That moment when Sting says thank you for reminding him of things forgotten, we all felt that through the screen. Such a deep meaningful moment for him, you and us. Go back and watch that moment it's beautiful.
It’s truly affirming for an interviewer to be thanked and acknowledged by such a high profile and storied interviewee. Again, consider yourself a full fledged member of an exclusive community of curators of music entertainment and everything that befits the culture it engenders.
This has to be one of the finest interviews with Sting I've ever watched. Adam even got a "thank you" from Sting for recognizing the significance of the bridge lyrics in "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free".
When you manage to land an interview with one of rock’s most esteemed and celebrated icons, you know you’re going something right. Kudos for yet another outstanding interview!
That was the first Police song I loved. Probably because I already loved Calypso and Reggae. "Everything She Does..." sounds amazing when played by a steel drum orchestra, absolutely magical!
@@michaelsteding7720 Agreed. I think the proper term is album. Both disc and record are different types of physical media but I know they are all used interchangeably.
I was in the 4th grade in 1982. I slept, ate, and drank rock and roll. I dove into rock and roll history and still love it til today. Now every breath you take has stood the test of time. Stings voice is strong and soulful. 😊
My brother's band was the warm-up band for The Police's concert at One Block West many years ago. My sister and I managed to find Sting back stage (there wasn't much security back then). We had a wonderful conversation with him. He was friendly and humble. I have been a fan ever since.
I had a client that was a music industry lawyer, In 1993 I escorted him to an event at which he had a conversation with _Sting._ That gave me the opportunity to observe him up close. He was never anything gracious and charming with *everybody* he met. I was quite impressed with his poise and demeanor throughout the event. *_The quintessential British Gentleman._*
“Just be grateful for every breath you take” Sting did it again! He is just a master of his craft, a musical and lyrical genius, a class act and a very interesting man. The Police and his solo career, both outstanding and very important part of my life’s personal soundtrack. Thank you for an awesome interview!!!! Bravo!!! 🎉👏
I still get chills, thinking about seeing the Police live on their reunion tour (July '07 in Miami). It was a dream come true for me, that will never be matched.
@@ProfessorofRock Wow, tough question. It was so long ago but I'll never forget the bombastic energy (especially from Copeland) on Synchronicity II. I believe it was the second song in the set, a great table-setter. So Lonely was cool too -- Sting changed the lyrics to "welcome to the Andy Summers show", which got a (fake, obviously rehearsed) double-take from the guitarist; he later repeated the verse in an extended bridge, changing it again, to "welcome to the Stuart Copeland show". I saw all this from the eleventh row center, by far my favorite concert experience of my time.
Sting's Fortress Around Your heart has always been such a memorable song for me. I remember siting an watching it with my gf at the time on MTV (back when they actually still played music.), right after they played my second most favorite song of his which is Desert Rose. At that time I was semi-living in S.E. Asia with my then gf and our relationship was a bit rocky, she took my hand and we began to have some better conversations that made us think about what we truly wanted in the relationship. While the truth that came out between us was not one that supported a future together it did let us part as friends and gave my very young adult self a better understanding of what sacrifices are often needed to make relationships work. For that and so many other reasons Sting's songs have been in the backdrop of my life. I remember in the early 80s living on a farm in rural Pacific Northwest and the fields that surrounded the farm house were Fields of Barley. So when the song came out it just struck me as if someone was watching my life and writing a song for me. It reminded me of how I felt about a girl I had a crush on and how we would go on walks through the fields of barley together with my dog running along side us. Since my folks were always around the place the only place to go to makeout were in those fields of gold. We often took an old portable radio with us about the size of a loaf of bread to listen to music, laying down on an old picnic blanket and looking up at the wide open sky, listening to the amazing music of the time including that song. It was a romantic song then solidified by our passions shared listening to it while holding each other in our arms laying in those fields of gold. Sting is a wonderful song writer who truly has written the songs of my life and I share many powerful and memorable moments of my life with those songs of my youth and young adulthood. Sting along with Steve Parry of Journey made so many wonderful stories and sang with passion that came from the hearts and souls. Every song never failed to move my heart and feet as I listened and sometimes sang along with them. They were the hymns of the church of my soul and I shall remember them until the day I leave this world. Cheers and thank you for this wonderful interview with one of my most favorite artists!
Great personal account, thank you! Mine isn't that intimate, but I spent a week in a cabin in Babcock State Park (WV) sitting on a cliff line overlooking the Glade Creek canyon listening to 'Regatta de Blanc' and just digging the nature. I did write down the lyrics to 'Does Everyone Stare' and gave them to a woman ten years older than me whom I had a big crush on... a little later, I heard her listening to that song! Nothing ever happened between us, but she understood where I was coming from. 'Black Seam' was meaningful to me, being from coal country. I came across a VHS copy of 'Bring On The Night' in 2014 and was blown away... Rehearsal in Napoleon's place??!! The highlight of that tape IMO was the elderly lady in a wheelchair (being manipulated most uncomfortably by a portly middle-aged man) with a tour group passing through as Sting&Co. were jamming out on 'Shadows in the Rain'. This lady was rockin' out to the band! There is practically nothing of Sting's body of work that I don't like; it's a dang shame we must grow old. If it were up to me, Sting and Stuart and Andy would be perpetually the ages they were in 1980.
In 1985, I was a freshman at LSU. Sting came to campus, and I camped out 2 nights to get tickets. Missed 2 days of classes. That set the tone for the rest of my college career.
