Sting Returns to Stage for Resonant Three-Song Set at FireAid Benefit Concert

Freshly back onstage after postponing three dates for what he termed a “temporary throat infection” via an Instagram post, Sting sounded in full voice during his three-song set at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday night (Jan. 30).

Playing in his stripped-down Sting 3.0 trio formation with drummer Chris Maas and guitarist Dominic Miller, Sting — like many of the 27 artists on the bill — chose songs specifically designed to resonate with victims of the horrific fires that spread through Los Angeles County throughout January, destroying more than 22,000 homes.

He also let his music do the talking and chose not to address the audience, unlike many of the other performers. Sting opened with The Police’s early hit, 1979’s “Message in a Bottle,” and sustained a long note toward the end, leaving no doubt that he was restored to full health. He then segued into “Driven to Tears,” from The Police’s 1980 album’s Zenyatta Mondatta. Though initially written about political issues, the song’s themes of loss fit in perfectly with the evening.

Sting then traded his bass for a guitar for his closing song, a lovely rendition of “Fragile,” from his second solo album, 1987’s Nothing Like the Sun. Between his gorgeous, delicate playing and his emotional delivery, the song felt like a reminder of both our fragility and strength.

Sting was one of more than two dozen performers, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Billie Eilish, John Mayer and No Doubt, who took over Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome and Kia Forum for the more than five-hour benefit, which is raising money for victims of the fires and for future fire prevention.