Sting @ Wells Fargo Theatre...
At 60 years old, English rocker Sting puts most acts in their '20s to shame by delivering mature, complex songs with great energy. Sting, whose solo career has nearly tripled the length of his seven years with the Police (nine if you include reunion tours) brought his "Back to Bass" tour to the Wells Fargo Theatre on Sunday night with 21 songs and three encores in a performance that lasted more than two hours.
Fans of his solo work as well of the Police were equally satisfied as he mixed early ’80s classics like 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic', 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Message in a Bottle' with solo hits like 'Fortress Around Your Heart' and 'Fields Of Gold'.
The crowd poured out of its seats and into the aisle when Sting returned to the stage for his first encore - his eastern music anthem 'Desert Rose'.
(c) The Denver Post by Evan Semon
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CREATE A DISPLAY NAMESting at his best in Denver!
OK, it’s been 6 years since I have seen a regular Sting concert, not the Police or Lute or Orchestra and it was SOOOOOOO refreshing. Not that I did not appreciate what was presented for the previous 6 years. It is just that Sting IS at his BEST in a setting like last night. Before I forget (how could I?) It was the best sound mix I have heard at a Sting concert ever, for the first time ever, Sting’s bass was clearly audible, his vocals perfect in the mix, and every tom/cymbal, guitar, violin were so perfectly mixed, I was blown away. The closest sound that I have heard this good was the Mercury Falling tour and prior. Could someone please tell me who the FOH sound engineer is?
The Setlist was great, I must say surprisingly that I did not miss the keyboards.
I was not aware that Peter Tickell was promoted to “featured soloist” as he played the role of a Branford Marsalis/ Kenny Kirkland, though maybe not as talented as those two, I enjoyed hearing him more say a Chris Botti (not dissin Chris) but Tickell brought the house down with his solos and general playing, what a talent he is! He is lucky to be allowed this much spotlight being so young on a Sting tour.
Dominic was the usual precision master but he is clearly honored to have his son Rufus on stage with him. Rufus did well.
Jo Lawry, hopefully she stays with Sting forever, I cannot say enough about her, what a singer, performer/fiddle/percussion player, she is incredible.
Vinnie? I don’t think it is understood by the average audience member what this man brings to the stage without overplaying yet adding so much precision, perfection, keeping it so interesting, staying totally in the groove, it is clear why this man maybe prefers to play without a track behind him. He is the drummer’s drummer and is the best I have heard him ever on a Sting stage. Vinnie alone was worth the price of admission.
Sting’s bass: The man is a genius for being able to play a bass this good and sing simultaneously apparently effortlessly. His bass was so melodic and on the beat, what an incredible bass player, never heard it so clear.
Sting’s vocals: Songs like Fortress, Inside, Stolen Car, End of the Game, the man’s vocals were mixed perfectly, everything was mixed perfectly. Denver was one of the best I have heard his vocals.
Overall, the only tour I will rank near this is the Ten Summoners Tales tour but I think this one may take the cake as the best I have heard Sting ever. I hope we get a DVD out of this. ”https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0577/0549/6658/files/20111122-062840_board_denver-full.jpg" alt="">
Last nights crowd in Denver was shameful. We were in the 8th row and very excited for the show, having seen STING and the Police about 7 times before.
As STING walked on stage our excitement grew – What happened next was shocking . . . security immediately started demanding everyone sit down, so everyone could see. Threatening to make people leave.
It’s a rock and roll show – hell the symphony show at Red Rocks last year had more crowd energy – although there was a lot of shouting to sit down there as well. This felt like they dropped a seniors bus off for the event.
I go out of my way to be respectful to those around me during a show – but this was ridiculous. In the last 30 minutes security gave up – but by then it was too late – the energy was drained – and while the band gave it their all – I assume (as we could only see STING) due to a seat positioning error, it was too late.
As a musician I know first hand the need to have an energetic give and take with a crowd. I can only suggest that STING never choose the Wells Fargo Center for a show in the future – Thank you for coming and on behalf of those who wanted to support you and the band I am sorry we had to sit on our hands. Hopefully, we will be able to catch another show somewhere along the tour.