Sting ‘The Last Ship’ - Third And Final Concert Added

Due to phenomenal public demand, Sage Gateshead announces that an additional performance by Sting of songs from ‘The Last Ship’ - his latest album and acclaimed musical of the same name - will take place on Saturday 25 April at 2pm to benefit Sage Gateshead’s 10^th Birthday Appeal. The three concerts at Sage Gateshead are the only UK performances of their kind and are kindly supported by Cunard, Shepherd Offshore, Port of Tyne, Gateshead Council and North Tyneside Council. Announced in September 2014, Sting’s performances of ‘The Last Ship’ at Sage Gateshead became two of the fastest selling concerts ever presented at the iconic Tyneside venue. And due to such phenomenal demand, the venue is delighted to announce that a matinee performance on Saturday 25 April has now been added. Together, these North East performances are a unique opportunity for UK audiences to hear Sting and his band perform songs from ‘The Last Ship’, inspired by Tyneside and his hometown of Wallsend. ‘The Last Ship’ tells a universal story drawn from Sting’s own childhood experiences growing up beside the Swan Hunter Shipyard.  Originally workshopped with local musicians and actors at Newcastle’s Live Theatre before being performed on Broadway, it was only fitting that the songs of ‘The Last Ship’ be performed for a North East audience. “‘The Last Ship’ is a musical allegory set in Wallsend, the town where I was born and raised”, says Sting.  “The demise of industry - not only in shipyards like Tyneside and Gdansk, but also great manufacturing centres like Detroit - has been well documented and the effect of that demise on the identity and future of local communities particularly resonates with me.  I’m very much looking forward to bringing these songs and stories home.” Many of the region’s best loved musicians including Jimmy Nail, The Wilson Family and fiddle and Northumbrian pipe player Kathryn Tickell will join Sting onstage. The exciting homecoming of ‘The Last Ship’ has attracted significant support from partners.  Cunard, the international cruiseline company who commissioned many legendary liners from the Swan Hunter Shipyard including Mauretania leads the support along with Shepherd Offshore, Port of Tyne, Gateshead Council and North Tyneside Council. Proceeds from all performances will benefit Sage Gateshead’s 10^th Birthday Appeal, ensuring a continuing musical legacy for future generations across the region to enjoy. Sting added:  “The North East has a great creative atmosphere and legacy. Sage Gateshead sits proudly at its cultural heart and I’m always happy to support it.” Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday 13 February from 10am at www.sagegateshead.com, and also at Sage Gateshead’s Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661. Sting.com fan club members will have an opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the general public beginning 11 February at 10am. Sage Supporters will be able to purchase tickets in advance on Thursday 12 February from 10am via Sage Gateshead’s Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661. Benefit ticket prices range cost £49.50, £75 and £85. Special VIP packages are also available. For more information, contact Sage Gateshead Press Office on 0191 443 4567.