Sting performs at Delamere Forest as part of the Forest Live series, accompanied by special guests. Experiencing live music in the midst of natural woodlands is truly a treat. Claire Glover (words) and Melanie Smith (photos) capture the spectacle.
Kicking off the show tonight is Storry, a Canadian singer-songwriter, visual artist, and two-time Juno-nominated artist. She begins with a stunning opera aria, performed with the same confidence and skill she later brings to her hip hop and R&B numbers, captivating the mesmerised crowd.
Her debut album, Chapter III: The Come Up, was nominated for a Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year, alongside icons like Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette. She explains that this concept album delves into her personal, abusive experiences and her journey of leaving them behind to focus on her music. She then performs a medley of Tina Turner songs, highlighting her connection to Turner through their shared experiences of overcoming trauma.
Next to thrill the crowd are the incredibly talented Germein Sisters. This Australian trio, consisting of siblings Georgia (vocals/guitar), Ella (bass), and Clara (drums), have twice won the “Most Popular Pop Artists” award at the South Australian Music Awards. They performed brilliantly, with songs like “Knocking At My Door” and “Red Rover” being very well received, showcasing their remarkable family talent. Gorgeous and charismatic, they delight the audience and masterfully lead the crowd in singing along in harmony. They are a perfect choice to support Sting and certainly worth checking out in their own right.
To screams of pure excitement, the legend that is Sting appears on stage, dressed simply in a white T-shirt and black trousers. So cool, calm, and collected, he is about to prove that he’s still got what it takes at the fabulous age of 73. With a remarkable career spanning four decades, his “My Songs” tour celebrates his legacy in style. Sting mentions that he has never been to Cheshire before, expressing his delight at the beautiful surroundings and thanking the audience for inviting him. He has the crowd completely hooked from the start.
The band opens with “Voices Inside My Head,” which segues into several classic Police songs, including “Message in a Bottle,” prompting the entire crowd to sing along and chant “Sending out an SOS.” No SOS needs to be sent tonight, unless it stands for “Sting Our Saviour” or “Sting Our Superhero.”
The crowd is also treated to glorious versions of “Driven to Tears” and “Can’t Stand Losing You,” featuring an extended “Reggatta de Blanc” sing-off in the middle. This segment is a hit with the audience, evident from the 5,500-strong choir bellowing across the fields…of green. Eeyo-eeyo-eeyaayo, Eeyo-eeyo-eeyaayo…
We’re then treated to a few tracks from his 1993 album Ten Summoner’s Tales, including “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You,” “Shape Of My Heart,” and “Fields Of Gold.” Sting amuses the crowd by explaining that the latter song is about his little cottage in the countryside—”well, actually castle,” he teases and mumbles.
Beautiful and powerful versions of “Never Coming Home,” “Mad About You,” “Desert Rose,” and “Why Should I Cry for You?” are also on the menu tonight. Sting mentions that he wrote the latter song about his late father, recalling their difficult relationship but emphasising the love they had for each other. This sentiment is especially poignant as Father’s Day approaches in the UK.
All these songs are classic tunes with masterful lyrics that stand the test of time. It’s clear they are well ingrained in the minds of the fans tonight, as everyone delights in singing along to the fantastic, iconic hook lines that echo across the fields and through the trees of Delamere.
Playing his well-travelled bass guitar, Sting effortlessly transitions from caressing to slapping the strings while sporting a headset that allows him to move freely around the stage. His faultless sound is enhanced by his superb band, featuring guitarist Dominic Miller and Chris Maas on drums.
At the side of the stage, amazing sign-language interpreters dance and sign, adding a refreshing element to the performance. This clearly impresses Sting, who walks over, shakes hands with one of the interpreters, asks her name, and thanks her for her stellar work in the name of inclusion. Although she needs her hands to sign so skilfully, the phrase “never wash the hand that Sting shakes” comes to mind. Sting then dedicates “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” to the delighted woman—a true gentleman.
The whole set is packed with classic material that has the Forest bouncing, including more terrific Police songs like “Walking On The Moon” and “So Lonely,” as well as treats from the Synchronicity album, including “King of Pain.” The show culminates with the 1983 single “Every Breath You Take,” leading the band to take their well-earned bows to rapturous applause.
Of course, they must return for an encore, and they do with the incredible “Roxanne.” The rain tries to break through the grey clouds but only manages a smattering, which doesn’t deter the crowd or spoil their enjoyment. Come hell or Cheshire rainwater, this crowd isn’t going anywhere.
Clearly overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and ready to relax, Sting calmly sits on a stool with his acoustic guitar and closes the evening with a beautiful version of “Fragile.” Celebrating his “My Songs” tour, Sting certainly makes his mark in the forest tonight. As the sun goes down, echoes of the Reggatta de Blanc’s “Eeyo-eeyo-eeyaayo, Eeyo-eeyo-eeyaayo,” which everyone loved singing their hearts out to earlier, resound across the forest and into the night.
A big thanks to Forest Live for a fabulous night of musical entertainment.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/music
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All words by Claire Glover – you can find Claire on X @ClaireG1965
All photos by Melanie Smith – @mudkissphotos on all socials
Please note the photos are not available to share, sell or to be reused in anyway. For any inquires please contact mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk
