They don’t make ‘em like they used to, do they?
In what can only be described as the perfect advertisement for the wonders of a good healthcare routine, 72-year-old Gordon ‘Sting’ Sumner and 78-year-old Debbie Harry (plus the rest of Blondie) delivered a stellar one-two of performances to close the inaugural Plymouth Summer Sessions.
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Blondie opened the evening with an electrifying set that showcased their punk-infused energy and Debbie Harry’s iconic presence.
Debbie, exuding charisma and style, launched into One Way or Another, immediately captivating the audience. Her stage presence was magnetic, proving that age has not dulled her edge. The band’s performance was a high-energy affair, with Clem Burke’s drumming driving the rhythm, Chris Stein’s guitar work adding the essential Blondie sound, and the unadvertised addition of Sex Pistol Glen Matlock leading to something of a snarl of surprise from some of the more punk-minded members of the near-capacity crowd.
Blondie’s set was a trip through their greatest hits, with the crowd relishing every moment. Call Me and Atomic were particular highlights, the latter featuring an extended instrumental section that showcased the band’s tight cohesion and individual talents. Debbie Harry’s vocals were as strong as ever – seriously, how is that woman 78 years old? – and the band’s dynamic performance served to set the night up in style for what was to follow.
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As the sun set and the excitement built, Sting took to the stage, kicking off his set with an electrifying combo of Voices In My Head and Message in a Bottle.
The latter’s iconic opening riff was met with a wave of applause, setting the tone for the rest of the performance. Throughout his set, Sting effortlessly navigated through his extensive catalog, delivering fan favorites such as Englishman in New York and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Each song was performed with the kind of polish that comes from years of honing one’s craft, yet they still felt fresh and vibrant.
His voice, remarkably preserved, conveyed a blend of power and sensitivity, especially on tracks like Fields of Gold and Shape of My Heart. The highlight of his set, however, was arguably Roxanne, which had the entire audience singing along, followed by a soulful rendition of Fragile that left a poignant mark on the evening.
All in all, the last night of the Plymouth Summer Sessions on Plymouth Hoe proved to be a spectacular success. Here’s hoping for more next year.