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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
8:30 AM 20th April 2015
arts

Gig Review: Sting and Paul Simon - Manchester Arena

 
On paper it sounds a mismatch, the former frontman of the Police teaming up with one half of Simon and Garfunkel but it actually did work in a live context.

There were no gimmicks, no dancers and no stage props: just a night of great musicianship and songs that have stood the test of time.

Both artists arrived on stage together for this 3 hour concert that didn't even pause for an interval. They duet on some tracks whilst each then takes centre stage to sing their own hits. Both artists take equal billing on Sting's Fields of Gold. Now bearded and looking athletic the 63 year old from Tyneside still looks as good as in his Police days.

Paul Simon, although 10 years older, still has a spring in his step. He jokes about the time he first performed in the north during the 1960's and puts on a good northern accent as he imitates a northern compere who once introduced Simon and Garfunkel.

Sting plays the best tracks of his career in the Police and his solo work. When The World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around is re-worked into a jazzy workout whilst Englishman in New York is as faithful to the original as you remember. He could play any of the European Jazz Festivals this summer with songs like this in his back catalogue. Juan les Pins surely must be calling.

The biggest cheer of the night so far was reserved for Walking on the Moon. Paul Simon joins him on stage for a classic version of Mrs Robinson which was followed by a blistering version of Message in A Bottle. Roxanne was suitably replete with red lighting.

Simon delivers the timeless songs Homeward Bound and You Can Call Me Al. Sting returned to the stage for the encore as the pair performed Cecelia, Every Breath You Take and Bridge over Troubled Water. The pairing might not happen again but it had been a night to enjoy the company of two artists who have influenced modern pop music and who rightly deserve the recognition they receive. Superb.