Billy Joel and Sting Thrill Fans in a High-Energy Live Show Featuring “Big Man on Mulberry Street”

Billy Joel made a powerful return to music in 2024 with his first single in over a decade, “Turn the Lights Back On”. He also leveraged connections with a high-profile friend to enhance his live performance, leading to rock icon Sting joining the band on Joel’s deeper track “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. The collaboration came about when they co-headlined a concert at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 24, 2024.

Sting truly captured the audience’s attention by appearing on stage in a perfectly tailored silver suit, complete with a black fedora, setting the tone for the jazz rendition. Sting and Joel then exchanged lead vocals, with The Police’s frontman taking the spotlight while Joel showcased his talent on a grand piano. Sting visibly enjoyed his time on stage, delivering an excellent performance by engaging with the band and displaying impressive dance moves.

The crowd was treated to an exceptional evening as Sting delivered a 16-song performance, while Joel extended his set to 24 songs, featuring many of his hits along with covers like The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Not to be outshone by guest artists, Sting brought rapper Shaggy on stage – yes, that Shaggy – to perform a duet on “Englishman in New York”.

Joel also joined Sting during his set, coming on stage for the opening track “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. Sting handled the bass and provided backup vocals for The Police classic, while the Piano Man led with vocals in the first verse and chorus. In the second verse, they switched roles, with Sting taking the lead vocals, proving he still has it.

Before performing The Police song, Joel introduced Sting to the audience, stating, “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 demonstrated incredible chemistry onstage, and hearing two legendary voices perform together on such fantastic songs was truly remarkable. Later in the concert, Joel shared a personal revelation 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 audience, then Joel added, “Just pray for me.” Whether the prayers were effective or Joel’s concerns were unnecessary, watching the videos from the night clearly shows he was in absolutely fantastic shape.