Soul Cages: 1991/92

Sting performed at Las Ventas with a stark and intimate show - The British singer drew nearly 12,000 people to the Madrid bullring...

British singer Sting appeared last night before the Madrid audience gathered at the Las Ventas bullring with a less refined image than on his last tour of Spain in 1988. Dressed in a simple t-shirt, jeans, and suspenders, and with short hair, the Newcastle musician evoked memories of his years as a member of The Police. Approximately 12,000 people filled the Madrid bullring last night to witness the return of a singer who lately had only performed driven by his commitment to environmental and human rights issues.

When Sting took to the stage at Las Ventas last night, his large and devoted fans erupted in applause. His new look wasn't the only thing that evoked memories of the former British trio The Police; his music also transported the audience back in time. After three years of silence — interrupted only by performances for Amnesty International and the Amazon rainforest—Sting presented his latest album, The Soul Cages, to his fans. It's a melancholic and intimate record, closer to his work with The Police than to his later solo recordings.

Alongside the singer, only three other musicians shared the Las Ventas stage, which was as austere on this occasion as the star of the night: Dominic Miller (guitar), David Sancious (keyboards), and Vinnie Colaiuta (drums). The understated stage design chosen by the singer for this tour contrasts sharply with previous productions and the recent trend toward grand, spectacular effects. Here, the music was the sole focus. Sting also brought back the bass guitar for this occasion, an instrument he had practically not played in his performances since the breakup of The Police around 1985. Opening Acts

Before the singer appeared, two opening acts performed. 29 Palms were the first, with a set lasting approximately 30 minutes. Vinx, an American percussionist whom Sting is introducing and supporting on this tour, then gave way to the British artist, and his performance lasted 20 minutes. The audience, who had paid 3,500 pesetas for their tickets, endured the various changes made by the concert organizers in the final days with some confusion. The concert was initially scheduled to take place at the Vicente Calderón stadium, then it was announced that it would be at Rayo Vallecano's stadium, and finally, at Las Ventas. Despite this and the delay, the spectators warmly welcomed the singer's arrival.

Sting, who addressed the audience in Spanish, began his performance at 11:20 p.m. with "All This Time," the first single from "The Soul Cages". The Las Ventas crowd thoroughly enjoyed the singer's performance, an artist interested not in making music for a niche audience, but for a diverse public with varied cultures and perspectives.

His tour of Spain will continue in Valencia (Levante Stadium) on the 11th and will conclude at the Sarrià Stadium in Barcelona on the 12th.

(c) El Pais by Rocío Ayuso