Sting gave another perfect concert in Budapest...

"I'm buying a ticket, I'm buying a ticket". Every five meters, figures who look more like ticket agents than music fans call out to me in front of the Sport Arena. I'm surprised that they say there will be a full house "despite" the quality music. Sixteen years after his concert at the Kisstadion, Sting still attracts crowds, even though this is his eighth time in Budapest, the last time he played here was exactly a year ago.

When All this time plays with perfect sound, we feel that everything will be in place this evening. And it really is. Sting (he got his stage name "Fullánk" from his pre-Police days, because of the yellow and black striped sweater he often wore) is still leading his band in a T-shirt, with a naturalness free from star allure. He brings his usual form, precise bass playing, characteristic vocals, and resigned humour.

As the hits come, from 'Shape of My Heart' to 'Desert Rose' to the Police classic 'Message in a Bottle', they get more and more involved, and the band members show more of themselves. The biggest star among them is drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, who is better known to jazz fans, but now he proves that the difference can be felt in rock or reggae if someone has everything about the profession at their fingertips.

The others are precise, keyboardist David Sancious, guitarist Dominic Miller and violinist Peter Tickell. The latter young man is a real surprise, he makes a great replacement for the usual wind players, and in the crushing numbers ('Demolition Man', 'Next to You') he rushes forward and tears his bow. There is nothing more beautiful than when horsehair breaks into rock.

In 'The Hounds Of Winter', vocalist Jo Lawry also shines her skills. She makes one of the best songs of the evening creepy with screams.

Of course, 'Englishman in New York' cannot be left out either, with the audience singing along. "Be yourself, no matter what they say" - the ten-thousand-strong choir roars.

How different this country would be if at least a hundred times as many people took this pledge.

(c) hir24