'Fragile'-Style Atmosphere...

When a singer of Sting's stature performs in Innsbruck, it's no guarantee of a packed ice rink.

'Roxanne' – the song from his Police days in its extended version, featuring a confusing, even unrecognizable, introduction and a fifteen-minute instrumental improvisation. Sting varies and changes it. In front of three large screens with atmospheric images – magnificent video animations. Plus, light effects from around 60 moving heads. A backdrop, a voice, a concert worthy of the new ice rink.

And in front of it, an audience of connoisseurs, but also of the uninitiated. It takes five songs for the atmosphere to build. 'Fragile' is one of the first well-known songs. Bombs fall on the screen – couples cuddle in front of the stage. Some sway in the soundscape, their eyes closed. Others stare, spellbound. 'Fields of Gold' follows, and then 'Sacred Love' – another reason to stare. On the screens, beautiful, scantily clad women. Some listen to the sounds, the voice, and understand the words – others grunt their approval at the sight of a woman's swaying back.

Backing singer Joy Rose raises her voice, and the limitations of the hall's acoustics become apparent. The shrill notes are painful. Then 'Roxanne,' interval, encore. The same old routine. 'Desert Rose' is thrilling, 'Every Breath You Take' recalls the Police's past.

It was a strange pleasure. A magnificent concert in a half-full hall, in which an artist fought against the emptiness, and some with him.

(c) Tirol Online