For Sting, the process of reinvention is ongoing.

His extensive tour history is impressive, featuring solo performances, collaborations with artists like Annie Lennox and Shaggy, as well as symphonic concerts. Notable projects include his 2006 lute album “Songs from the Labyrinth” and the deeply personal 2013 album “The Last Ship,” which has evolved continuously, as he shares.

Over the years, Sting’s work with The Police and his successful solo career have earned him 17 Grammy Awards and four Oscar nominations.

Even as he approaches 73, the enduringly youthful Sting continues to explore his musical passions, recently downsizing his usual band to a trio—himself, longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, and drummer Chris Maas—for what he humorously calls Sting 3.0.

Initially reluctant to return to a trio format following The Police’s tumultuous breakup, Sting now declares he is “loving” this new setup, which has just released the single “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart).”

The trio’s tour started in May with overseas dates, and the U.S. leg is scheduled to begin on Sept. 17-18 in Detroit, wrapping up on Nov. 13. Sting will also perform at several stadium shows alongside his friend Billy Joel this fall.

Sting’s collaborations often draw attention, from his unexpected partnership with Shaggy, who “brings something out of me” according to Sting, to his duet with Dolly Parton on “Every Breath You Take” for her 2023 “Rockstar” album (she has invited him to Dollywood, but he hasn’t had the chance to go yet).

Speaking from his apartment studio that overlooks Central Park, Sting opened up about his new musical projects, his admiration for actor Austin Butler, and why he’s “thrilled” to still be performing at age 25 without anyone asking for a refund.

Question: While your tour setlist includes numerous hits, you’ve also been revisiting lesser-known songs like “Voices Inside My Head” from The Police’s 1980 album “Zenyatta Mondatta” and “Never Coming Home” from your 2003 solo album “Sacred Love.” What makes those songs suitable for this new live performance?

Answer: I hadn’t performed “Voices” since its initial release in the ‘80s. We decided to give it a try—it features a simple riff and vocal line—and I found it to be a great opener. “Never Coming Home” has always been a favorite of mine but I never felt I delivered a good version until now. It surprisingly works well with this trio setup.

The new single, “I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart),” has an urgent vibe, and your voice carries a rough quality reminiscent of Tom Waits. What was the inspiration behind this song?

I aimed to quickly create something with basic chords, which led to this song. There were almost no overdubs or thought put into its production. It captures the raw sound of a live band, which was a pleasant surprise I wanted to share with listeners. I think people will notice a different quality in my voice, though that wasn’t intentional. I was in the midst of finishing a tour and could hardly speak, so that’s just how my voice sounded at that time.

With the 40^th anniversary of “Synchronicity” just behind us, and “Every Breath You Take” surpassing a billion streams on Spotify and YouTube, did you ever expect the songs from that album to remain so relevant today?

When I wrote that song, I knew it had hit potential. We had seen success leading up to that, but I recognized its ability to be a No. 1 hit. However, I never anticipated its enduring impact over decades.

Do you still enjoy singing it?

Absolutely. The audience always pulls out their cameras.

How does that make you feel?

I see it as a sign that people appreciate what they’re hearing. It’s like visual applause. It looks lovely in a stadium setting, so I won’t complain. it’s a way for the audience to show they love the song.

You and Billy Joel share a strong friendship and perform together. What qualities do you admire in him?

I’ve known Billy since 1980 when he came to see The Police perform in Long Island. He came backstage after the show and struck me as a genuine, humble person. I still remember an evening we spent together at a piano where he played everything from Beethoven to The Beatles and Jerry Lee Lewis; it was then I realized he’s a true musician, a real artist in every sense.

He is truly the piano man, and I hold him in the highest regard.

Do you get to spend time together during your stadium performances?

We both use the same backstage area. I typically pop in there to borrow stuff from him. He once wanted to try on one of my suits, but I declined.

Did you mean one of your flashy suits?

Yes, indeed! That shiny silver suit was custom-made for me back in 1978 for The Who’s film “Quadrophenia,” tailored on Savile Row, and it still fits perfectly. That’s just a bit of vanity, isn’t it?

Let’s take a moment to talk about your film career. What did you think of Austin Butler’s portrayal of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in “Dune 2”?

I think he’s fantastic. He is a true star and a wonderful actor. I met him at the premiere, and he was really nice. I enjoyed his performance. However, I do have one complaint about the portrayal of the Harkonnens, who belong to my faction. They seem way too easy to defeat in this rendition. In our version, they were much tougher; these new ones seem to go down just with a gentle breeze (laughs). Nonetheless, it’s beautifully crafted. Our take was a bit more campy, and many visual elements pay homage to David Lynch’s version, which I believe they would recognize.

Earlier, you took the My Songs tour to Las Vegas with a residency at Caesars Palace. Would you consider doing it again?

Absolutely, in a heartbeat! Initially, I had some reservations about the audience, but the people who came were incredibly diverse, well-dressed, chic, and sophisticated. I felt right at home on that stage. I received a heads-up that I wouldn’t be able to stand still since it’s the largest stage in Vegas, so I got a head mic and roamed around freely. I still wear that on stage because it gives me so much freedom.

It’s been ten years since your autobiographical musical, “The Last Ship,” debuted in the U.S., but are you still developing it?

Yes, I’m currently creating a new version, which will be performed in Europe next year, and we may bring it to New York and London as well. I feel very passionate about it as it’s a deeply personal story for me and my community. It is always evolving, so we will have that rolling out next year while also touring with this wonderful trio.