Sting in Manila 2012, memorable and inspiring

Attending a Sting concert was part of my bucket list. After watching my favorite artists like Chicago, Phil Collins, John Mayer, he was the only one left I have yet to see. Yes, there are other artists I also want to watch in the future but he was the ultimate one I really want to see in concert in Manila.

So it’s no surprise then that during his opening number and seeing the undulating crowd echoing the lyrics of his popular songs, I was moved to tears. I was so embarrassed because it was unexpected, first time that happened to me. Dammit. I brushed it away lest other people found me weird. Too late, my husband already noticed it and teased me about it after. Oh, great now I’m like one of those screaming, manic fans crying when they see their idols in front of them. I guess I was just overwhelmed :)

Overwhelmed that despite the abyss-like distance of my General Admission seat to the stage, his voice was as clear as ever, sounding almost exactly like his songs I constantly played on my CD player. It was surreal that he was there playing it live and speaking to the audience. And maybe what moved me more was how  he was able to unwittingly prompt people to move in synchronicity with the beat of his songs and loudly sing its lyrics inside a jampacked coliseum. It’s like watching a cult unfold with the frenzy. Meanwhile, green and red glow lights held by some fans also swayed in the background, heightening the state of adulation that night. Added to that was how the audience collectively screamed in glee hearing only the first chords of their favorite songs, almost drowning Sting out before continuing to sing along with him.

Indeed, this concert was not only good entertainment but a sought-after break for many of us there, a momentary distraction from domestic concerns and office woes on a Sunday evening. I have attended other concerts but this one may be the most effervescent of all. The lighting was also insane, changing colors in almost every song, sometimes with numerous rays of light spotlighting the audience like beams on a spaceship. Most of the crowd there seems to be my age, in their thirties and the rest maybe older and a smattering of those in their twenties.

I was ecstatic to hear Fields of Gold, Desert Rose, Everything She Does is Magic, Wrapped around your Finger and my favorite, Every Breath You Take among others. Then he sang songs that are not familiar to me but still, it was a delight just to hear his voice and the strumming of his guitar. I liked the last song he played, Fragile which he dedicated to the typhoon victims. Even in a large crowd and a big venue, the song retained its melancholy essence. The haunting guitar strings filled the coliseum while the audience softly sang with him.

Whenever I recall the concerts of artists I admire like Phil Collins on his piano singing “One More Night” in a drizzling stadium, or John Mayer singing “Edge of Desire” in a rain-soaked open field and Sting singing “Roxanne” in front of an enthusiastic crowd suffused in red lights, I always remember the awe I had while watching them. I say to myself, now that is what every artist should strive for, move people with their craft, let them peek a part of their soul and give their audience something they can relate to like songs of love, heartbreak and hope. Maybe their being songwriters helped a lot. These artists pen the words for their songs then arrange music for their lyrics. No wonder their songs sound more heartfelt. Just watching them was inspiring. It makes me want to produce work that can move people too.

Going back to Sting. I admire his stamina for mounting this world tour. At 61, he seems tireless and has admirably retained his cool vibe, pulling off his skin tight outfit with his slim rock star physique. And because he loves to collaborate with other musicians as heard in his songs like Desert Rose, he has espoused variety to his music. His long career spanning decades is also astounding. Not many singers can achieve that. After being part of the Police, he has led a fruitful solo career and is now an active environmentalist. Moving his concert venue in Manila due to his principles made me admire him more. It was inconvenient for many but I wouldn't expect him to do it any other way.

Honestly, this concert may be the best one I have attended yet. Maybe the most memorable too. And I'm happy that I was part of the crowd that gave a thunderous reception to this illustrious artist. I'm one of the grateful souls that night who clapped wildly, cheered and sang with the man who has demonstrated that good music will always captivate us whatever age we may be in.