Tune In, Turn On
Think about the numerous lead singers who fronted star bands, left their respective groups to go solo and became even more successful.
Some names that immediately come to mind include Phil Collins, previously the drummer in the prog-rock band Genesis; late metal rocker Ozzy Osbourne, formerly of Black Sabbath; hip-hop star Beyoncé, formerly of Destiny’s Child; and guitar great Eric Clapton, who was a member of both The Yardbirds and Cream prior to going solo.
Add the name Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner – otherwise known as Sting – to this impressive list.
After fronting the new-wave trio The Police during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sting, now 73, left the group in 1984 after their Synchronicity Tour. He released his first solo album in 1985, and the band officially broke up in 1986.
While The Police, who also included guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland, were massively successful in their time, a rift has recently emerged between Sting and his former bandmates. Summers and Copeland have sued Sting for allegedly not paying royalties or songwriting credits for the band’s hit, “Every Breath You Take.” The case is ongoing.
Forty years and 17 Grammys later, the Sting 3.0 Tour comes to Borgata Hotel Casino’s Event Center for two shows this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15. The show will feature Sting on lead vocals and bass, longtime collaborator Dominic Miller on guitar, and drummer Chris Maas, also known for his time with Mumford & Sons and Maggie Rogers.
Sting’s most recent studio album is “The Bridge,” released in November 2021. The record marked the return of Branford Marsalis on saxophone and Manu Katché on drums. Sting described it as being written “in a year of global pandemic, personal loss, separation, disruption, lockdown, and extraordinary social and political turmoil.” His latest release is “Sting 3.0 Live,” a concert album issued in April 2025.
Some of Sting’s numerous solo hits he’s sure to perform include “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Englishman in New York,” and this writer’s personal favorite, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.”
These promise to be two fantastic nights of music by one of today’s top music performers. The Sting 3.0 Tour comes to the Borgata Event Center, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City.
Tickets/info: https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/event-center/sting.html
Tune-Ups
Stockton University’s Lake Fred Folk Fest Returns: Good news continues to emanate from Stockton University. The Lake Fred Folk Fest, which first took place back in 1973, is being revived Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the Campus Center Coffee House, from 4 to 9 p.m.
“Reviving an old tradition that dates back to 1973 felt like a big challenge,” said Mariella Negro, community manager and music director at WLFR, told Tune In Turn On via email.
“Thankfully, having the support and enthusiasm of our students has been a huge help. We’re hoping this event can encourage the community to stay connected with WLFR, and Stockton as a whole, and to showcase that Stockton’s history is a story that deserves to be told.”
Paige Cripps, WLFR DJ and one of the festival’s organizers, added, “I was inspired to revive the Lake Fred Folk Festival as a means of connecting alumni and the current Stockton and surrounding communities through the appreciation of folk music and local history. The lush, expansive history of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens and 91.7 WLFR’s history serve as a backdrop for this event.”
Artists scheduled to appear include Brad Wilson, Ornamental, Mosaic, and Starikova with special guest, Viv Verducci.
Info: https://stockton.edu/events/2025/lake-fred-folk-festival.html
Wishing everyone a great weekend, and please support your local music scene.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
