On a warm March evening in 2025, Pretoria’s SunBet Arena bore witness to a performance that was nothing short of a sonic triumph. At 73, Sting commanded the stage with the grace and authority of a legend, proving once again why his music continues to resonate across generations. Accompanied by longtime collaborator Dominic Miller on guitar and powerhouse drummer Chris Maas, the Sting 3.0 tour stripped his sound to its raw essence, delivering a performance that was both a nostalgic homage and a bold reimagining of his catalogue.

A Reinvention of the Power Trio

Sting is no stranger to the trio format—his tenure with The Police set the benchmark for what three musicians could accomplish. But Sting 3.0 is not a trip down memory lane; it is a masterful reinvention. By distilling his music to its core, the stripped-down format breathes new life into classics while showcasing the sheer virtuosity of the musicians on stage.

Miller, a fixture in Sting’s career for over three decades, crafted intricate sonic textures with his guitar, weaving seamlessly between delicate melodies and blistering solos. Maas, best known for his work with Mumford & Sons, brought an intensity to the rhythm section that elevated the trio’s sound to an electrifying level. The result was a performance that was lean yet powerful, refined yet teeming with an untamed energy that filled the arena.

A Timeless Setlist

The evening opened with Message in a Bottle, its signature bassline pulsing through the venue and setting the tone for a journey through Sting’s storied career. With a headset microphone freeing him to roam the stage, he engaged the audience in moments of call-and-response, transforming the performance into an immersive experience.

From the infectious energy of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic to the hypnotic rhythms of Walking on the Moon, the setlist transcended mere nostalgia. So Lonely evolved into an expansive jam session before snapping back into its signature high-tempo frenzy, while Shape of My Heart was rendered with breathtaking intimacy. Each song felt renewed, as though Sting had deconstructed and rebuilt them with the wisdom of a seasoned artist still pushing creative boundaries.

Storytelling at Its Finest

Beyond the music, Sting remains a consummate storyteller. Between songs, he shared anecdotes that provided insight into the origins of his most celebrated works. He introduced Mad About You with an anecdote about its biblical inspiration, while Fields of Gold was accompanied by a wry remark about his countryside retreat—“a little place in England… though some might call it a castle.” These narratives deepened the audience’s connection to his music, transforming familiar tunes into profoundly personal experiences.

Standouts included Englishman in New York, which swung with effortless elegance, and If I Ever Lose My Faith in You, carrying a subtle yet unmistakable political undertone. When Desert Rose erupted into a Middle Eastern-inspired whirlwind, it was clear that this was not just a concert—it was an artistic statement. And then there was Roxanne—a performance so electrifying that it ignited a stadium-wide chorus, reaffirming its status as one of rock’s most enduring anthems.

The Trio in Full Flight

While Sting’s presence was magnetic, Miller and Maas were far more than supporting players. Miller’s guitar work was mesmerizing, effortlessly shifting from soaring solos to delicate, emotive phrasing. His interpretation of Driven to Tears was a highlight, showcasing both technical prowess and deep musical sensitivity. Meanwhile, Maas injected each song with relentless energy, his drumming so dynamic that the trio sounded exponentially larger than their numbers suggested.

At the center of it all was Sting—his basslines fluid and commanding, his voice astonishingly intact. Time has not diminished his signature tone; instead, it has deepened, lending an even greater richness to his performance.

An Unforgettable Evening

The audience, a diverse mix of devoted fans and new admirers, was enraptured. “I’ve seen him live before, but this felt different—more intimate, more powerful,” remarked concertgoer Sipho Dlamini, 38. Music enthusiast Karen van Rensburg, 54, echoed the sentiment: “It was like experiencing both The Police and Sting’s solo work in a new light. Absolutely phenomenal.”

Deep cuts delighted die-hard fans, with Never Coming Home from Sacred Love delivering an intense, jam-heavy finale. The encore, a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Fragile, saw Sting trade his bass for an acoustic guitar, leaving the audience in contemplative silence as the final notes dissolved into the night air.

A Legacy in Motion

As Sting, Miller, and Maas continue their global tour, the Pretoria performance stands as a testament to an artist who refuses to be confined by the past. Sting 3.0 is not a farewell—it is a reinvention, a thrilling reminder that true artistry evolves. At 73, Sting is not simply maintaining his legacy—he is redefining it, proving that reinvention is the key to longevity.

For those who missed this extraordinary showcase, limited tickets remain for Sting’s upcoming performances in Cape Town on 25 and 26 March 2025. Organised by Big Concerts, this is an event no music lover should forgo—a sonic experience that celebrates both the past and the boundless future of one of rock’s most extraordinary careers.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]