Sting Scales Down for Spring Tour of U.S.

11/30/2004 8:50 PM, Reuters
Barry A. Jeckell

Since establishing himself as a solo artist, Sting's tour's have become grand affairs featuring large bands. That will change in April, when he launches the Broken Music tour, backed by just three players.

Set to kick off April 1 in San Jose, Calif., the tour will feature Sting on bass and vocals, longtime guitarist Dominic Miller , guitarist Shane Fontayne (Bruce Springsteen , Lone Justice) and drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle ).

The current itinerary of 11 shows runs through an April 29-30 stand in Atlantic City, N.J. More dates are expected, according to the artist's official Web site (http://www.sting.com).

Los Angeles-based rock act Phantom Planet will open all shows on the tour, except the New Jersey engagement, support for which is to be determined.

Some shows will take place on college campuses, where students will have access to tickets prior to the general public. Sting.com members will also have access to pre-sale opportunities, some beginning as early as Thursday. Some venues will also include general admission areas in front of the stage, with those tickets priced at $30.50, according to the site.

Sting is in the midst of a European leg of his Sacred Love tour, which played Milan Tuesday. He will wrap his 2004 dates with a Dec. 9 show in Copenhagen, and will launch an 11-date Asian swing Jan. 10 in Singapore.

Released in October 2003, "Sacred Love" (A&M/Interscope) debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200.

Reuters/Billboard