Bitten by the Sting!
Stefan, popular among fans as 'Mr Sting' owing to his love for the internationally renowned songster, will present his act, alongside two other local musicians, at The British Club in Adliya.
'This show is based on Sting's current 'Sting 3.0' tour lineup and set list. He's playing essentially a collection of his greatest hits as a live trio, Drums, Bass and Guitar, much like to the original Police (band),' the 51-year-old told GulfWeekly.
'I'm calling my version Mr Sting 3.1,' he added.
'For the show next month, I'm happy to be working with Karl Roderick on guitar and Krishain Dewaas on drums.
'We'll be covering a full range of Sting classics, from his Police days, to his more up-to-date songs. But switching out a couple of the deep cuts he plays for his dedicated fans, for songs that everyone here will recognise and enjoy.'
Sting, known for his creations spanning rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new-age and worldbeat elements, was the frontman, principal songwriter and bassist for The Police, a new wave band that was active from 1977 to 1986. With the ensemble, Sting sold more than 100 million records and singles. As a solo performer, he has released 15 albums between 1985 and 2021, most of which have sold millions of copies worldwide. Sting's last single I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart) was released in 2024.
'I've always enjoyed playing Sting's songs, and I've started to sound more and more like him, vocally, as I got older,' Stefan said.
The full-time musician from Juffair realised his passion for music during his years growing up in the UK. Coming from an artistic background, he started performing while he was still a child.
'I followed my dad into the music business,' Stefan recalled.
'He was, and still is, what you'd call a session bass player, working in theatres and cruise ships. He backed Gene Pitney, Shirley Bassey and other well-known acts on tour.
'I started out playing jazz gigs as a kid and eventually came out to the Gulf playing rock with bands like Legal Racket, Sonic Avengers, The International Playboys, Graffiti Park, Axent and many, many more.
'Sting is also a jazz fan, as well as a Bach aficionado, and he says it's essential to include some element of surprise in his music, be it odd time signatures, interesting chord changes or just fascinating stories in the lyrics. This is never your generic pop music,' the creative talent, who moved to Bahrain from Dubai six years ago, added.
Stefan first played in the kingdom 26 years ago, and has since been in and out of the country many times. The event next month will be his only Mr Sting show in Bahrain for this year.
However, the artist has big plans for international performances, having just returned from China.
'I'll be taking Mr Sting to Europe for the summer, where I'll also be playing in a tribute to The Beatles,' he revealed.
Tickets to Mr Sting 3.1 are available at The British Club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Weekly
3 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
The Special Squad
July 31 - August 6 ,2025 By Melissa Nazareth A new comic series, dedicated to children with special needs has been launched in Bahrain, expressing solidarity and empathy with them and their caregivers, writes Melissa Nazareth. The Special Squad is the latest initiative of Shahzaib's Club House, a local community of differently abled people, and tackles topics like regulating difficult emotions, common apprehensions felt by differently abled individuals and pursuing ambitions against the odds, among others. The comics are brought alive as conversations, inspired by real-life dialogues the children at the club house have had with their parents, teachers or others. 'While the comic series was born in Bahrain, its heartbeat is universal, and we're thrilled to have started it in collaboration with a creative agency in Pakistan,' club house founder and director Amena Shahrukh told GulfWeekly. 'The Special Squad is a visual story world where children of determination aren't pitied or 'managed'. They take centre stage and are bold, tender, hilarious, curious and unapologetically themselves. Each comic is a real conversation. These stories reflect what really happens at Shahzaib's Club House,' she added. Amena started the club house, registered under Bahrain Mobility International, three years ago, as an extension of her personal journey with her late son, Mohammed Shahzaib Lali, who was differently abled. He died of pneumonia at the age of 21. Talking about plans for the comic series, Amena revealed that she hopes to publish them as a book and eventually launch themed merchandise. 'We will be releasing merchandise for special children, designed to uplift, inspire and represent them like never before,' she added. To read the comics, follow @shahzaibsclubhouse on Instagram.
