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29 March 2024

Live Nation makes Sting-ing debut

Sting is just one of the artists making their way to the UAE. (GETTY IMAGES)

Published
By Rachel McArthur

Following Live Nation's move to Dubai Media City, the world's largest live gig producer has announced a series of concerts in the city called The Season of Stars, which will debut this year with Sting, Edin Karamazov, and their show: The Journey and The Labyrinth.

This classical concert, which celebrates the music and lyrics of John Dowland, will open at DMC's new state-of-the-art theatre, The Palladium, on December 12.

Elissa Murtaza, Managing Director, Live Nation Middle East, told Emirates Business: "The UAE is becoming an attraction for many artists, and we look forward to bringing over some exciting events."

It is certainly a thrilling time for the UAE's concert scene, especially since Live Nation acquired a 65 per cent controlling stake in Mirage Promotions earlier this year; Mirage is best known for bringing down Aerosmith, Pink and Shakira.

Live Nation was formed in 2005 by a spin-off from Clear Channel Communications, and is already reportedly worth $4.4 billion.

It also runs Live Nation Artists, which represents Madonna, the Rolling Stones and U2, meaning it is very likely that these artists will express interest in the UAE soon.

This will be Sting's second appearance in the emirate, following his two gigs in April 2001. His upcoming Dubai appearance will come following a 15-month-long tour with The Police, which is scheduled to finish this August. It is reportedly the very last tour for Sting and his band – who are known for hits such as Every Breath You Take and Roxanne.

Since their concert tickets went on sale worldwide, some dates sold out within minutes, and tickets for the entire British tour – the band's first in 24 years – sold out within 30 minutes. Worldwide, they have sold approximately 1.5 million tickets, with revenues reaching $168 million.