Just rousing from a short night's sleep - you know that almost hung-over
feeling (although there was no alcohol last night) but you know you were
up late... Sting verses filling your sub-conscious immediately upon
waking, so you know you were somewhere special before you closed your
eyes last night. Thankfully, it is a Sunday.
Just a couple of highlights for now from last night...think my three
personal favorites had to be 'Ghost Story', 'Sacred Love' & 'The Hounds
of Winter'. Not necessarily my all-time favorite Sting songs, but my
favorite three arrangements of the night, if you know what I mean.
Literally had tears running down my face during 'Ghost Story'... Sting gave
a little intro talking about his Dad & their relationship... he
really sung with such emotion... very poignant for me since my own Dad
passed away many years ago on the night of 10/22/88... yes, same date
& it was even on a Saturday night. Amazing how a song can bring
back such strong memories, even 23 years later (but that is the beauty
& wonderful gift that is Sting to so many of us...)
Sacred Love was just pure fun... every band member really working their
own specialty to contribute… lot’s of interaction between Dom & Rufus
which was truly wonderful...Jo & Rufus added so much to the
vocals...was a real treat to listen to, as well as watch the interaction
of the band, although at one point there did appear to be a bit of
trouble with Sting touching his mic & shaking his head off
stage... did not distract from the fun however. Definitely a high point
in a night of many.
'The Hounds of Winter' was wonderful and I can only describe Jo’s backup
vocals as "sensual howling"… Vinnie does the most amazing press roll on
this one which Sting makes a point to highlight. Truly unbelievable
arrangement...a treat to see performed live & you get the sense that
they all really enjoy playing this one.
The crowd was a bit livelier (probably that Friday vs. Saturday night
thing) but we were all tapped on the shoulders and asked to sit down by
the Wang Theatre’s security... yes, during 'All This Time' which I found
unbelievable since it was the very first song. More on this later.
Bit of a change from Opening Night... 'Desert Rose' was added (believe in
place of 'Lithium Sunset'?) Sorry, the nights are starting to blend
together... it does appear they are making minor adjustments, but as we
have seen previously with Sting tours, I suspect there won’t be any
major changes to the set list. A song here or there or maybe switch up
the order a tad.
The man is really so comfortable in his 60 year-old skin... as he said he
has always had an old persona, so it is fitting and the audience
certainly benefits from it during this tour - one that is definitely
worthy of spending your hard earned dollars for & taking the time
off from work to travel to if he’s not coming to your local area. You
won’t regret it if you can swing it.
(c) With thanks to sadlon (Sting.com member)