Sting: My Songs Tour: International

Sting returns to the stage at the Nuits de Fourvière festival...

Third appearance at the Roman Theatre for the British singer, who has fully recovered his voice after several canceled concerts.

We wondered if this concert would even take place. The four previous shows before the Lyon date had been canceled, as Sting's doctor had placed him on bed rest following a viral throat infection.

So, would he perform, or wouldn't he? Finally, a Sting in top form took to the Fourvière stage this Wednesday evening, after an opening set by the formidable London band Cruel Hearts Club.

"A show that's easier on my voice"

"I've been sick, so I'm going to do a calmer, more intimate show. And easier on my voice," the singer explained in French. He then recounted how a poster for a French comedy by Edmond Rostand had inspired the first song, "Roxanne."

A gentle start to a series of legendary tracks, as indicated by the tour, simply called My Songs. Surrounded by his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, himself joined by his son Rufus, Josh Freese on drums, and a pair of backing vocalists, the writer of "Message in a Bottle" captivated Fourvière, without a single flaw. A smooth performance...

(c) Le Progres