Sting 3.0

Umbria Jazz, record-breaking debut with Sting: 20 songs to win over Perugia in his third festival appearance...

A packed arena - with over 13,000 people applauding the rock star who, at 74, still commands the stage. Alongside the energy of The Police, the setlist featured the more sophisticated nuances of his solo work.

There are nights when music ceases to be merely a succession of chords and becomes a bridge suspended in time, capable of uniting the pulse of the present with the deepest memories. The atmosphere at the Arena Santa Giuliana was one such night: a suspended mood where emotion was reflected in the eyes of an audience ready to be captivated once again by the charisma of a timeless icon. It was amidst this warm anticipation that a sincere greeting rang out: "We are happy to be here for the third time." With these words, spoken last night in Perugia before a packed arena, Sting inaugurated the 2026 edition of the Umbria Jazz festival and officially launched the first Italian date of his highly acclaimed world tour.

Yet those opening words were more than just a customary pleasantry; they instantly rewound the tape of a profound bond, reminding the crowd of over 13,000 that there is always time for great returns - especially in a city that has marked pivotal moments in his artistic journey. This triumphant return closes a historic circle that began in 1987 with his unforgettable Umbria Jazz debut - a year that set a benchmark for both popularity and exclusivity. Back then, Sting placed himself entirely at the service of the legendary arranger Gil Evans and his extraordinary orchestra for a memorable concert attended by 25,000 spectators. Then came the 2012 return with "Back to Bass": thirteen years ago - also at the Arena - Sting closed the festival wielding his beloved instrument.

And once again, the British singer-songwriter appeared with his bass before a multi-generational crowd: die-hard fans from the early Police days, long-time admirers of his prolific solo career, and many young people curious to see a legend live - a man with 100 million records sold and 17 Grammy Awards to his name who, at 74, still commands the stage like no other.

The "Sting 3.0" project marks a dynamic new era, reinterpreting a vast repertoire through the stripped-back, sharp lens of an exceptional power trio; joining the frontman were virtuoso guitarist and long-time collaborator Dominic Miller and the driving force behind the kit, drummer Chris Maas. The Perugia show was a measured, balanced, and precise concert - overall, more nuanced than purely high-octane. Sting’s voice took a couple of songs to warm up and find its full, rich tone, but once it hit its stride, it powered through without a single pause or falter.

The setlist for the Umbria Jazz performance was a meticulously crafted sequence of 20 songs. It kicked off at breakneck speed with the gritty rock sound of "Message in a Bottle," quickly followed by other Police gems like "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Wrapped Around Your Finger," and a high-intensity rendition of "Driven to Tears." Alongside the energy of the Police material, Sting wove in more sophisticated tracks from his solo catalog, many of which appear on the recent live album *Sting 3.0 Live*. The audience was able to enjoy the intensity of the latest single "I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)," the pop wit of "Englishman in New York," the acoustic sweetness of "Fields of Gold," and the hypnotic, world-music-infused crescendo of "Desert Rose," alongside lyrically rich tracks such as "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You," "Never Coming Home," "Mad About You," "A Thousand Years," "Shape of My Heart," "You Still Touch Me," and "Brand New Day."

As the main set drew to a close, adrenaline peaked during "Can’t Stand Losing You"; Sting truly fired up the crowd by shouting "Umbria Jazz!" three times in a row, before sweeping everyone away with the upbeat rhythm of "So Lonely" and the collective sing-along of "Every Breath You Take." For the encore, following a unique rendition of "Roxanne," the musician made an intimate choice: he set aside his electric bass to pick up an acoustic guitar and perform the iconic "Fragile" - almost a tribute to 1987 (the year the song was released), a year also deeply significant to Umbria Jazz. It was a hushed, acoustic, and deeply moving finale.

"Umbria Jazz, thank you - see you next time" were the final few words he left with the Perugia night before a lightning-fast departure; just as upon his arrival, the artist immediately boarded a flight to Switzerland to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival, before returning to Italy on July 31st for a show in Bassano del Grappa.

However, his farewell leaves Perugia with the feeling that the bond is stronger than ever, already raising hopes for a future fourth visit. Meanwhile, the 13,000 spectators recorded at his concert set an all-time record for a single night at the Arena Santa Giuliana, putting Umbria Jazz 2026 on track for its highest-ever total revenue. Indeed, total ticket sales have already surpassed the 40,000 mark, bringing the festival within striking distance of the all-time record of over 41,000 tickets sold.

The evening also marked the debut of the arena’s massive new stage (20×25 meters with a depth of 16 meters) - a colossal structure designed to host grand contemporary productions, starting with the highly anticipated Zucchero concert scheduled for July 11th.

(c) Umbria 24 by Danilo Nardoni

Umbria Jazz is already breaking records. The magic of Sting at the Arena in front of 13,000 people... 

The Sting phenomenon takes Umbria Jazz by storm. It was 9:30 PM last night when the British superstar took the stage at the Arena Santa Giuliana; accompanied by his trio - guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas - he launched into "Message in a Bottle." This marked the start of the Italian leg of the "Sting 3.0" world tour, a concert that drew a crowd of 13,000 (an all-time record for the Arena) and triggered a special security and traffic management plan.

The setlist featured timeless hits and gems from Sting’s discography - both as a solo artist and as the frontman of The Police - ranging from "Englishman in New York" and "Shape of My Heart" to "Desert Rose," "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne," and "Fragile." These songs captivated and won over the audience, bringing the first day of Umbria Jazz to a spectacular close. From early morning, the most dedicated and hardy fans lined up outside the gates (which opened at 6:30 PM) to secure front-row spots. 

This marked Sting’s third visit to Perugia, following his historic 1987 concert at the Curi Stadium with Gil Evans and his orchestra, and a 2012 performance. He arrived in the city early in the afternoon on a private flight landing at Sant’Egidio and departed immediately after the concert, heading to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, where he is scheduled to perform next. The event also saw the debut of the Arena’s massive new stage, standing nearly 25 meters tall, 16 meters deep, and 20 meters wide, featuring 200 square meters of LED screens.

It was an extraordinary start for an edition aiming for record-breaking box-office revenue, as confirmed by UJ Foundation President Stefano Mazzoni in his welcoming address to the audience. "Anyone coming to Perugia," he said, "can choose between two itineraries to tailor 'their own' festival experience. The first focuses on major events, international rock stars, and jazz icons - the ticketed concerts held at the Santa Giuliana Arena, the Morlacchi Theatre, and the National Gallery. Even before the festival begins, over 40,000 tickets have been sold in advance, with projected revenue set to be the highest ever. Once again, the festival’s primary financial backer is its audience."

And then, she continues, "there is the second track - the free concerts: this alone constitutes a massive festival, unparalleled in Italy and perhaps the world. Of the more than 275 events taking place over ten days, over half are free, held in public squares, gardens, on terraces, and in other locations throughout the historic centre. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the Umbria Jazz festivities and soak up the atmosphere of an event that strives to be as inclusive as possible. It offers plenty of great music - spanning some 400 hours and every conceivable genre - ensuring everyone can find something to their taste."

(c) La Nazione by Sofia Coletti