Third Time's a Charm

It finally happened. After missing Sting the last two times we had tickets (remember this post from a couple years ago?), Aaron and I got to see Sting AND Peter Gabriel in the opening concert for their Rock Paper Scissors North American tour.

I had to take a shitty selfie to document the occasion.

I don't have many pictures from the concert because they just didn't come out well and I'm not big on taking pics at a show. But let me tell you, this was a fabulous concert! Sting and Peter Gabriel performed for close to three hours, singing not only their own songs, but also each other's (Sting covered "Shock the Monkey" and Gabriel sang "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free), sang backup for each other (so fun to watch Sting doing choreography of sorts and backing up on "In Your Eyes"), and sharing the stage ("Games Without Frontiers" was a highlight).


After the first couple songs, they talked a little about the thought process behind this tour and it's just so cool to see two icons like these guys who obviously have mad respect for each other. As this was the opening stop on the tour, it turns out they've been in town for two freakin' weeks! Last Friday I'd heard of Sting sightings mere blocks from my house. Fortunately I didn't act on any stalking urges.

Photo by Chris Russell for the Columbus Dispatch

Of course, both artists are socially conscious and passionate about global issues. After singing "Driven to Tears," Sting spoke about the events in Orlando and dedicated my all time favorite song "Fragile" to the victims there. Peter Gabriel debuted the song "Love Can Heal" and dedicated it to Jo Cox, the British Member of Parliament who was brutally assassinated last week. I can't wait to own this beautiful new song.



Surprisingly I didn't cry, but Aaron did. I won't tell you how many times, but once was during "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic."

OK, three. He cried three times.

The encore consisted of "Every Breath You Take" and "Sledgehammer." They said their goodbyes and took a few bows and Peter Gabriel said "Rock Paper Scissors started here." So crazy happy that I was there.


I don't normally buy concert t-shirts, but you can bet I did this time. And yes, I'm wearing it today.