstreet Boys took the stage, focusing on their own material and steering clear of cover songs. The group's commitment to their latest album, "DNA," was evident as they flawlessly incorporated a substantial amount of new material into their setlist. This dedication to evolving their sound while staying true to their roots showcased their ongoing creativity and ensured a fresh and exciting experience for concertgoers.

Catering to the audience's every need, the Backstreet Boys delivered a comprehensive concert experience. They seamlessly weaved new material with crowd-pleasing dance moves and moments of nostalgic bliss, ensuring that fans of all generations were thoroughly entertained. The concerts were a remarkable journey back in time, igniting a wave of nostalgia while showcasing the bands growth and musical prowess. With an impeccable blend of new and old favorites, the Backstreet Boys proved their enduring popularity and reaffirmed their status as one of the most beloved boy bands in history. The performances were a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to transport audiences to a place of pure musical euphoria. It was also a testament to their 30 years spent together.

The sensational boy band that dominated the music scene in the early 2000s, proved they still have what it takes to captivate audiences during their concerts. Despite the passage of time slightly affecting their dance moves and vocal prowess, the group's electrifying performance over the weekend showcased their enduring ability to rock fans' bodies and reignite nostalgic memories.

The concert kicked off with an energetic rendition of "Everyone" from the band's 2000 album "Black & Blue." While the dance moves may not have matched their prime, the quintet, now comfortably in their 40s and 50s, impressed with their commitment and dedication to the choreography. Standout performances came from AJ McLean and Nick Carter, who showcased their smooth moves, undoubtedly influenced by their participation in "Dancing with the Stars." Kevin Richardson also commanded attention with his weighty gravitas on stage.

Even with the passage of time, the Backstreet Boys' ability to entertain and engage the crowd remained intact. While their dance routines may no longer appear effortless, their two-hour performance showcased their enduring talent and dedication to their craft. This tour, which could have easily been dismissed as a nostalgia cash-grab, exuded genuine heart and effort, ensuring a memorable experience for fans.

Accompanied by generic yet visually pleasing screensaver-like visuals, the band seamlessly navigated through their first act set. Though the iconic hits from their golden era were not immediately performed, the crowd's energy and decibel-shattering screams remained high as they enthusiastically embraced the deeper cuts. The constant dancing and choreography maintained the audience's engagement throughout, and while the newer songs may not have been crowd-pleasers, they still delivered fun and lively performances.

The strategic placement of the "DNA" moments, which were often the fastest songs, ensured that the show didn't become overwhelmed with new material. During songs like "Nobody Else," "Chateau," and "The Way It Was," the band cleverly trimmed down the tunes, allowing one member to shine on stage while engaging in friendly banter with the crowd. This tactic also served as a disguise for the numerous costume changes that took place throughout the night.
Midway through the show, the band ventured into a segment dedicated to their beloved ballads. The power ballad "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" was a standout moment, eliciting a roaring response from the audience. Despite their transition into fatherhood and a more mature phase of life, the Backstreet Boys still exude a youthful exuberance and camaraderie on stage. The banter, dad jokes, and playful interactions between songs only added to the night's charm.

The middle section had the crowd roaring with delight. “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” is a banger of a ballad, encouraging massive sing-alongs along with “Shape of My Heart,” “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “As Long As You Love Me.” Near the end of the segment, BSB gave the band a break and did a lovely harmonious a cappella rendition of “Breathe” that showed off their vocal chops while “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” radiated old-school Motown ballad inspirations, complete with the little synchronized moves at their individual mic stands.


And for those people, they wouldn’t have to wait much longer for the smash hits either as Backstreet Boys wrapped up the set with a barrage of classics – starting with “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” somehow made even catchier with a bonus crunchy EDM beat added to the mix. I still think it should be illegal to not open with the swaggery hit – but the wait was well worth it, especially as more high-energy pop favorites (“We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” “That’s The Way I Like It,” “Get Another Boyfriend,” “The One”) quickly followed. The run ended with the triumphant boy band staple “I Want It That Way”.

After a brief break, Backstreet Boys came out for a few final songs and one final costume change – unfortunately not into their robot suits from the iconic “Larger Than Life” music video. Thankfully, after the first encore of the new electronic smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the song itself did make its expected appearance – complete with AJ’s incredible sinister cackle at the open and, perhaps the biggest shocker of the night, a bit of a Justin Timberlake beat coming through in the background. If NSYNC and BSB can (tangentially) unite, maybe there can be world peace in our time after all.

