If you like Sting or Peter Gabriel and didn’t get to see the opening night of their Rock Paper Scissors tour in Columbus, seek them out at another venue. They journey as far east as Worcester MA, and as far west as L.A., before heading north, as close to frozen tundra as I ever hope to get, to Calgary and Edmonton. The far-flung nature of the tour may be exceeded by the range of songs performed, from Gabriel’s deeply foreboding, even violent, “Darkness” to Sting’s relentlessly optimistic “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.”
(Disclaimer: this post would have been easier to write, not to mention more informative, if I had taken notes, — other than the play list — knew something about any of the band members, had been a long-time fan of Sting, or had a better grasp of music history.)
This was no greatest hits tour de force, though there were plenty of hits. This was two artists robustly singing songs that showcase their former and current talents. They were both in strong voice, whether singing their own songs, the other’s songs, or singing together.
One of my companions wanted more of Sting’s solo work, which might be the only quibble I heard all night. Sting relied heavily on songs from The Police, but who wouldn’t — that oeurve contains so many melodic new wave masterpieces.
There were some surprises, like Sting doing a bit of “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” from early 70s Genesis as a prelude to the Police classic “Message in a Bottle.” Both resonated, the former a tribute to Gabriel’s distant past and the latter an homage to Sting’s own former archetypal self. Gabriel launched a new song, “Love Can Heal,” as a tribute to Jo Cox, the recently assassinated British Member of Parliament.
“In Your Eyes,” perhaps Gabriel’s magnum opus, was spiritedly performed by the entire ensemble: Gabriel’s band, Sting’s band, the backing singers, Sting, and, of course, a haunting Gabriel. The whole gang was intimately involved in a rapturous rendition that included Sting engaging in a bit of Gabriel-inspired dancing (redolent of Gabriel in the 80s and 90s) while channeling his inner Youssou N’Dour with sonorous lyrics-free vocals. It was incredible.
Each star appeared to have his own band providing the foundation for his songs. But they merged to great effect, including an especially rambunctious version of Secret World. Multiple keyboard players, often including Gabriel, multiple bassists and guitarists, often including Sting, and multiple drummers combined to create layers of music not available to a standard band. Throw in a violin, a cello, and assorted other instruments and the sounds available were limited only by the stars’ sublime imaginations. To top it off, the whole melange was well-orchestrated and performed exquisitely.
The crossover songs were fun and moving. Sting performed “Shock the Monkey” with a bit of a smile and a lesser sense of doom than Gabriel brings to the song. Gabriel reciprocated, performing a bluesy, evocative “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.” Both added a new dimension to the song without detracting from the strengths that the other provided in the original.
I must mention my favorite Gabriel song, “Rhythm of the Heat.” It opened the concert after lying dormant for decades (I didn’t think it would ever be performed live again). It was among Gabriel’s first forays into African rhythms and it remains as vibrant as ever, even if rather different from the studio versions.
The two encores were riveting — both were big hits and long-time crowd favorites, and both were powerfully performed. Sting and Gabriel sang together, not really as duets, more like shared songs. “Every Breath You Take” and “Sledgehammer” had the crowd on its feet begging for more. Alas, it truly was over.
Both stars rose to the occasion. They sang well and long, with a minimum of chatter between songs. They both retain the incredible stage presence that helped them achieve stardom in the first place, though theatrics were minimal. Both were at their best when belting out their own tunes, Sting’s Roxanne is perhaps the best example. If forced to choose, I would say that Sting was in slightly better voice, but Gabriel gets extra credit for degree of difficulty. He chose some songs that are incredibly difficult to perform (Don’t Give Up), let alone perform live while in your mid-60s. Though he was able to reach the tough notes, he couldn’t hold them quite as long as he used to. I couldn’t help thinking that he might be writing a memo to himself that in his next life, he should write songs that are a bit easier for him to sing as he ages. Or, more probably, not doing that because his voice has always essentially been an extra highly versatile instrument.
See the show, you won’t be disappointed.
Playlist (performed principally by the original artist unless noted)
Intro – instrumental from Passion, the Last Temptation of Christ
The Rhythm of the Heat
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You
No Self Control
Invisible Sun
Games Without Frontiers (both)
Shock the Monkey (Sting)
Secret World
Driven to Tears
Fragile
Red Rain
Dancing with Moonlit Knight (Sting)
Message in a Bottle
Darkness
Walking in Your Footsteps
Kiss That Frog (Sting)
Don’t Give Up
The Hounds of Winter
Big Time
Englishman in New York (Gabriel)
Solsbury Hill (both)
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (Gabriel)
Roxanne, with a bit of Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone
Love Can Heal
Desert Rose
In Your Eyes
Every Breath You Take
Sledgehammer