Sting, the concert report in Turin - At Sonic Park, at the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi...

Gordon Sumner, aka Sting,'s scheduled Turin date for his "My Songs Tour," which began in 2019, was originally scheduled for October 22, 2020, at the Pala Alpitour. It was then rescheduled for April 2, 2022, at the same venue, before officially rescheduling a third date on July 12, 2023, but at a different location, Sonic Park di Stupinigi. However, rain threatened to cancel the multi-postponed event for the third time in a row until the last minute, threatening to undermine its planned performance. But no fear, Sonic Park had promptly and pre-emptively announced this on social media: even in the event of showers, they assured, "the concert will still go ahead."

In the end, the weather was merciful, at least for the entire set (preceded, with only a few spectators still in attendance, by Joe Sumner, Sting's son, on guitar and vocals). The set started punctually (or almost) on time, according to the scheduled time, with a timely "Message in a Bottle," naturally eliciting a thrilling response. The sleeve of Sting's T-shirt reads "The Last Ship," the title of a 2013 album by the seventy-one-year-old Sting, as well as the musical of the same name. But there's no room, tonight, for songs from "The Last Ship." The "My Songs Tour" material draws primarily from the artist's 1980s and 1990s career, from solo albums like 'Ten Summoner's Tales' and 'Brand New Day' to material by The Police. The second song on the setlist is the classic of classics, "Englishman in New York," followed by "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic."

Sting is perfectly at ease; the four-string instrument seems like a natural extension of his body, such is the ease with which he plays it, just like the musicians accompanying him on stage. Guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Zach Jones stand out in particular (before the latter, the tour featured Josh Freese, formerly of A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails, now in Foo Fighters replacing Taylor Hawkins). The setlist also features "Rushing Water" and something else from 'The Bridge' (released in 2021). "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" is emotional, as is "Fields of Gold," which comes next. Sting introduces "Brand New Day," recalling the guest of honour who played on the studio version of the song, Stevie Wonder. He then turns to one of his musicians, the very young Shane Sager, feigning doubts about his ability to match the harmonica part of the great artist behind "Innervisions."

After the spotlight on Sager, which was warmly applauded, it's up to the excellent backing vocalist Melissa Musique to shine during a performance of "Heavy Cloud No Rain." Sting doesn't spend much time introducing the songs (after all, they're mostly songs that need no introduction); instead, he enjoys reeling off Italian words and even trying to construct a few sentences. "Walking On The Moon," "So Lonely," "Desert Rose," and "King Of Pain" flow briskly and quickly, while "Every Breath You Take" is a bit too fast-paced. The setlist ends here, but everyone knows there's still room for an encore, which, as expected, is the super-classic "Roxanne."

(c) Rockol by By Simöne Gall

Sting's Seal on the Sonic Park Stupinigi Festival...

July 4th to 13th – The musical event in the prestigious Palazzina di Stupinigi park was a resounding success again this year.

The Sonic Park Stupinigi festival, held in the historic gardens of the Palazzina di Stupinigi, concluded on July 13th with great success. Curated by the Reverse Foundation, with production by Fabio and Alessio Boasi, and promoted by the City of Nichelino and the Nichelino Culture System, the festival was a resounding success.

Seven evenings of great music, preceded by a preview in Turin, at the OGR, featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists in the evocative setting of the Historic Gardens of the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi: Sonic Park Stupinigi's impressive attendance confirms the quality and success of its fifth edition, which, from July 4th to 13th, brought concerts to the Piedmontese summer, totalling over 35,000 spectators.

After the sold-out preview on June 26th at the OGR, featuring Interpol and Turin's Petrol, the festival moved to Stupinigi on July 4th with a concert by Simply Red, led by bandleader Mick Hucknall. With his well-established super band, they achieved the first of two sold-out performances this year. On July 7th, Sonic Park Stupinigi hosted a concert by a remarkably fit Biagio Antonacci. After opening with Ginevra from Turin on July 8th, Madame brought her style and irreverent talent to Sonic Park for an all-female evening. A double-header of hip hop and rap on July 9th featured Guè and Emis Killa. On July 11th, it was Placebo's turn, opening with the Bud Spencer Blues Explosion. Sting, the unstoppable figure, scored a second sold-out performance of the festival, taking the stage on July 12th for one of three concerts the former Police member has held in Italy. The closing party, featuring Motel Connection and American superstars the Black Eyed Peas, was a dazzling affair on July 13th.

"After five years of hard work, the 2023 edition has cemented the status of an artistic project rich in inspiration and charm," commented Fabio and Alessio Boasi of the Reverse Foundation. "The art of live music is an intense journey that takes time to take root, but we can say we've reached an important first milestone, and we've done so with great consistency and with an eye on long-term future prospects. This year, Sonic Park has clearly demonstrated its international vocation, as well as its remarkable ability to network both locally and nationally, with public institutions and private entities. And this is the path we have in mind for the future, because Sonic Park is now recognized as a national pop-rock music festival, as demonstrated by the names who choose us for their tour stops and the 35,000 total attendees reached in just seven dates. We want to grow both artistically and in terms of the well-being of our audiences, also by increasing external collaborations such as with OGR Torino, with whom, after the first trial this year, we are already working to increase the number of events at OGR Sonic City. Thanks to the entire team who worked with great professionalism and kindness. A special thanks also to our audience who, once again, placed their trust in us and made the Sonic Park experience even more beautiful.

Sonic Park Stupinigi, a festival already very successful and deservedly popular. We have no doubt that connections will be further improved (with GTT, from Turin to the Palazzina and vice versa) and, for private traffic, a more flexible route will be sought. Effective rationalization of the parking system around the concert venue. Then Sonic Park can be considered one step away from… perfection.

(c) La Voce e Il Tempo by Pietro Caccavo