Like the Old and the Best, or Sting's Concert in Krakow...

Sting visits our country so often that if he once felt out of place in New York, he certainly no longer feels that way in Krakow or Warsaw. He returned once again, and like a train driver fuelled by hits, he didn't slow down, constantly pouring out bars of vibrating bass strings. This time, in a more raw form, accompanied only by a guitarist and drummer, similar to what he did with The Police. And the audience, in this "naked" version, welcomed him as warmly as ever.

Sting has probably tried everything. He started with new wave, youth rock with a touch of reggae, had a love affair with pop, and made no secret of his admiration for jazz. He created classical music, drawing inspiration from folk... The list goes on. 

Sting is getting younger with age. In Krakow, he showed that he's still capable.

Although he's been drawing crowds on subsequent tours as Sting, those who expect only his solo songs at concerts would be lying. However, over time, the musician has decided to lean more towards the trio format he used for many years with The Police.

Last year, he invited Dominic Miller, an integral part of his touring band for decades, as well as former Mumford & Sons drummer Chris Maas, to collaborate, and thus the "Sting 3.0" tour was born. And despite having songs featuring numerous instruments in his repertoire—ranging from keyboards, saxophone, harmonica, and clarinet—we won't hear them on this tour.

Sting, forgoing the musical support of the large band that has toured with him in the past, opts for simplicity and, in keeping with the "less is more" philosophy, literally sticks to his musical roots. By reducing the number of musicians on stage, the project's most prominent element is the metallic, swaying guitar with reverb, competing with the sound of cymbals echoing across the stage. Both elements, enhanced by the atmospheric bass that defines the songs' flow, transport us back to The Police's glory days and simply rejuvenate the musician himself.

It's also a way to hear Sting's music in a slightly different and dual way—stripped down, yet still within the confines of the hall, so at times, in quieter moments, it seems he's practically singing a cappella, and yet when the guitar kicks in... I don't know if he's ever been so loud and rock-like in recent years.

The 74-year-old singer showcased his full range of musical skills during the concert, which lasted almost two hours without a break. Starting with the first hits by The Police, which, if omitted, would certainly have been met with disapproval by a large portion of the audience, through hits from now-iconic albums such as "...Nothing Like the Sun" and "Brand New Day". 

He also premiered his first composition in four years, "I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)," and once again set a blistering pace, delivering song after song without pause. But that's the hallmark of true rock craftsmen.

They say you don't change the line-up of a winning team, which, in the context of Sting's setlist, makes even more sense. The musician skilfully juggles between his greatest hits—the dance-inducing "Message in a Bottle," the rocking "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," and the pleasantly unsettling "Wrapped Around Your Finger"—but he also allows himself a bit of madness, pulling out less-performed compositions ("King of Pain," "Can't Stand Losing You"). Sting also doesn't ignore gems beloved by his most loyal fans, such as the still-remarkable "Mad About You," though without the strings.

I've long maintained that Sting suits jazz and reggae best, and that evening in Krakow, his Jamaican side came to the fore more often. Convention, in a way, forces this, as some ballads, inseparable by the gentle sound of an acoustic guitar, like "Shape of My Heart," performed with both authors (Sting and Dominic Miller) on stage, beg to be performed in a more intimate, cosy, and personal version. This didn't happen this time, but judging by how Sting seems to continue to explore new paths, it's probably only a matter of time before another project sees him in this more atmospheric version. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate this arrangement.

Sting saved the best for last, alternating solo hits ("When We Dance") with the most famous songs from his catalog (like "Every Breath You Take"). The encore, of course, was "Roxanne" and the moving "Fragile"—the latter being the only time in several dozen minutes that the musicians released their instruments, as they hadn't left their hands for even a second before. Polish fans also received a real treat: during the final song, Sting was joined on acoustic guitar by the renowned drummer Mino Cinelu. The same drummer who played on the 1987 studio version of the song.

Sting has been in top form for several years now. Wrinkles appear on the faces of artists and listeners, but his music remains completely ageless. This energetic, electric display of old-school playing proves in 2025 that authentic talent will always shine—in any form. I'm already envious of those who will be able to hear him perform at tonight's concert in Gliwice.

The concert was organized by Live Nation.

(c) Onet by Mateusz Kamiński

Sting in Krakow – a show of undying energy...

Sting once again proved that age is just a number. At Krakow's Tauron Arena, the British musician played a concert that paid tribute to his musical roots and proved that simplicity can sound more powerful than the most elaborate arrangements.

Sting performed in Krakow as part of the "Sting 3.0" tour, accompanied by long-time guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. The trio opted for a raw, rock sound – almost reminiscent of The Police – and it proved to be a bull's-eye.

From the very first notes of "Message in a Bottle," it was clear that the audience was in for an evening of energy and nostalgia. Sting, with his bass hanging low as ever, sounded fresh and powerful, and his distinctive voice – though slightly rougher – still carried the same powerful message.

The minimalism of the line-up allowed each instrument to resonate – Miller's guitar, with its sound balancing between reggae and rock, and Maas's drums, which set the rhythm for the entire show. This was Sting without embellishment, but with pure passion.

The concert's set list was like a journey through decades of the musician's career. Alongside must-have hits from The Police like "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Roxanne," there were also solo hits – "Fields of Gold," "Englishman in New York," and the atmospheric "Shape of My Heart."

There was also a surprise – the premiere song "I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)," which was warmly received. As always, Sting skilfully shifted his tone: reflective ballads intertwined with rock tracks that had the Krakow audience raving.

The most moving moment of the evening was the encore. After the explosion of sound in "Roxanne," Sting returned to the stage alone, with an acoustic guitar, to perform "Fragile" – quietly, almost whispering, in complete silence.

The 74-year-old Sting proved in Krakow that he is still in excellent shape – both vocally and physically. The two-hour, non-stop performance demonstrated that his music has not diminished in power, and has even gained a new dimension over the years.

The event was organized by Live Nation Polska. Today is Sting's second Polish concert – at PreZero Arena in Gliwice.

(c) Teraz Muzyka by Michał Grzybowski