Sting Sing

People are so into gong to rock concerts in even numbers that it drives the price of two tickets together above face value day of. However, a single ticket far away is cheap. I responded to about 10 craig’s list ads for single tickets at 3pm yesterday and one ebay auction. Everyone responded, but only one person sent me a ticket without even confirming the price or that I would ever pay them. Needless to say, that’s the seat I used. It was very far away but very cool nonetheless. this video captures the emotional impact of the three walking on to a darkened stage starting to play and the first light cue. It was amazing. I would easily pay the $200 to be up close later this year, just for the first two songs. Whoever designed the lights should get an award. They kept the video screens dark for just one song and did some really cool stuff in Synchronicity II that extended the impact of the top of the show for about 10 minutes as they slowly revealed all the tricks the simple set has to offer. For three old guys (well, one old guy, one highschool drummer and Sting) standing on tangential ovals of light, it was ridiculously engaging to watch.

On the rocking numbers, just as we’ve all come to expect, they sounded like they were getting faster and faster yet somehow together. Actually, now that I realize it, the above video is the show that SC thought was off, but I think it sounds better if he nearly misses the fourth bar. I’m not sure what he was talking about now that I hear it. Sting sang the hole night, only sounding old and silly on Don’t Stand and Every Little Thing. But what can we expect, it’s a long tour and the guy is pretty much playing a 25 year younger version of himself for 2 hours a show.