Billy Joel made a triumphant return to the spotlight, releasing his first original single in over a decade, “Turn the Lights Back On.” But he didn’t stop there. When he and rock icon Sting co-headlined a powerhouse show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on February 24, Joel pulled out all the stops—calling on his longtime friend to help deliver a performance fans won’t soon forget.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Sting joined Joel onstage for a sultry, jazz-laced rendition of “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” a lesser-known gem from Joel’s catalog. Dressed to the nines in a sleek silver suit and a black fedora, Sting brought style, swagger, and smooth vocals to the stage. The two legends took turns on lead vocals, with Joel commanding the piano and Sting working the stage like a born showman—complete with slick dance moves and lively interplay with the band.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the crowd lapped it up.
Each artist brought their A-game to Tampa. Sting opened the night with a dynamic 16-song set that not only highlighted his solo hits and Police classics, but also included a surprise guest of his own—reggae sensation Shaggy, who joined him for a fun and funky rendition of “Englishman in New York.” The audience couldn’t get enough.
Billy Joel followed with an epic 24-song journey through his legendary career, peppered with hits, deep cuts, and unexpected covers. From “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones to a whimsical spin on “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” Joel was in top form. And he wasn’t content to leave the surprises to Sting—he also popped up during the opening number of Sting’s set, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” With Joel on lead vocals and Sting backing him on bass, the two swapped lines and shared the stage like longtime bandmates.
Before the song began, Joel paid tribute to his fellow icon. “I saw this guy when he first came to the States with his band in the late ’70s,” Joel told the crowd. “I thought he was amazing then—and he’s still amazing now. One of my all-time favorite musicians.” It was a touching and genuine moment of mutual respect between two titans of the industry.
Later in the show, Joel shared a candid moment with the audience before launching into “An Innocent Man.” “I wrote this back in 1983,” he said, “and I didn’t realize I’d still be singing those high notes at 74. Every time I do this one, I get nervous. If I miss a note, you’re not gonna be happy. So… pray for me.” The crowd laughed, but Joel delivered the song flawlessly—proving once again that age is just a number when talent runs this deep.
Together, Billy Joel and Sting delivered a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, surprise collaborations, and breathtaking performances. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a masterclass in musicianship and friendship from two of music’s most enduring legends.
