TCN's Dave Gasson gives us the lowdown on the Sting concert in Pula's fabulous arena.
Last night, the capacity crowd in Pula's beautiful amphitheatre were left spellbound long into the night after one of the worlds leading musicians, the British icon, Sting, took center stage and served up a magnificent spectacle.
Before his very impressive concert began, a Croatian band entertained the growing crowd followed by Joe Summer, the son of Sting, who offered up a fine solo set for the audience.
Since the year 1977, the incredibly talented Sting has amazed the world with his musical abilities, winning numerous Grammy and Britawards, a Golden Globe and an Emmy. The Brit was also included in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, and made a CBE in 2003. He last played a concert in Pula back in 1997 and this was a welcome return.
With the arena now full it was time for Sting , wearing his customary uniform consisting of a T-shirt and jeans, to take center stage. He greeted the crowd with ''Good evening Pula!'' before going on to play over 20 much loved songs.
During the set, Sting varied from thumping rock to moody, atmospheric tracks. He mixed the old Police classic tracks with his solo music including songs from his new album 57th & 9th, his first rock album in 13 years. He introduced and thanked his band which included Dominic Miller and his son Rufus Miller on guitars and Josh Freese on drums, as well as the Last Bandoleros who were on backup vocals several times.
When he sang the classic ''English man in New York'' camera phones were raised and the audience began singing and clapping . At the end of the track, Sting joked about how good it was to be back in Pula, comically stating that he was here 20 years ago, ''when he was 12''.
After introducing the band and with the stage illuminated in yellow smoke, Sting encouraged the crowd to engage more and sang ''Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'' followed by the track ''She's Too Good for Me''
There was a harmonica solo during the song ''Jerusalem'' which received a big round of applause followed by ''Fields Of Gold'', an otherwise sombre track with very simple lighting. Sting varied the tempo of his tracks throughout the concert. ''Petrol head'' was lively and bouncy with lots of lights and smoke filling the stage . After he sang the Police classic ''Message in a bottle'' there was a huge round of applause and cheering to which he replied with a ''Hvala, I like it when you sing, I love it!''
Sting then performed a beautiful cover of the late, great David Bowie song ''Ashes to Ashes''. Throughout the concert, most of the songs just rolled and eased into the next track and ''So Lonely'' saw him at the front of the stage, clapping and taking the crowd and song lower and lower before raising the tempo of the chorus louder and louder. When he sang the old favourites such as ''Walking on the moon'' the crowd were immediately dancing and singing and playing every chord.
''Roxanne'' started in just white light and smoke and then on the 3rd or 4th chorus the stage was awash with red light, after that he launched straight into a cover of Bill Wither's famous ''Ain’t No Sunshine'' and then back into ''Roxanne''. Sting applauded the crowd and blew kisses to the audience before he and the band left the stage.
There were a few moments of crowd whistling and then Sting returns for an encore. Three more songs are sung and he finishes with `Every breath you take` The band hug and high five each other before going to the center of the stage and with Sting in the center they take their bow and again thank the crowd.
The crowd shout, whistle and sing for more and they were soon rewarded with a dark stage, and with Sting in the center, with just a spotlight on him he plays and finishes the concert with the breathtaking ''Fragile'' followed by a warm, heartfelt ''Thank you very much, we will see you again!'' from the charismatic Brit.
Upcoming concerts at Pula's stunning arena include Tom Jones and Zucchero, further information can be found and tickets can be purchased here.
All photos: Copyright Dave Gasson, not for reuse
