Sting: An Englishman in Lausanne...

The English star sold out the Vaudoise Arena last night in Lausanne with his "My Songs Tour." A show that focused on a form of intimacy, despite a large crowd.

Seeing a full house of more than 8,000 people had become a rare occurrence in Lausanne in recent decades. And yet, with its new setting, the Vaudois capital wants to reclaim the place it deserves. After the relatively limited success of its opening set earlier this year, the Vaudoise Arena can boast of having pulled off a masterstroke with the arrival of Sting, as part of his "My Songs Tour." A performance that deserves doubly praise, given that the French-speaking audience had already enjoyed the artist this summer on the shores of Lake Geneva at the Paléo Festival.

In Lausanne last night, on a stage reminiscent of a mansion-style salon, the former Policeman welcomed his guests with a barrage of his greatest hits, delivered in a variety of sonic and visual settings. Starting with "Message in a Bottle" as the opening set, followed by "Englishman in New York," signature tracks from Sting's many careers, both as a band and solo.

Slowing down for some, the Englishman then launched into a succession of more introspective tracks, rather fitting for a previously fully seated audience. These included "Fields of Gold" and the classic "Shape of My Heart." A skilfully orchestrated sweetness that led to a brilliant, harsh, rugged, and intense "What Could Have Been." A transition that was perfectly suited to restoring tone and energy in Lausanne.

After Sting's initial invitation to get the audience on their feet with Brand New Day, 71-year-old Gordon Sumner had no trouble keeping his audience on the edge of their seats, powering through the last third of the show with the highly effective "So Lonely" and "Desert Rose." Before closing the evening with anthems such as "Every Breath You Take" and "Roxanne."

An evening during which Sting simply offered the compositions that made him a superstar. His songs. Except for a brief departure, following in the footsteps of a certain Bob Marley and "No Woman No Cry." A rather logical and consistent nod to the reggae sounds and rhythms so dear to Sting. Who nevertheless remained the elegant British man we know, right down to the tips of his enormous boots.

(c) PlansCultes.ch by David Trotta