They promised to be back on the shores if we wanted them back. The Backstreet Boys can be back anytime they please.

Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that one of pop music’s most influential boyband, Westlife will be coming to South Africa in 2023. The Wild Dreams Tour kicks off on the 1 November at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 3 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 12 May exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 10 May from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 12 May.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue and you will not be entitled to a refund.

Westlife, the most successful Irish boyband was formed in 1998 and consists of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily. The group rose to fame with their debut international self-titled studio album “Westlife” (1999).

Westlife have had 33 No.1 albums worldwide and received numerous accolades including one World Music Award, two Brit Awards, four MTV Awards, four Record of the Year Awards. To date, Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide and are the only band to have their first seven singles enter the UK chart at No.1. They also have the most singles of any artist to debut at No.1 in the UK. Overall, Westlife has had an incredible 14 No.1 singles, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. As a live act, they have sold five million concert tickets worldwide and counting.

The global pop kings kicked off their Wild Dreams Tour in summer 2022 performing across the UK, including a sold-out headline show at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium which was shown live in cinemas across the UK and Europe where they performed their greatest hits “Swear It Again”, “Flying Without Wings”, “World Of Our Own”, “My Love”, “If I Let You Go”, “Uptown Girl”, “Hello My Love” as well as fresh pop anthems from their new album.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.

Westlife “The Wild Dreams Tour” 2023
Cape Town
1 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
3 November 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that due to exceptional demand, a third Pretoria date has been added to Bryan Adams “So Happy It Hurts” tour. Sunday 12 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.

Tickets for the 12th November show will go on sale at 09h00 on Tuesday 25 April exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

Brought to you by 947, KFM, 702 and Cape Talk.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue, and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.
Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years.
With 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts” (nominated for a Grammy) and “Pretty Woman – The Musical”. In addition to Classic pt. I and pt. II, which feature new recordings of his greatest hits, released digitally and in ATMOS with Platoon, are also available physically with BMG.
His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards.
Bryan Adams will be playing in the USA, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, South Africa, and more, all in 2023.
Bryan Adams 2023 “So Happy It Hurts” Tour
Cape Town
7 November 2023
8 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za)
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
10 November 2023
11 November 2023
12 November 2023 – NEW DATE
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za)
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that Bryan Adams, one of the biggest selling music artists of all time is coming to South Africa in November 2023. The “So Happy It Hurts” tour kicks off in Cape Town on the 7 November 2023 at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 10 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947, KFM, 702 and Cape Talk.

Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years. With 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts” (nominated for a Grammy) and “Pretty Woman – The Musical”. In addition to Classic pt. I and pt. II, which feature new recordings of his greatest hits, released digitally and in ATMOS with Platoon, are also available physically with BMG. His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards.
Bryan Adams will be playing in the USA, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, South Africa, and more, all in 2023.


Bryan Adams 2023 “So Happy It Hurts” Tour
Cape Town
7 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 21 April.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
10 November 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 21 April.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za


Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 21 April exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 19 April from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 21 April.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue, and you will not be entitled to a refund

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Counting Crows returned to our shores for the first time since 2008. The poignant delivery and mesmerizing vocals of Adam Duritz filled the SunBet Arena with a gentle yet powerful energy that left the 6000 crowd feeling enchanted.

Their songs shift something deep in your core. The night was the musical equivalent of chicken soup for the crowds 90s-music-loving soul, as Duritz’s soothing and at times haunting voice weaved through the old, the new, the nostalgic, the heartbreaking, the heart soaring and the best of the band’s catalogue.

Pretoria was the first of Counting Crows two South African concerts on their Butter Miracle tour. It was a tour that should have happened years ago, however was postponed due to Covid. The tour started in the USA and made its way through Asia and Europe before one last stop in Africa.

The country is in the midst of load shedding and Adam stated that two amps blew up during the sound check, however that didn't stop an amazing performance. From the first note to the last Duritz, guitarists Dan Vickrey, David Immerglück and David Bryson, keyboard player Charlie Gillingham, drummer Jim Bogios and bassist Millard Powers mesmerised the crowd.

