The British rock star is among the best...

The man simply has it: With a sophisticated concert that's worth listening to in every respect, Sting captivates 5,500 music fans in Friedrichshafen on Sunday evening. After exactly two hours, it's clear that the British rock star is among the best the genre has to offer.

'So Lonely,' the Police hit from 1978, isn't included. And Gordon Sumner, as the 53-year-old's real name is, also steers clear of 'Soul Cages' this evening. A shame, many fans might think, because the vast majority of them came to the Neue Messe for the classics. Nevertheless, Sting manages to captivate the audience for a full 120 minutes with a sophisticated arrangement.

He starts off with 'Send Your Love' at a fast pace. The Brit plucks his bass with provocative nonchalance. The instrument is shabby, the polish is chipped. To a hard beat and colourful, sometimes political, and often erotic video images, Sting spreads his arms wide. His message is: "Look, it's me, one of the last real artists among mine." This attitude lies somewhere between arrogance and justified self-confidence – no one in Friedrichshafen holds it against him.

Sting has been the perfect musician – for more than 30 years. His live version of 'Roxanne' comes across as timelessly good on Sunday evening. And during 'Every Breath You Take,' you want to shout to him: "Please never let this song end!" The songs are as varied as his career. Hard rock, lyrical and jazzy moments, everything feels like a whole. With trumpeter Chris Botti, who already impressed in the opening act, the show ultimately turns into a jam session. Later, one of the two background singers demonstrates what a truly good voice can do on 'Whenever I Call Your Name.' The master charmingly cedes the stage to her. Is this improvisation?

No, improvisation isn't Gordon Sumner's thing. Every chord is spot on, every video has a message. And the red that transforms the stage into a strip club for 'Sacred Love' was surely chosen by the boss himself. The whole event is as ingenious as it is aloof. There's barely any communication with the audience. The star carries himself. Like Mick Jagger or Bob Dylan, Sting can't sing particularly well, but his voice is unmistakable and thus part of music history. That should be enough! 5,500 fans leave the Neue Messe at 11:05 p.m. in high spirits. The 60 euros were well spent. After all, every minute of Sting cost 50 cents. You have to make use of that. On the way home, while leafing through old Police albums - or when you want to remember what really good rock music is.

Look, it's me: Sting is showing 5,500 fans at the Neue Messe Friedrichshafen what really good rock music sounds like. Anyone who missed him is in for a frustrating surprise.

(c) Schwäbische Zeitung by Andreas Mühl