Saturday, April 21, 2012

S is for Sting



I had another huge list of musicians.  It was nearly impossible to choose:
Siousxie and the Banshees, Simple Minds, Simply Red, The Smiths, Spandau Ballet, Sting, Suicidal Tendencies, Sonic Youth, Sisters of Mercy, The Smithereens, Squeeze

It was hard not to pick Siouxsie and the Banshees. I had their posters.  I listened to their records. I saw them in concert.

But I had to pick Sting.  The Police was one of the first bands I was aware of way back in junior high (the old fashioned version of middle school).  And Sting was hot—I was aware of it then, even though John Taylor and Simon Le Bon had my heart. 


“Every Breath You Take” was the perfect song to listen to as my parents separated:


I think it was in the Number 1 spot for 13 weeks in a row.


I remember buying a 45 (look it up, kiddos) that had the B side of “Drive to Tears” on it, which gave a hint of the Sting , the solo artist we’d get in the future:


(Oh man, is he hot.  I didn’t appreciate it enough then.)

As my music interests changed, his sound changed too.  I saw him in concert in 1988 and 1997.  Loved him both times. 


I still love this video “Wrapped Around Your Finger”, which would’ve been a perfect wedding song.  Beautiful video too:



Here’s a bio about Sting, where you can read about all his music and causes.  I like that he’s been a big advocate of the environment and other causes.  (Remember him in the Band Aid video?)  He even helped Crusty the Clown:



I don’t care he’s been made fun of for being pretentious.  He was an English teacher.  Nothing wrong with intelligent lyrics.  Others don’t agree with me. Link HERE. 


I remember after September 11th, I worked at GEICO and they asked for volunteers during the benefit concert.  I took calls for donations while the concert played on TV screens around the floor.  Sting sang “Fragile”, which was perfect for how Americans were feeling:




On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star, like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are, how fragile we are.”

24 comments:

  1. Sting is another artist who I'll happily listen to, but have never bought a CD.

    Salt and Peppa aren;t on your list of greatest ever bands - why not? lol

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  2. Perfect. Love him. Saw him about four years ago in concert with Annie Lennox and he was still as awesome as ever. I think I love him mostly for his intelligent lyrics.

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  3. I love Sting, solo and with The Police. Great music, and he's easy on the eyes.

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  4. I think of Sting as a writer as well as a musician. He's incredibly talented. His lyrics are poetic, clever, intelligent, beautiful...the list can go on and on. Loved The Police in high school/college and Sting's solo music later on. I got to see him in concert at the end of his "Nothing Like the Sun" tour at the Boston Garden.

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  5. Sting with the Police or without. He's awesomesauce. A fantastic musician. And a person who truly cares. Love this choice. Having fun?? I bet you are. Can't wait to hear about it when you return. :-)

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  6. Sting's had quite an impact on the music industry. And funny, but even he admits he was a big jerk back when the Police were together.

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    1. Alex, he got 70% of the profits, if I remember correctly. I recall his manager saying if Sting is sick, who would attend the concert vs. if the other two were sick. Sting said he apologized for his arrogant behavior when they had the reunion.

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  7. Great choice. Fabulous artist. But sorry you have sad memories from Every Breath You Take.
    A to Z of Nostalgia

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  8. He is so sexy. This post is making me miss 1980s MTV. I totally remember the "Wrapped Around Your Finger" video.

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  9. I never did much like the Police. I don't have anything against them. They just don't speak to me.

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  10. Sting, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. *melting* Although he did freak me out when he played the baddie in "Dune." He was really freaky.

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  11. Sting is amazing. He is one of those artists who stands the test of time. I've always appreciated his poetic and meaningful lyrics. He paints such wonderful pictures with the music and lyrics. Great choice, Theresa.

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  12. I would've taken Sting too. No question.

    The old Police songs remind me of some of my happiest times on the beach.

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  13. If I'd taken on A-Z, music would have been my subject. Someone else did Skid Row but I must say....I'm partial to Sting. And I just wanted to tell you that REM is one of my all time fav bands. Their song, Losing My Religion cuts to the quick.

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  14. Great post, I'm glad I found your blog. Every breath you take was one of my favorite songs for a very long time. Good luck with the rest of the challenge!

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  15. I have always been a little in love with Sting, even though he's a potential stalker and teen molester. HA! Actually, he is king of persona and metaphor.

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  16. Love, love, love Wrapped Around Your Finger.

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  17. I saw Sting in concert back in 97 too and it was one of the best concerts I've seen. Loved the Police and I was the same, that was one of the first bands I was aware of. Still love Sting now.

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  18. The Police had some great songs, didn't they? I loved Squeeze and The Smithereens, too.

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  19. Loved your post today, Theresa! I love listening to Sting's songs!

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  20. I loved Sting when he went solo even more than the Police. My favorite one by him is an obscure song called Moon Over Bourbon Street. Or maybe it's the Russians Love Their Children too. Oh man, now I have to get out my old Sting mixed tape. Yes I still have tape player and while I don't have a record player, I still have all my 45's, I figure they might be worth some money now (or someday!)

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  21. Sting is also of note to my fellow Who freaks because he played the Ace Face turned bellboy in Quadrophenia.

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  22. Sting, now I enjoy his work. A patient of mine insisted on having it played all day long in his room. I knew every song at the end of each shift!

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