Counting Crows are renowned for their energetic and passionate live shows and they offered nothing but their best as they performed for fans, most of whom have undoubtedly been fans since purchasing August and Everything After.

From Round Here, Duritz led the way through St Robinson, the crowd pleasing Mr Jones and a harrowingly beautiful rendition of Colourblind. It was non-stop - Durtiz and co focused more on moving seamlessly through the setlist than jabbering to the crowd between songs and we were spoilt with hits spanning all of their albums.

Adam stated that his girlfriend requested Butterfly in Reverse, to be put back onto the setlist even though she was on another continent, so he obliged. The chart topping cover of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxii, Recovering the Satellites and a host of other top hits were performed before the new stuff - all four tracks from their 2021 EP Butter Miracle, Suite One. The Tall Grass, Elevator Books, Angel of 14th Street, Bobby and the Rat-Kings.

The piano came out and Adam performed the song everyone was waiting for, A Long December .Its poignant lyrics resonate deeply with many in the crowd. It’s a melancholic yet uplifting song about looking back on your life - but also looking forward. It’s about hanging in there. It’s about acknowledging the hardship but having faith that things will improve. “It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last,” sang Duritz. “I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.”

The last song of the main list was Rain King, before an encore that had the crowd on its feet. It was a beautiful trifecta of Counting Crows genius - Omaha, Hanginaround and Holiday in Spain. To say the fans were enchanted last night, particularly by Duritz, is a dramatic understatement. From start to finish the show was absorbing, charming and delightful - quite frankly one of the most memorable concerts that have taken place at the Sunbet Arena.

The Counting Crows arrived on our shores compliments of Big Concerts.

Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Ronan Keating has been back in South Africa over the past week to contribute to charitable causes, in conjunction with Citadel as well as to perform in Cape Town and Pretoria. Ronan performed at the Grand West Arena on the 3rd of March, which coincided with his birthday.

Citadel hosted their annual charity gala dinner with Keating and Gary Player at The Table Bay Hotel on Saturday 4 March 2023. After a performance by Keating and his band, Citadel Head of Philanthropy, Jean de Villiers, took to the stage to facilitate the charity auction.

The auction raised over R2.1 million. The proceeds will be managed and distributed by the Citadel Philanthropy Foundation. The beneficiaries are the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town and the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in Johannesburg.

“I’ve visited South Africa many times and, although it’s such a beautiful country, there are many challenges South African children face today and I care deeply about ensuring that cancer treatment is not one of them. I’m thankful to Gary Player and Citadel for supporting these efforts,” says Keating, who is well known for his cancer advocacy and relationship with the Oncology Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital

This Citadel event began in 2018 and was inspired by the loss of Keating and Player’s mothers to cancer. Both their moms were passionate about giving back. Since then, this event has raised R7.1 million in total.
On Sunday the 5th of March he performed at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria in front of 5000 excited fans. The aim was to play hos greatest hits as well as to showcase the release of his lockdown albums, Twenty Twenty and Songs From Home.

As the lead singer with one of the biggest ever Irish boy bands, he needed no introduction. Accompanied by a five piece band, when he walked on to the stage dressed in a grey suit, the screams from the predominantly female crowd were deafening.

Despite the Dublin singer ( although he now lives in London) promising all of his hits, he did open the proceedings with new song Heyday, but after that he certainly delivered. Lovin’ Each Day induced the evening’s first sing along and with everyone on their feet where they remained for the entire evening; he followed it up with Isn’t It A Wonder.
Slowing things right down for a cover of Tracey Chapman’s Baby Can I Hold You, the Bee Gees’ Words and Anne Murray’s You Needed Me, the crowd swayed, arms aloft as they sung every word right back at him.

The set list was peppered with classic hits from his Boyzone catalogue, such as No Matter What, One More Song and Picture Of You, which took the crowd on a trip down memory lane. With record sales declining, Keating is undoubtedly a great live entertainer, and with his soft Irish lilt, he had the crowd hanging on his every word. And when he launched into When The Going Gets Tough and set closer Life Is A Rollercoaster, he was rewarded with a well earned standing ovation.

We cant wait to see him next year, like he promised.



[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that due to exceptional demand, two new dates have been added to the Backstreet Boys South African tour. The new dates are 17 May at the Grand Arena, GrandWest and 20 May at the SunBet Arena, Time Square. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

The band also released the first episode of their new docu series Making Of The DNA Tour, giving fans an inside look of the preparation for their highly-anticipated world tour – watch it here! Additional episodes will be available on The Backstreet Boys YouTube channel.

