Talent and simplicity...

As part of his 'Back to Bass' tour, the Rockhal hosted Sting for an intimate concert.

Legends are flocking to the Rockhal these days. After Chris Rea on Saturday, it was Sting's turn to take up residence, in a seated configuration that accentuated the feeling of closeness. And it was a young sixty-year-old, as sharp as the first day, who arrived on stage, decked out with his musicians. And his bass, which he specially rediscovered for this 'Back to Bass' tour.

Sting sang "All This Time," as if to better exorcise the passing of time. But, seeing him in his tight-fitting T-shirt, his muscles bulging, time seemed to have no hold on him. Tracks from his solo career, such as "I Hung My Head" and "Fields of Gold," which he introduced with an anecdote in perfect French, intersected with more rhythmic tracks from the Police era ("Demolition Man," "Driven To Tears"). Not to mention the essential "Desert Rose" and "Every Breath You Take" as an encore.

This tour, like Monday at the Rockhal, gives Sting the opportunity to take stock of his quarter-century as a solo artist, and also gives him the chance to celebrate this anniversary with his loyal fans. The Briton gives and receives, he is sincere, and he still enjoys it, and it shows.

(c) L'Essential by Cédric Botzung