Sting sets the Nîmes Arena ablaze...

British singer Sting made a resounding success of his performance at the Nîmes Arena. A concert lasting over an hour and a half in front of thousands of spectators. A return to his roots? Certainly. But above all, an exceptional concert featuring young musicians.

Sting speaks French and introduces his musicians as "his friends," as he calls them, and what a band!

Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, no less (Frank Zappa, Megadeth, Herbie Hancock… "the best drummer in the world," Sting says.

There will be a few moments of grace with backing vocalist Jo Lawry and young violinist Peter Tickell.

We'd heard about Sting going back to his roots, with Sting on bass, of course. But it was nothing like a reheated performance with these exceptional musicians.

"It's hot, isn't it?" Sting says mid-concert. 36 degrees at 10:40 p.m. It's true, but the Nîmes arenas are standing to "Send an SOS" and sing along to "Desert Rose" during the encores.

Message received. Sting's comeback is nothing like an old remake. A no-nonsense show, full of rock, with the artists' complicity as a bonus.

The Nîmes festival is asking for more. Next time it will be in Carcassonne on July 26th but it's already full.

(c) France3 by Laurence Creusot