Sting 3.0

Sting at L’Hospitalet: "Narbonne, I can’t stand losing you!"...

One of the festival's best concerts since its inception. The smoothness of Sting's voice remains undiminished by the years. 

With Sting, the Jazz à l’Hospitalet Festival confirms its ability to attract the biggest names on the international stage to a unique setting. On Wednesday evening, set against the backdrop of the limestone ridges of La Clape, the intimate stage was elevated by the star's unique voice. Exceptional.

A London vibe wafted through the La Clape vineyards on Wednesday evening. The all-female group "Girlband" set the tone for the night, kicking things off with an energetic set driven by a lead singer with a powerful voice and remarkable pitch accuracy. Blending pop-rock harmonies with strong stage presence, the trio—after giving a nod to the château's "remarkable wine" and expressing their delight at being invited to open for the legendary singer — handed the stage over to Sting.

The show immediately took the audience back to 1979 with "Message in a Bottle," an iconic track by The Police. Interspersed with Sting’s solo hits — such as "Englishman in New York" — the Police classics were sung in unison by the crowd, who chanted along to the line "No matter what they say." It was during "Can’t Stand Losing You" that the audience truly felt the illusion of performing alongside the singer—who has sold 100 million albums worldwide (including his work with The Police).

Sprinkling his show with a few phrases in French, Sting won over the crowd with a playful nod: "Narbonne: I can’t stand losing you!" — meaning, "Narbonne, I don’t want to lose you!"

However, the true moment of connection between the artist and the roughly 1,800 spectators came with "Roxanne." The stage, bathed in a glowing, incandescent red, cast a spectacular light over L’Hospitalet that elevated the song. Voices united to sing the famous chorus — a magical moment of the "Sting 3.0" tour, which features the singer accompanied only by his long-time guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. Three musicians delivering a level of musical intensity that instantly filled the intimate setting of Château l’Hospitalet. At 74, the former frontman of The Police displayed a timeless elegance and mastery.

(c) L'Indépendant by Véronique Durand