A Legacy Inherited: Joe Sumner Follows in Father’s Footsteps
It’s no surprise that children of iconic musicians often feel the pull of the stage. Such is the case for Joe Sumner, the eldest son of legendary artist Sting. Born before The Police skyrocketed his father to fame, Joe grew up surrounded by music. While his early influences leaned towards grunge icons like Nirvana, inspiring his band Fiction Plane, his musical path ultimately intertwined with his father’s.
The connection deepened in 2007 when Fiction Plane joined The Police’s reunion tour, exposing Joe to the magnitude of his father’s legacy. This experience marked a turning point, as Joe’s own sound began to reflect the musicality that captivated generations of Sting fans.
Father and Son Unite: A Special Performance of “Every Breath You Take”
In 2018, during a concert at Los Angeles’ The Wiltern theatre, Sting surprised the audience by inviting Joe on stage for a duet of The Police’s iconic hit, “Every Breath You Take.” While Sting was touring his reggae-infused collaborative album with Shaggy, fans eagerly anticipated hearing the classics.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Joe took the stage, his presence a testament to the enduring power of family in the world of music. As the familiar chords of “Every Breath You Take” filled the air, father and son launched into a mesmerizing performance that showcased their uncanny vocal resemblance.
Sting and Joe Sumner on stage together. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images)
Sting and Joe Sumner deliver a captivating performance of “Every Breath You Take.” Image: Getty Images
Sting, known for his distinct, husky vocals, seemed to pass down this unique timbre to his son. The resemblance was undeniable as Joe effortlessly navigated the song’s emotionally charged bridge, his voice soaring with a raw intensity reminiscent of his father.
The Legacy Continues: Touring Together and a Shared Passion
The electrifying performance of “Every Breath You Take” marked the beginning of a new chapter for the father-son duo. Since that night in Los Angeles, they have toured the world together, captivating audiences with their undeniable chemistry and shared musical DNA.
Joe and his dad Sting have toured together for some years now. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Sting)
Joe and Sting share the stage, their bond evident in their musical synergy. Image: Getty Images
In a 2023 interview, Sting admitted to feeling a sense of pride watching his son excel in the same field. He acknowledged the “out-of-body experience” of witnessing Joe carry the torch, recognizing elements of his own voice in his son’s delivery.
Joe, now a father of four himself, seems poised to pass on this musical inheritance. Whether his children will follow in his and their grandfather’s footsteps remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the legacy of musical talent runs deep in the Sumner family.
The duet of “Every Breath You Take” stands as a powerful testament to this legacy – a testament to a father’s love for his son and the enduring power of music to connect generations.