For 29 years the Backstreet Boys have delivered the finest pop music one has to offer, making them one of pop’s most influential performers. With countless #1s, record-setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, BSB has been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history.
In early 2019, BSB released their GRAMMY nominated 10th studio album “DNA” on RCA Records. The album debuted at #1 and features the Top 10 hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The critically acclaimed and chart topping single was nominated for the “Pop Duo / Group Performance” 2019 GRAMMY, and was BSB’s first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 10 years. Upon its release, the single went straight to #1 on iTunes Top Songs and Global charts and charted in over 22 countries.

In May 2019 the Backstreet Boys kicked off “The DNA World Tour” - the group’s biggest arena tour in 18 years thanks to the global success of their #1 new album. The DNA World Tour has seen the group sell out arenas all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Over the years, the Backstreet Boys have continually captivated millions of people with their impressive catalogue of hit songs and creative partnerships.

Backstreet Boys “DNA World Tour” 2023

Cape Town
16 May 2023 – SOLD OUT
17 May 2023 – NEW DATE ADDED
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
19 May 2023– SOLD OUT
20 May 2023 – NEW DATE ADDED
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling bands of all time will be coming to South Africa for the first time. The DNA World Tour kicks off in Cape Town on 16 May at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 19 May at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

The DNA World Tour will go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 24th February exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 22 February from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 24 February.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.

Photo Credit: Dennis Leapold.


The band also released the first episode of their new docu series Making Of The DNA Tour, giving fans an inside look of the preparation for their highly-anticipated world tour – watch it here! Additional episodes will be available on The Backstreet Boys YouTube channel.

For 29 years the Backstreet Boys have delivered the finest pop music one has to offer, making them one of pop’s most influential performers. With countless #1s, record-setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 130 million, BSB has been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history.
In early 2019, BSB released their GRAMMY nominated 10th studio album “DNA” on RCA Records. The album debuted at #1 and features the Top 10 hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The critically acclaimed and chart topping single was nominated for the “Pop Duo / Group Performance” 2019 GRAMMY, and was BSB’s first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 10 years. Upon its release, the single went straight to #1 on iTunes Top Songs and Global charts and charted in over 22 countries.
In May 2019 the Backstreet Boys kicked off “The DNA World Tour” - the group’s biggest arena tour in 18 years thanks to the global success of their #1 new album. The DNA World Tour has seen the group sell out arenas all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Over the years, the Backstreet Boys have continually captivated millions of people with their impressive catalogue of hit songs and creative partnerships.

Backstreet Boys “DNA World Tour” 2023
Cape Town
16 May 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
19 May 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 24 February.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

MEDIA MANAGER
KEVIN RADEMEYER
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Sting, finally reached the South African shores after more than a decade of absence, for his "My Songs" tour. He spent two nights in the beautiful Cape and two nights in the capital city.

Following a short opening set by his son, accomplished guitarist Joe Sumner—whose earnest songs of love and loss are cut, though not as infectiously, from his father’s cloth—Sting appeared promptly with five musicians and a pair of backup singer-dancers for a tight and explorative set of more than 40 years’ worth of material. An improbably fit septuagenarian, Sting’s voice hasn’t aged a millisecond, as immediately evident on Police pop nuggets like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” riveting solo cuts such as “An Englishman in New York,” and the evocative favorite “Fields of Gold.”

A projection screen positioned horizontally above the stage ran video and graphics pertinent to the songs’ atmospheres—typewriter keys and crashing waves for “Message in a Bottle”; dice, chips and cards for the gambling-themed “Shape of My Heart”—while the carefully tailored lighting rig splashed crisscrossing beams, often blue, gold or red over the sold-out crowd.

The structure of Sting’s set list was that of an upside-down bell curve, with a flurry of hits at the top, a parade of favorites at the end, and a rather sagging middle comprised of deep cuts and new selections from his 2021 release The Bridge, written during quarantine. “I’m going to play some new songs; I’m sorry,” he said, perhaps tongue-in-cheekily but sort of accurately, as this mostly unfamiliar segment of the show allowed many to refresh their drinks and empty their bladders.

