Several of classic rock’s biggest names joined Sting at his 30th anniversary Rainforest Fund benefit concert on Dec. 9 in New York. The lineup, billed as Sting & Friends, featured Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Bob Geldof, Eurythmics, Deborah Harry, and more.
Among the evening’s highlights: Mellencamp joined Springsteen for the latter’s “Glory Days.” The Boss returned the favor on “Pink Houses.” Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart reunited for three songs including “Sweet Dreams” and a rousing “Would I Lie to You.” Deborah Harry performed Blondie’s “Call Me.” The full lineup closed the show with a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Watch Springsteen and Mellencamp perform “Glory Days”
Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox of Eurythmics have performed together only sporadically, and often just for benefit appearances, ever since the musical duo split up around 1990.
Watch their rousing three-song set
Robert Downey Jr. hosted the Beacon Theatre event, named after Sting’s 1987 solo hit. Also performing: Ricky Martin and Shaggy.
Martin continued the evening’s upbeat feel with two of his popular hits.
Narada Michael Walden served as musical director. The event was produced by Sting’s wife, Trudie Styler. The couple have hosted 17 Rainforest benefits, all previously held at Carnegie Hall.
The evening’s host sang a Peter Gabriel favorite.
Watch Deborah Harry perform two of Blondie’s biggest hits, beginning at the four-minute mark
Watch Springsteen and Mellencamp hug it out before singing “Pink Houses”
Watch the evening’s final number, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” with the full ensemble
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
Thanks to Harv Coppy for the great clips.
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