Sting: A legend at Les Voix du Gaou...

With a career spanning more than 30 years and not a single wrinkle, Sting performed yesterday on the Voix du Gaou stage.

There's only one word to describe this evening at the Voix du Gaou Festival: magical. Was it the quality of the music or the charm of the venue? Probably a combination of both. Either way, one thing is certain: last night was a total stunner.

It must be said that from the moment we arrived, the protected island enveloped us with its special aura. The reflections of the setting sun captivated us as we walked along the water's edge and through the heart of the pine forest. Because, in addition to a quality line-up, it's this exceptional venue that has given the Festival its reputation.

After observing Mother Nature, the evening began with the band Loud Cloud. Comprised of American guitarist Lone Kent and percussionist Seb Gisbert, the duo effortlessly alternates between blues sounds and squeaky guitars. Their resolutely rock music, embellished with a few ballads, and above all, their intense connection, set the tone for the evening.

TD-Lind takes over after an hour of performance. The artist, a true showman, transports the crowd into a decidedly '60s concert. His guitar, sometimes country, sometimes bluesy, recalls Bob Dylan's early days.

A roar greets Sting later in the evening. The artist plays a string of hits, covering both The Police hits and his solo tracks. The extreme simplicity of this legend is striking when he tenderly recounts how the writing of 'Fields of Gold' came to him like a flash, while he was strolling through the fields of his village. Thirty years of career don't seem to have diminished his passion for music, and especially his desire to share it. Few great artists convey such humanity. Sting loves his craft and his audience, and it's felt when he exults, letting everyone sing the choruses of 'Every Breath You Take' or offers no fewer than two encores, seeming to leave the stage more out of obligation than desire. The words of Fields of Gold: "You'll remember me when the West wind moves," could be addressed to us, for surely, he and this night will be remembered.

(c) Frequence-sud by Fanny Nicolas