Despite this being my first time seeing a live concert at Lucas Oil Stadium, I was in awe at the energy radiating within the building for each and every minute of the performance. I am extremely blessed to see both Billy Joel and Sting both on the same night. I have a great appreciation for these groups since I myself, play in a local cover band and we cover many of the recognizable hits performed last night. From the pure talent of the ensemble(s) to the engagement and participation of the crowd to the lighting and camera work, this concert is undoubtedly a bucket list item checked off.
When thinking of an “opener” performance, you typically imagine the crowd trickling in, awaiting the main act. This was not the case last night. The stadium was about 85% full, prior to Sting’s performance. The lights abruptly shut off, and the spotlight shined right down on Billy Joel who welcomed Sting to the stage. Billy Joel performed Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic with him as the opener which got things off to a great start.
Something I appreciate from an audience member is a performer’s engagement with the crowd. There were a handful of times when Sting would initiate a call and response with the crowd and it is quite thrilling to hear a couple of thousand people chanting and singing all together. From high-energy rock songs like Driven to Tears to ballads like Shape of My Heart, Sting put on a very enjoyable performance.
After Sting’s performance, the lights came back on for an intermission, allowing the stage crew to tear down equipment and set up the stage for Billy Joel’s ensemble. Shortly after, the lights suddenly went out and a roar came across the stadium. Then boom! The downbeat of Movin’ Out and the lights blared synchronously across the sea of audience members.
Billy Joel performed with a 9 piece band, which made every single song sound just as amazing or even better than the original recording. The amount of talent displayed in the horn section was inspiring and special to see. Live music and live instruments are not as dominant in the music performance industry as it was in the earlier decades, which makes it all the more respectable, especially as a musician myself. One song that I wish I heard during Billy Joel’s performance was Zanzibar. Their trumpet player had crazy chops! I would have killed to hear the jazz/swing interlude part of that song live.
In the middle of the set, standing mics were set up in the front of the stage, and 5 of the members came down to the front for an acapella segment. They did their own version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Barbara Ann in a barber shop style which was a humorous bit before performing The Longest Time in 5-part harmony. This was just one of the many ways Billy Joel’s band highlighted their musicianship.
Next up, Sting came back up on stage wearing a silver suit head to toe to sing Big Man on Mulberry Street. While Billy Joel performed after Sting, it still felt like the energy was shared between the two groups the whole night.
Some moments from this concert simply cannot be put into words and need to be experienced firsthand. It has been a bucket list item of mine to see Billy Joel live and I am grateful to have watched, sung, and danced along to all of the classic tunes that, my friends, family, and I all enjoy so deeply. If you have not seen Billy Joel or Sting live before, I would highly recommend it as these groups won’t be performing live forever! Once again, this was a memorable concert that will be cherished forever in my memory, thank you Sting and Billy Joel!
