Sting, the 73-year-old British rock legend, has been forced to delay several performances and withdraw from an awards ceremony because of a short-term throat infection. It has led to considerable rescheduling, affecting many high-profile events in California and Arizona and impacting thousands of ticket holders.
Sting’s social media account stated, “On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards and postpone his STING 3.0 concerts.”
The postponed shows include a concert at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, initially planned for January 24, 2025, but now rescheduled for June 1, 2025. Also affected is the performance at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland, California, initially set for January 26, 2025, but has moved to May 28, 2025. The Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary celebration performance has also been rescheduled to May 29. 2025.
Sting urges fans to retain their tickets for the postponed events, as they will still be valid for the new dates. He also extends his sincere apologies for the inconvenience and expresses gratitude for the fans’ understanding.
Sting, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, updated fans about his health status via Instagram, confirming that he is “steadily improving” from the temporary throat infection that has hindered his singing abilities.
It represents a rare disruption in Sting’s usually packed performance schedule. His previous significant health-related postponement was back in October 2018, when he had to delay a concert with Jamaican singer Shaggy due to similar vocal complications.
Sting’s health issue has also affected his involvement in the FireAid concert in Inglewood, California, scheduled for January 30, 2025. The benefit concert, intended to aid wildfire relief efforts, boasts an all-star cast, including Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga.
Sting’s next appearance is slated for February 8, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. After a month-long pause, he’s expected to return to the stage on April 11, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York. Sting will headline significant events during the summer festival season, including the Latitude Festival, the Isle of Wight Festival, and the On the Waterfront Festival in Liverpool, England.
Before embarking on a successful solo career, Sting co-founded The Police in 1977 with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band gained worldwide acclaim with five studio albums, the last of which was “Synchronicity” in 1983, which topped the UK Albums Chart and Billboard 200.
Sting co-wrote many of The Police’s iconic hits during his tenure, such as “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and “Message in a Bottle.” The band earned six Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Their final tour in 2007-2008, commemorating their 30th anniversary, generated over $358 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours ever.
Sting, a 17-time Grammy Award winner, is known for solo hits like “Englishman in New York,” “Fields of Gold,” and “Shape of My Heart.” He adheres to a strict health regimen, which includes regular Ashtanga yoga practice and a macrobiotic diet, favoring vegetables and grains while minimizing processed foods, preservatives, meat, dairy, and sugar intake. This wellness routine has contributed significantly to his longevity in the music industry.
The present health issue occurs during Sting’s ongoing STING 3.0 tour, which has garnered positive reviews worldwide. Ticket holders for the impacted shows have expressed substantial support on social media, prioritizing the artist’s health over their entertainment schedules.