The best tune in this mini-set, “If It’s Love,” featured a whistled intro and inviting, handclap percussion; the weakest, “For Her Love,” seemed to die on the vine. I could have done without “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” one of the singer’s ill-fated dalliances with country music, though at least “I Hung My Head,” another western-tinged composition, conjured one of Bob Dylan’s ‘80s-era story-songs.

And then it was off to the races, as Sting and his top-shelf musicians performed a string of hits as formidable as any modern songwriter’s discography, from the swaggering, shimmering “Brand New Day” to a particularly lush rendition of “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” with virtual candle flames flickering on the projection screen.

Having long ascended from new-wave rebel to adult-contemporary institution, Sting has spongily absorbed at least a half-dozen disparate and far-flung genres, all of which came to the fore during the concert’s most thrilling moments: the blue-eyed soul of “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” the North African mantra “Desert Rain,” the jaunty reggae of “Walking on the Moon,” the simplicity of " Every breathe you take".

In one of the show’s most communal sing-alongs, “So Lonely” included a snippet of the Jamaican classic “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” while “King of Pain” sent us off with an anthemic, Springsteen-esque rock outro. “Roxanne” even featured a gospel call-and-response and a swing-music nod to Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Sting left us with "Fragile" which was dedicated to Ukraine, The Russians standing up against teh war and the woman of Iran. It was a chance to exhale and decompress, heading to our cars or, if we were feeling lucky, to the tables and slots, in a state of zen. We hope he doesnt stay away for another 11 years.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Sting, finally reached the South African shores after more than a decade of absence, for his "My Songs" tour. He spent two nights in the beautiful Cape and two nights in the capital city.

Following a short opening set by his son, accomplished guitarist Joe Sumner—whose earnest songs of love and loss are cut, though not as infectiously, from his father’s cloth—Sting appeared promptly with five musicians and a pair of backup singer-dancers for a tight and explorative set of more than 40 years’ worth of material. An improbably fit septuagenarian, Sting’s voice hasn’t aged a millisecond, as immediately evident on Police pop nuggets like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” riveting solo cuts such as “An Englishman in New York,” and the evocative favorite “Fields of Gold.”

A projection screen positioned horizontally above the stage ran video and graphics pertinent to the songs’ atmospheres—typewriter keys and crashing waves for “Message in a Bottle”; dice, chips and cards for the gambling-themed “Shape of My Heart”—while the carefully tailored lighting rig splashed crisscrossing beams, often blue, gold or red over the sold-out crowd.

The structure of Sting’s set list was that of an upside-down bell curve, with a flurry of hits at the top, a parade of favorites at the end, and a rather sagging middle comprised of deep cuts and new selections from his 2021 release The Bridge, written during quarantine. “I’m going to play some new songs; I’m sorry,” he said, perhaps tongue-in-cheekily but sort of accurately, as this mostly unfamiliar segment of the show allowed many to refresh their drinks and empty their bladders.

The best tune in this mini-set, “If It’s Love,” featured a whistled intro and inviting, handclap percussion; the weakest, “For Her Love,” seemed to die on the vine. I could have done without “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” one of the singer’s ill-fated dalliances with country music, though at least “I Hung My Head,” another western-tinged composition, conjured one of Bob Dylan’s ‘80s-era story-songs.

And then it was off to the races, as Sting and his top-shelf musicians performed a string of hits as formidable as any modern songwriter’s discography, from the swaggering, shimmering “Brand New Day” to a particularly lush rendition of “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” with virtual candle flames flickering on the projection screen.

Having long ascended from new-wave rebel to adult-contemporary institution, Sting has spongily absorbed at least a half-dozen disparate and far-flung genres, all of which came to the fore during the concert’s most thrilling moments: the blue-eyed soul of “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” the North African mantra “Desert Rain,” the jaunty reggae of “Walking on the Moon,” the simplicity of " Every breathe you take".

In one of the show’s most communal sing-alongs, “So Lonely” included a snippet of the Jamaican classic “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” while “King of Pain” sent us off with an anthemic, Springsteen-esque rock outro. “Roxanne” even featured a gospel call-and-response and a swing-music nod to Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Sting left us with "Fragile" which was dedicated to Ukraine, The Russians standing up against teh war and the woman of Iran. It was a chance to exhale and decompress, heading to our cars or, if we were feeling lucky, to the tables and slots, in a state of zen. We hope he doesnt stay away for another 11 years.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]