In a thrilling musical reunion that fans of The Police have been eagerly awaiting, Sting and Andy Summers have come together to breathe new life into their 1983 classic ‘Murder by Numbers.’ This marks the first time the iconic duo has collaborated since the highly successful Police reunion tour in 2007-2008. Now, with the help of acclaimed bassist and band leader Christian McBride, the track has been transformed into a spirited big band number.
Originally a bonus track on The Police’s seminal album ‘Synchronicity,’ ‘Murder by Numbers’ was already known for its jazzy undertones. But in this latest rendition, McBride’s touch has elevated the track to new heights, kicking off his album ‘Without Further Ado, Vol. 1,’ set to release on August 29. With Sting’s unmistakable vocals and Summers’ fiery guitar work, this collaboration is a testament to their enduring legacy and artistic evolution.
McBride expressed his excitement in a press release, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled to have Sting and Andy Summers — two-thirds of one of the most influential bands in history, The Police — join me for one of their songs. Sting continues to evolve gracefully as an artist, and Andy still plays with the sophisticated fire and grit he has always possessed. A huge thank you to both of them, as well as to the remarkable Pedrito Martinez, for bringing that special ‘thang’ that only he can provide.”
This collaboration is a nostalgic reminder of Sting and Summers’ previous collaborations, including their work on Sting’s 1987 solo album ‘…Nothing Like the Sun’ and guest appearances on Summers’ projects. Currently, Sting is captivating audiences across Europe on his 3.0 tour, which harks back to the three-piece band format of The Police. The tour, which has already yielded a live album, will continue in the U.S. starting November 7 in Hollywood, Florida, and wrapping up on November 24 in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Andy Summers has been busy with his own musical endeavors, having recently released ‘The Complete Recordings 1981-1984’ with King Crimson’s Robert Fripp. This collection features their two collaborative albums and a disc of previously unreleased material.
As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Without Further Ado, Vol. 1,’ this reunion of Sting and Summers is a delightful reminder of the timeless allure of The Police and their ability to captivate audiences, old and new.