10 September 2025
Newsdesk
Sting is set to release an updated version of his celebrated 2013 album, The Last Ship, on December 5, 2025. The new Expanded Edition will feature five brand new recordings and is timed to coincide with a highly anticipated international tour of his musical of the same name, in which he will also star. The production is slated for performances in Paris, Amsterdam, and Brisbane in 2026, with more cities to be announced soon.
The upcoming album will be available in digital and physical formats, including CD and a 2-disc vinyl set. This release builds on the original deluxe edition of the album, adding five previously unreleased tracks that underscore the enduring power of the story and Sting's deep connection to its themes of community, home, and resilience. The new recordings include:
"Island of Souls (2025)"
"Shipyard" (featuring Joe Caffrey, Brian Johnson, and Jo Lawry)
"Ship of State" (featuring Renée Fleming)
"If You Ever See Me Talking to a Sailor" (featuring Frances McNamee)
"O’Brien’s Hymn"
Inspired by the shipbuilding community of Sting’s hometown of Wallsend in northeast England, The Last Ship tells the story of a town grappling with the loss of its historic industry. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2014, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score, and has since been performed to critical acclaim around the world.
"I literally grew up in the shadow of the yard," Sting said. "I dreamed of escaping – and I succeeded. But later I realized I had to give something back. The Last Ship is my tribute to the people and the place that shaped me."
Produced by Sting and Rob Mathes, the Expanded Edition invites listeners to rediscover the album that inspired the stage production, now enriched with fresh interpretations and collaborations. This news comes just ahead of Sting’s four sold-out "STING 3.0" shows in London this October, following a summer of headlining major UK festivals.