Gulf Weekly
3 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
All eyes on the music
Serving up a softer, more contemplative side of their signature Afro-Khaleeji sound, Bahraini fusionists Majaz have released the fourth single from their upcoming EP. Titled Aini, the song dropped on July 25 and introduces a sonic shift for the group, which is known for its energetic, upbeat rhythms. Built around the term of endearment 'aini' which translates in Arabic to 'my eyes' or 'my beloved' and is commonly used across Khaleeji dialects, the track embodies compassion and empathy. 'This song reveals a different side of Majaz,' the band's guitarist Hameed AlSaeed told GulfWeekly. 'It highlights the more chill vibe of our Afro-Khaleeji sounds. 'Musically, it stands in contrast to the rest of the EP, which is much more energetic.' The lyrics in Aini serve a dual purpose. On the surface, they appear as a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. But beneath that is a broader commentary on the gradual erosion of deep human connection in the digital age. The double meanings throughout the song make it relatable on multiple levels, whether listeners interpret it as a love ballad or a reflection on modern disconnection. 'The song sheds light on the importance of human connection in a world where real, deep human interactions are becoming increasingly scarce, gradually losing their significance and weight amidst the ever-evolving ways through which the age of information shapes the way we communicate,' Hameed explained. In keeping with the band's commitment to preserving and evolving Khaleeji musical heritage, Aini incorporates 'Sawt Shami', a rhythmic pattern rooted in 'Fann As-Sawt', an urban art form that has played a significant role in Gulf music for centuries. While the band often experiments with Khaleeji rhythmic foundations, the use of 'Sawt Shami' in this track signals a deliberate nod to 'one of the timeless pillars of Khaleeji musical heritage', repackaged in a modern aesthetic. 'The song was written in mid-2022 and we have also played it live in many of our shows, where it got shaped into the final version,' bassist Salah Alawi added. 'The challenge was testing the song couple of times in front of the audience before hitting the studio.' The single follows Ya Lala (a vocable commonly used in Khaleeji culture and music as a display of joy and care-free sentiments), Heila Hei (a generational Bahraini phrase with no particular linguistic meaning), and Ala Wain (Arabic for 'to where'), which have received praise for their creative fusion of genres. Like its predecessors, Aini will be part of Majaz's upcoming and as-yet-unnamed five-track EP, which is expected to be released by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Made up of Bahrainis Hameed, Salah, cellist Jehad Al Halal, and Saudi percussionist Abdulla Faisal, the quartet is currently planning shows across the region. Aini is now streaming on all major platforms.
Gulf Weekly
3 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
Sheraton brings best of the world on your platter
This summer, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel is serving up a sizzling medley of dining delights. From rooftop grills and global lunch menus to artisan sweets and indulgent afternoon teas, there's a taste for every mood and moment. Begin your culinary journey high above the city at Brasero Atlántico Bahrain, the hotel's latest showstopper perched on the rooftop with panoramic views over Manama's skyline. Championing the art of traditional Argentine grilling a las brasas, meaning over wood fire, the venue now welcomes guests for lunch from noon to 3pm daily, with dinner following from 7pm to 11pm. The rooftop lounge is also open from 4pm until 2am, featuring a drinks menu with organic mocktails and distinctive Argentine-crafted beverages. Meanwhile, WILD Eatery promises bold flavours and international flair with its weekday Daily Lunch at WILD, running Sunday to Thursday from noon to 3pm. This three-course journey rotates through global cuisines – think Spanish, Asian, British, Italian and Peruvian – and includes a refreshing homemade iced tea, all for BD10.500 net. Come Thursday evening, WILD Chef's Night transforms the space into a relaxed buffet-style celebration of the chef's favourites. Diners can look forward to shareable appetisers, salads, and desserts served straight to the table. Available from 6pm to 11pm at BD19.500net per person, inclusive of soft drinks, tea or coffee. Fridays are all about flair and flavour at The Wild Brunch, running from 12.30pm to 5pm. Expect premium sharing platters, lively entertainment and muddled signature drinks, with packages starting at BD36net for soft drinks and BD46net for the premium option. A special ladies' rate is also available at BD23net. If a slower pace is more your style, Afternoon Tea at &More by Sheraton offers a touch of refinement every day between 2pm and 5pm. Delicate pastries, buttery scones, savoury finger sandwiches and aromatic teas or coffee are served for BD15net. Reservations are recommended. To round off the experience, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel has joined forces with Maya La Chocolaterie to present handcrafted chocolates rooted in Arab heritage. Made locally using only the finest ingredients.
