Sting - Verso Media

This was my sixth concert at Thetford Forest, following performances by Paul Heaton x 2, The Pogues, Madness, and Paul Weller. Sting, a former member of the legendary post-punk band The Police, has an impressive catalogue of hit singles and albums. Despite his successful solo career, he is often more famous for his personal life than his music. Although this gig wasn’t my first choice, I decided to attend with Hammy and Neil, embracing a “never turn down a gig” attitude.

We arrived in Thetford just after midday, enjoying a delicious meal at CHEERS restaurant before heading to The Bell for a couple of cold ones. We stumbled upon an unusual event that felt like a mix between a Dad’s Army reunion and a wedding from the TV show Don’t Tell the Bride. After just the one pint, we found another boozer for a few more slurps before we made made our way to the forest. The organisation of the event was impeccable, with minimal queues on arrival and smooth exit onto the main road. The venue, nestled in the heart of the woods, has been hosting concerts since 2001 and offers a unique and intimate setting for live music. As the sun set, the forest was illuminated, creating a magical ambiance that enhanced the live performances.

While I have no complaints about the event’s organisation, the prices were a bit steep, especially for a small portion of fish and chips priced at £20. Moving on to the music, Sting’s performance was a blend of his work with The Police and his solo material, incorporating elements of rock, pop, jazz, and reggae. While I felt his band was slightly lacking, Sting’s vocals were exceptional, and at the age of 72, he looked remarkable. However, the overall experience left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Despite my misgivings, the majority of the large crowd at Thetford seemed to thoroughly enjoy the 90-minute show, with almost everyone dancing and singing along. While I appreciate Sting’s talent and enjoyed the performance, it wouldn’t make it into my top ten gigs list.