Sting's NBA All-Star halftime show is preemptively bumming people out

Sting is going to play the halftime show at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, which many Torontonians seem pretty bummed out about.

Drake, if you're listening, they really want you to play in Toronto more

CBC News Posted: Jan 28, 2016 2:49 PM EST | Last Updated: January 28, 2016

Sting will be playing the NBA All-Star half-time show, but many Torontonians would rather Drake did instead. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/Taylor Jewell/AP Photo)

Sting is going toplaythe halftime show at next month'sNBA All-Star Game in Toronto, a fact which manyTorontoniansseem pretty bummed out about.

While the artistwas once known for songs likeRoxanneandWalking on the Moon, reaction to the NBA's announcement this morning suggest that these days, he'smostly known for being a bit of a bore.

@mattgallowaycbc just what an adrenaline fueled event needs. Twenty minutes of a guy with a lute.
—@cbarnett99

Coldplay and Sting will be doing halftimes at the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game. What a break for those suffering from insomnia.
—@Sid_Seixeiro

A 2000 Grammy Award for his solo albumBrand New Day and roughly a decade with English rock band The Police won't save him from the crushing fact that he's notfrom Toronto.

The fact that the NBA didn't pick aTorontonian artist, or evenCanadianartist,to play the first All Starhalftime show outside of the U.S. was a sticking point for fans.

Sting doing the all star game is an absolute joke. They really wanna make a mockery of Toronto.
—@RobNEverything

The Weeknd, @alessiacara... There are a lot of people who would have been great at the NBA all-star game in TO. Instead, they booked Sting.
—@metromorning

We are in, perhaps, the greatest era of Canadian pop music, and the @NBA tapped #Sting to headline #NBAAllStarTO. pic.twitter.com/7aARFGlqsj
—@Blackinthe416

Even Ex-Toronto Mayor Rob Ford had something to say, which he shared with the world thanks to his newfound Twitter prowess.

Really @Toronto2016? Sting? What were your backup options, Cher and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra? How about some TORONTO talent!
—@TorontoRobFord

That's like asking me which knee I want to bump into the coffee table with https://t.co/MVwbJ8VMHe
—@TorontoRobFord

Although someone did have a Ford-related explanation for how the NBA mighthave picked the artist.

The All-Star Game has Sting as the halftime performer in Toronto in honor of all the undercover operations against Rob Ford
—@BobbyBigWheel

The popular answer for who should be playing the halftime show was Drake, a noted b-ball aficionado.

And performing at the #NBAAllStar Half Time show in #Toronto..... *drumroll*....*assumes #Drake*....... #STING.
—@RoobyDee

The All Star game is in Toronto but instead of having the most well known Torontonian & huge NBA fan Drake perform, Sting will. huh?!!
—@TeronBriggs

Dear @Drake, Please drop an #NBA diss track! Not for yourself.. But for #The6ix & The Rest of #Canada! #NBAAllStarTO pic.twitter.com/FLEMiU5Muo
—@KevinNoel

He might be in rough shape.

TFW they announce Sting performing at the NBA All Star game in Toronto pic.twitter.com/yZ7frQdJGo
—@toysubmarine

NBA hired Sting to perform at all-star weekend in Toronto like Drake ain't sitting in the 6 like pic.twitter.com/EBwgy0GYhL
—@MatthewACherry

Even John Tory, Toronto's mayor, doesn't seem excited to talk about the news.

Sting is coming to town and this is what Mayor Tory and others thought about it. https://t.co/0rd8KB96TA pic.twitter.com/MD3WMr0ywz
—@CP24

Although that maybe because during the Pan Amgames in Toronto, he assumed thatKanyeWest was Canadian, promptinga similar wave ofoutrage when people alsocalledforDrake instead.

Maybe Sting could change the name of a song on Toronto's behalf?

Sting: Okay, just about me then. I'm an "Englishman in New Yo- James Taylor: The game's in Toronto Sting: JT so help me I will flay you aliv
—@RealRickLagina

At least Cirque deSoleilwill also be there before the game.

Cirque Du Soleil will be performing before the NBA All Star Game. What is happening? @NBA pic.twitter.com/wcPXLvc5Bd
—@PeterKash

It's going to be a weird show.

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