Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

Legendary singer, songwriter, and bassist Sting brought his much-anticipated STING 3.0 Tour to Hard Rock Live in Sacramento, CA on May 28, 2025, making good on a previously postponed show originally scheduled for January 26. The sold-out event showcased the rock icon in an exhilarating new format—a lean, focused power trio reminiscent of his early days with The Police.

With this latest tour, Sting returns to his roots, pushing boundaries once again by paring down his sonic palette. Gone are the lush layers of previous outings—this time, it’s bass, guitar, drums, and raw musicianship. Backed by longtime collaborator Dominic Miller on guitar and Chris Maas (formerly of Mumford & Sons) on drums, Sting’s 3.0 setup offers a reimagined take on classics and deeper cuts alike.

The night ignited with The Police’s 1979 reggae-rock staple “Message in a Bottle,” turned into a spirited jam that had the crowd clapping and belting out the iconic “sending out an S.O.S.” chorus. It was an early reminder that Sting, now 73, hasn’t lost an ounce of his vocal power or stage presence.

That momentum carried into his Grammy-winning solo hit “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” extended with improvisational flair before transitioning into “Englishman in New York.” The crowd—predominantly Boomers—erupted for the song’s rallying cry: “Be yourself, no matter what they say.”

In a more intimate moment, Sting prefaced “Fields of Gold” with a charming anecdote about his countryside home near Stonehenge. “If you ever go to Stonehenge,” he mused, “just down the hill, mile and a half, that’s my house. Knock on the door—I’ll make you a cup of tea.” But on this night, the stage itself became his home, and nearly 5,000 guests were invited in for a metaphorical brew.

The setlist continued with a blend of Police-era hits and solo standouts. A stripped-down “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” turned into a trio showcase, with Miller’s sparkling riffs dancing around Sting’s punchy bass lines, while Maas’s drumming added subtle texture and space. The chemistry among the three musicians was unmistakable, each note delivered with precision and heart.

Highlights included a syncopated, groove-rich “Spirits in the Material World” and a hauntingly minimalist “Walking on the Moon.” The trio tore into “So Lonely” with gusto, leading to a rousing singalong. The main set closed with the emotional weight of “King of Pain” and the ever-iconic “Every Breath You Take,” sending the audience into a standing ovation.

After a short break, the band returned for an encore that began with the unmistakable bassline of “Roxanne,” prompting an immediate crowd response. The evening closed with a tender rendition of “Fragile,” Sting’s 1988 ballad, bringing the night to a gentle and poignant end.

Sting remains as vital as ever—vocally strong, musically adventurous, and physically dynamic. Whether he’s belting a Police anthem or crooning a reflective solo track, he delivers with passion and precision. Rumors are already swirling about a new album from the trio, a fitting next step for an artist who has found fresh life by returning to a familiar format.

For the latest tour updates and news, visit Sting’s official website at www.sting.com