I have been closely following Sting's entire solo career.
When he's on tour, he plays the same songs in the same order every night of the tour. He pulled the same ridiculous thing on the Police reunion tour. Stewart and Andy, the only two people capable of challenging the practice and getting it changed, did nothing.
Yes, I know there were some minor set-list changes throughout the Police tour.
I've read some BS about the lights being coordinated with the songs. Who gives a flying F about the lights? Not one fan goes to see Sting/the Police for the lights. The Police could be playing with reading lamps and the gig would still be sold out.
Playing the same songs has to drive the musicians crazy, especially with Sting's enormous catalog. These are some heavyweights on stage with Sting- either solo or as the Police. They can certainly handle set-list changes. Bruce Springsteen and U2 play songs at the request of the audience. They change their set-lists all the time.
And Sting has been wearing the same pants and t-shirt for about eight years. I hope he washes them at least once a week. PU