Sting Returns to Cardiff Castle with a Stripped-Back, Soulful Set...
    

Two years after his last visit, Sting returned to Cardiff Castle with his Sting 3.0 tour a tighter, stripped-back setup that put the focus firmly on the music. And with a warm summer night, a packed-out crowd, and a setlist full of hits, the 73-year-old proved once again that he’s still got it.

Opening the evening was Sophie Grey, whose futuristic, cyber-pop solo set brought something a little different to the castle stage. With quirky outfits, and space traveling energy from the first note, she had the early crowd on their feet and set the tone for a genre-hopping evening.

Next up were The Lilacs, fresh from the Isle of Wight Festival. The Hull-based indie band brought a big, northern energy and weren’t afraid to laugh at themselves, joking that the older crowd might not know who they were but that they were there to put on a show.

Sound-wise, they sit somewhere between early Arctic Monkeys and The Stone Roses, punchy, nostalgic, and full of swagger. Frontman Ollie Anglesea even shared a moment involving a bee sting while talking to Sting himself, which got a good laugh from the crowd. They closed their set with Vicarage Road, leaving the crowd buzzing ahead of the main act and we’ll definitely keep our eye and ears open when they return to Cardiff again.

Sting took to the stage slightly ahead of schedule, launching straight into Message in a Bottle and If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, getting the crowd singing along from the off. Backed only by long-time guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, this three-piece setup gave the show a more intimate, live-band feel — less production, more musicianship.

Looking relaxed and sounding as smooth as ever, Sting’s voice was in top form — soulful, sharp, and completely effortless. Between songs, he shared stories and observations, including a moment where he pointed out the seagulls circling above the castle, joking that they reminded him of home.

The setlist spanned his solo work and Police classics, with highlights including Englishman in New York, Desert Rose, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, and a powerful singalong to Fields of Gold. He closed the night with Roxanne and a beautifully stripped-back Fragile, lit by soft stage lights against the castle backdrop.

For a man who’s been performing for over four decades, Sting still plays with purpose and passion. The audience a mix of lifelong fans and younger listeners were with him every step of the way. A timeless voice, a timeless setting, and a show that proves age is absolutely no barrier when you’ve still got this much class.

(c) It's On Cardiff