Bospop 2022: Sting remains a top brand, but the fizz is off the coke…

Many fans breathe a sigh of relief when their great hero, Sting, finally takes the stage at Bospop 2022 after more than four long years of waiting. Sting does what we expect of him: he connects one piece of pop history with another, with a strong focus on the greatest Police classics. But unfortunately, he fails to exceed those expectations.

The last notes of De Dijk's sing-along "Mag Het Licht Uit" still resonate through the tent as Sting gets straight to the point on the main stage. With "Message In A Bottle" as the set opener, Bospop 2022 is immediately "on." There's no room for meaningless trifles tonight. The audience is treated to the very best from the extensive career of a pop music giant.

Sting's voice is and remains one you'll recognize anywhere. Okay, he plays most of his songs a bit lower than the original studio versions from the '80s. But we can't really blame the Brit—a 71-year-old pop veteran—for that. He expertly swallows the occasional riff and sometimes opts for a lower melody line, even though his high register was precisely The Police's signature style. As a result, big hits like "So Lonely" lack some passion and fire, while more subdued songs like "Fields of Gold" truly shine with his more mature voice.

It remains admirable how effortlessly Sting combines bass and singing. At the same time, it's precisely that effortlessness that makes it all feel a bit static. Sting bobs up and down the stage to the rhythm of his infectious bass lines, but there's hardly any room for interaction with the audience. After more than four years of waiting, the Bospop audience might have deserved an encouraging pat on the back.

The band does what it's supposed to do, delivering the vast majority of songs incredibly tight, but the musical accompaniment doesn't quite add that magic touch either. The exception to the rule is the Demolition Man soundtrack "Shape of My Heart," which, thanks in part to the backing vocalist's contribution, becomes a highlight of the show.

During "King of Pain," Sting is joined by his son, Joe Sumner, who regularly travels with him on the "My Songs" tour. He looks a bit lost, as if he forgot to remove the hanger from his jacket before putting it on. As spontaneously as he enters the stage, he flies off just as quickly. "Joe Sumner, everyone" is all he has to settle for as a thank-you to his father.

Okay, these are minor details. The hits, at least, will remain standing strong tonight. For many visitors, it's a feast of recognition for an hour and a half. There's also no doubt about the musicianship of the former Police frontman tonight.

Sting at Bospop 2022 is like a bottle of Pepsi or Coca-Cola that's been sitting in the fridge with its cap open for a while: it still tastes delicious on a warm summer day, but it could have used a bit more fizz.

(c) Festileaks by Boy Janissen