Sting brings his ‘My Songs’ tour to Dublin’s Malahide Castle

Featuring a support slot from none other than Blondie, Sting delivers an unforgettable summer concert, celebrating some of the biggest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

With nearly 15 million radio plays, Sting's signature song, 'Every Breath You Take' has been recognised by performing rights organisation BMI as being the most played song in radio history. A global hit for The Police in 1983, it, like all of The Police songs performed tonight, were written by Sting.

Opening his Malahide set with his first number one hit, 'Message In A Bottle', Sting slickly performs seven timeless Police hits, including 'So Lonely,' 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic' and 'Walking on the Moon.' As pop songs go, Sting is a master craftsman. Tonight, his voice is as powerful and distinct as it's ever been.

Even his '90s solo hits like 'If I Ever Lose My Faith in You' and 'Shape of My Heart' are irresistibly catchy – yet I can't help but think blaring these songs at home all these years has been more exciting than watching Sting perform them live tonight. Musically he's excellent, but Sting doesn't appear overly enthusiastic.

At 71, Sting is probably fitter than most frontmen half his age, so the lack of spirit has nothing to do with age or ability. I can't put my finger on it. Let's just say he's missing a bit of 'je ne sais quoi.'

In contrast, Debbie Harry is oozing coolness and passion. While her voice may not hit the highs it once did, but as a performer and one of the most iconic frontwomen of all time she is full of vivacity and attitude. Wearing red from head to toe, at 77 Blondie's front woman is effortlessly striking.

With the Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock on bass and Blondie's original drummer Clem Burke at the helm, we're treated to a hit-packed set that's full of fun. Kicking off with their 1979 classic single, 'One Way or Another', Blondie has everyone up off the grass and dancing. 'The Tide is High', 'Dreaming', 'Heart of Glass' – you name it, they played it. Debbie Harry kicks off her red high-heels towards the end of the set, freeing her up to strut around the stage for her adoring fans. Harry is, and always will be, the queen of cool.

Now, back to Sting.

Seeing the brilliant 'Englishman in New York' performed live was a real high point of the night. Donning skin tight, snow-white jeans, Sting looks exactly how you expect Sting to look: slim, tanned and toned. At one point, he suggestively flexes his bicep. Fair play and all that, but it has to be said, he'd eat himself if he was chocolate.

He ends the set with his blockbuster hit 'Every Breath You Take' and treats us to an encore of the era-defining single, 'Roxanne'.

So, what have I learned from this night of back-to-back worldwide hits? Gordon Sumner and Debbie Harry are two extraordinary songwriters whose music will, no doubt, live on forever. But it's hard to top Debbie Harry...

(c) Hot Press by Jess Murray