Rock legend Sting of the ’80s new wave band The Police is currently on tour. Producing hits with the band such as “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne,” as well as solo work singles like “Fields of Gold” and “Englishman in New York,” he has earned his place as a respected member of the rock community.
Sting’s setlist includes both his solo work and the band’s greatest hits, something that not all frontmen from famous bands do once they become a solo artist. The possibility of hearing songs from The Police’s discography is enticing, drawing plenty of concertgoers to the tour. The tour, called “Sting 3.0,” has been touring since 2024, adding stops through 2025. The tour has been extended due to multiple health concerns throughout the year that prevented Sting from performing. In January, Sting cancelled a string of concerts, citing a throat infection as preventing him from singing.
The new dates of cancelled shows have extended the tour through 2026, with one early show on Jan. 24 rescheduled for June 1. His most recent potential stop, Tampa on Nov. 11, was a rescheduling of a previous cancellation.
Sting has now cancelled three of his Florida shows in Hollywood, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Hollywood’s date has been rescheduled for May 6, but no rescheduling information is yet available for Tampa or Jacksonville. It is unusual for an artist to cancel so many shows, and it calls into question how the rockstar’s health is impacting his ability to tour and make music.
I was allowed to see Sting for myself on Nov. 10. I was devastated to learn of the concert’s cancellation, not only due to the missed opportunity to hear some of my favorites, like “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” but also for what it means for Sting himself.
I grew up on The Police, first introduced to them when I was young, then developing a personal appreciation for them throughout middle and high school. The uniqueness of their sound and the clever, sometimes richly dark lyrics make for a wonderful combination. Albums like Synchronicity are infamous for their brilliance, and I associate much of their music with growing up and going through tough situations. Music is a healing balm, and it is strange to consider the man behind the music as someone who could be touched in this way.
It is difficult not to think of other artists we have lost to illness, such as my all-time favorite, David Bowie, along with icons like Freddie Mercury and George Michael. These artists are beloved for their music and the impact it has had on both individuals themselves and music history as a whole. Sting is no exception to this. Gen X and Gen Z alike will be waiting to see how this plays out.
Sting is, in essence, a very special artist to me and other fans. I can only hope he makes a safe recovery and will be able to continue doing what he loves.