Sting 3.0 - The Masonic, San Francisco...

17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting brought his Sting 3.0 Tour to San Francisco and proved why he’s a musical legend. He also showed the audience that he is a talented storyteller, peppering the night with the history of his songs and life stories. Before his set, Sting introduced the evening and his opener, ELEW, by recounting how he witnessed the jazz pianist and simply needed him on his tour, and an invitation was made.

ELEW is an energetic pianist who rarely sits, often kneeling or leaning on his instrument. His “Rockjazz” sound was just that, an upbeat performance that reimagined many rock classics with a jazz-piano feel. He opened his set with a fantastic rendition of The Knife’s Heartbeats and things just got better from there. ELEW’s performance covered rock anthems like Breaking Benjamin’s The Diary of Jane and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. It was the perfect set for the legendary Sting.

Sting’s performance was an impressive display of his enduring musical talents and the timeless quality of his songs. Accompanied by long-time collaborators Dominic Miller on guitar and Chris Maas on drums, Sting delivered a rich and diverse setlist that spanned both his solo career and his time with The Police. Opening with the classic “Message in a Bottle,” he quickly captivated the audience with a familiar yet fresh take on beloved tracks. Sting’s voice was as powerful and evocative as ever, bringing new emotional depth to songs like “Fields of Gold” and “Shape of My Heart.” 

Throughout the evening, Sting balanced high-energy numbers with more introspective selections, creating a dynamic flow that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Highlights included “Can’t Stand Losing You” and a soulful performance of “Englishman in New York.” 

The audience’s enthusiastic response was a testament to Sting’s ability to resonate across generations, with each song greeted by cheers and moments of collective sing-along. 

The show closed on a high note with “Every Breath You Take” and an encore of “Roxanne” and “Fragile,” leaving fans with a sense of satisfaction and nostalgia. The Masonic added a layer of warmth to the experience, allowing Sting’s lyrics and storytelling to shine. This concert was a memorable reminder of why Sting remains such an influential figure in music; he not only revisits his past with reverence but breathes new life into every song he performs.

(c) Thefive10.com by Marc Fong