OXON HILL, Md. – Sting is quite adept at leading a trio.

He has gone on tour with larger bands, such as the ensemble that accompanied him during his My Songs tour last summer, and even collaborated with Shaggy back in 2018.

Sting’s time with The Police established his legendary status, and now, returning to a trio format known as Sting 3.0, he is as lively and involved as ever.

On October 16, during his second performance at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, Sting, who had earlier that day performed “Fragile” at Ethel Kennedy’s memorial service while dressed in a suit, commanded the stage for nearly two hours, delivering 23 songs alongside longtime guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas.

At 73 years old, Sting still embodies the rock star aesthetic, gripping his bass as his muscular arms emerge from the sleeves of his white and gray T-shirt, his vibrant personality and sharp mind creating a captivating presence.

Sting Becomes a Storyteller

Migrating around the stage with an academic demeanor, Sting frequently engaged with the audience, sharing anecdotes behind many of his tracks.

Only at a Sting concert will you hear tales of song inspiration, ranging from a Bible verse in the Book of Samuel that inspired the obscure “Mad About You,” to his father’s advice to “see the world and make something of yourself” during “Why Should I Cry for You?”, and imagery of a “sea of gold” during harvest time from his home in the English countryside, illustrated in “Fields of Gold.”

In a recent interview with YSL News, Sting revealed that after his 2021-23 residency in Las Vegas, he developed a liking for using a headset microphone. This allows him the freedom to roam the stage, use his hands to guide the audience through his signature “e-yo-ohhs,” clap while not playing, and add a seductive flair during “Desert Rose.”

Sting’s Concert Features a Dynamic Setlist

This tour’s setlist includes a well-rounded selection of Police hits, along with Sting’s global solo hits, featuring the rare performance of “I Burn for You,” the first song he penned while still a teacher back in 1974, and even a new track created with his current trio.

The new song “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” launched last month, is an energetic piece on record, taking on an even more powerful feel live with Maas delivering a strong Bo Diddley-style beat while Sting belts it out with intensity.

This track was seamlessly sandwiched between the beautiful “Shape of My Heart,” highlighted by Miller’s gentle guitar, and the reggae-inspired “Walking on the Moon,” which smoothly transitioned into a more driving pace with “So Lonely,” following a sharp cut from Maas on the snare drum.

Sting’s Music Celebrates Variety

The depth of Sting’s musical catalog is impressive not only for its enduring appeal – even the jazzy pop hit “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” stands the test of time – but also for its wide-ranging styles.

Through pieces like the sophisticated “Englishman in New York” and the swinging rhythm of “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” listeners experience distinct musical contrasts, including a line in “Faith” that prompted cheers from the crowd as Sting acknowledged it with a playful tilt of his head. Songs like the vibrant “Can’t Stand Losing You” and the sultry “Wrapped Around Your Finger” further showcase his eclectic style.

The trio’s skill and cohesion are impressive, especially after their tour began in Europe in May, yet their ongoing chemistry is still striking. Sting and his band will wrap up their U.S. leg in November, playing alongside Billy Joel at several stadiums, before heading to South America and Europe next year, likely continuing their trend of showcasing impressive musical artistry.