Sting in Vienna: A not-perfect, but fun-filled firework of hits...

The former Police bassist played his "My Songs" show at the Stadthalle on Monday evening.

From the very beginning, not everything is perfect at Sting's concert at the Vienna Stadthalle. There are only seats, but they immediately become a massive distraction, as the 71-year-old launches into hits like "Message In A Bottle," "Englishman In New York," and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," a classic by his band Police.

Okay, you can ignore the chairs, get up, and move around as the cheerful, uplifting music dictates. Much harder to ignore, however, is the sound, which screams dangerously in the high notes and fails to strike a successful balance between the individual instruments. But even the otherwise excellent band sounds, in this initial phase, like a rusty machine that needs to warm up.

This contrasts with the cleverly structured program: Sting doesn't feel the need to promote a new album so extensively that it becomes boring. He plays only three songs from his most recent album, "The Bridge" from 2021, otherwise focusing on highlights from his most popular albums. And they offer plenty of hits: "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You," "All This Time," and "Fields Of Gold."

On the latter, a gentle ballad, the sound is finally better, and every instrument can be heard clearly.

Perhaps what also contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the concert is Sting's unfailingly agile stage presence. With his wiry, yoga-shaped body and thick hair - albeit now white instead of blond - he looks no older than he did ten or even 20 years ago. He also delivers the final songs, "Every Breath You Take" and "Fragile," which he must have sung thousands of times, to the Stadthalle with palpable emotion.

Yes, we have seen Sting more perfect in this hall – but also much more boring.

(c) Kurier by Brigitte Schokarth