Sting Joins Billy Joel for a Spirited Rendition of “Big Man on Mulberry Street” and a Police Classic

In 2024, Billy Joel made a powerful comeback to the music scene with his first single in over ten years, “Turn the Lights Back On”. Additionally, he leveraged connections with a prominent friend to enhance his live performance, leading to rock icon Sting joining the band on Joel’s lesser-known track “Big Man on Mulberry Street”. The collaboration was formed when they co-headlined a concert at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 24, 2024.

Sting truly captivated the audience as he stepped onto the stage wearing a perfectly tailored silver suit and a black fedora, creating the perfect ambiance for the jazz piece. The two artists alternated lead vocals, with The Police frontman taking the spotlight while Joel showcased his talent on the grand piano. Sting appeared to thoroughly enjoy his time on stage, delivering an outstanding performance by engaging with the band and displaying impressive dance moves.

The crowd was in for an exceptional evening, with Sting performing a 16-song set and Joel delivering an extensive 24-song set that included numerous hits and several covers like The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. To top off the guest appearances, Sting brought rapper Shaggy – indeed, that Shaggy – on stage to perform a duet on “Englishman in New York”.

Joel also joined Sting’s performance, coming on stage during the opening of “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.

Prior to 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 display incredible chemistry on stage, and listening to two legendary voices perform together on such fantastic songs is truly remarkable. Later in the concert, Joel shared a confession with the audience before performing “An Innocent Man.”

“I wrote this in 1983 and I didn’t realise 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, and Joel then added, “Just pray for me.” Whether the prayers were answered or Joel’s concerns were unnecessary, the videos from the night clearly show he was in fantastic shape.