Host, Steve Martin. My favorite sketch from that episode was the 'Bond On Holiday' short. "Ah, yes. GoldSting!" And the menacing tone as Sting informed Bond, "The pretzels...are no longer... complementary."😅😅😅
Thankyou for interviewing Sting (I've seen your whole interview). I could see that he appreciated someone who had real knowledge of his songs and real appreciation of his craft. And you werer someone who didn't (and doesn't) ask the same old questions every time. Brilliant!
Truly happiness = gratitude. Those that are happiest find reasons to be grateful. Sting appears to have won the game of life - not due to fame or fortune, but realizing the most fundamental key to it.
'Sting,' as a genius always captivates me since he's actually very balanced and down to Earth when interviewed. He certainly enjoys his life his artistry and creativity provided, and his family and never seemed to get hung-up in the filthier side of the industry. That's the height of reasons to respect him as an individual. He maintained control when others of his calibre became lost, suicidal or dead of O.D. or something else equally tragic. Really enjoyed this interview as well as with Stewart Copeland...Gifted and Lovely people. Prof of Rock has hit the 'Big Time' through his authenticity, graciousness, charm, wit and passion for the music of our times and people skills. CONGRATS!!!
"...Between the Scylla and Charybdis" and "Devil and the deep blue sea..." Pure genius to allude to the same situation (The proverbial "rock and a hard place") and yet not repeat oneself!
I love lyrics that are complex enough that I can't predict what the next line will be. I mean, I love the Beatles but their early songs had such predictable rhyming lyrics it would be cringeworthy if sung by a lesser group... "She was just seventeen, you know what I mean..." always made me shudder a little.😖 Sting's lyrics could stand alone as poetry. I have to disagree slightly with Adam, there are other songs with the word "alabaster", however they are likely all Gospel songs. "Alabaster" has special symbolic meaning to Christians, The oils that Mary Magdalene used to anoint Jesus after his crucifixion were kept in an alabaster box or jar, so several worship songs mention "alabaster".
What a huge honor !!! I did like the Police a lot but it was Sting's solo career that really took me to a different path to appreciating his work. I have listened to the song "When We Dance" so many times. It is beautiful and soulful. I also appreciated seeing the documentary "20 Feet From Stardom" and listening to Sting speak about and also show the incredible talent of Lisa Fischer, a female vocalist with a voice from another world. Sting is a true musician and not someone that does it for fame. That fame came to him because of the talent that he possesses but not from some desire for the spotlight.
"You've reminded me of a few things that I forgot". I can't imagine what it felt like hearing that said to me coming from Sting. Yet another well done interview. Thanks again for building this encyclopedia of rock for all to enjoy.
IT'S...STING! When we were teens my friends got him confused with the wrestler Sting. But this dude is among the most interesting people ever in music, he's one of one.
I remember buying Zenyatta Mendatta when it was originally released when New Wave/Post Punk was taking off. Fast forward to last year when Sting gave us an hour long private concert at Red Rocks before the actual concert. Then he shook my hand and my wife’s. Wow. The man is indeed one of the greatest singers and poets.
Adam Reader this is a special episode for me. When I was 12 I got lost for several hours in the Littke Sahara Sand Dunes west of Nephi. In my 12 yo mind I thought I was going to die in the desert. I had just saved up my allowance and bought the cassette of Synchronicity. Listening to that album over and over and looking up what words like Scylla and Charybdis was my therapy to heal from a traumatic experience. This albumn and Sting will always hold a special place in my heart.
What a great interview and genuine guy! Truly a musical genius, and master lyricist. My Sting solo fiver: 1. Fields of Gold 2. Shape of My Heart 3. Englishman in New York 4. Why Should I Cry for You 5. Fragile And I’ve left out so many good ones from his solo career, not to mention with The Police.
Sting is genuinely humble. A real man through and through. He has real affection for his audience. Humility in the present moment which he is happy and grateful to share with any of us out here listening. Thank you Professor.
Your interview with Sting gave me a new insight to the man and his music. As an 80's metal and hairband guy I wasn't the biggest fan back in the day. Roxanne is one of my absolute favorites and when it came on the radio my kids and I would do our best Eddie Murphy versions. To this day when we get together, we still do it whenever it's played. As for my pick of the greatest song from the 70's, I'm going with "Cat's in the cradle". It's a haunting reminder of one of the realities in most people's lives.
I laughed when Sting said he met an astrologer. "I didn't believe a minute of it. " I like The Police and Sting's albums. I have all the albums in my collection. I even bought his last record The Bridge. My favorite song is If It's Love. Whistling song.
Have to say that I love Sting's solo work the best. The band he assembled for Dream of the Blue Turtles was amazing. At the time I was not a jazz fan, knew nothing of jazz. Later on in life when I became (and still am) a big jazz fan, I immediately knew Branford Marsalis' signature sax when I first heard it thanks to all my Sting albums.
Yeah, that band was killer... If you want to see them at the first, find and watch a documentary made during the days leading up to the kickoff of their 1985 'Dream' world tour in Paris. It's titled 'Bring On the Night' and it's an awesome piece of work.
I've always heard both the stalker and the romantic to Every Breath you Take, but after my son was born, and having to just pay so much attention to his every move, it gave me a new PoV of the song.
I know exactly what you mean! When my son was born, he became very sick and spent his first week in NICU, I couldn't even hold my baby! I couldn't stand being away from him, so my precious MIL came to stay with us and she drove me back and forth to the hospital so I could bring him my pumped breast milk and stare at his tiny sick body inside an incubator with tubes coming out of him. Only a parent can understand that level of fear and anguish! When I got to take him home I was terrified I'd do something wrong. I was the youngest in my family and had zero experience with babies! He mostly slept, so I moved a chair into his room so I could watch him. I eventually fell asleep from exhaustion. My cat woke me up, and that's when I discovered I had a wonderful helper! My son was awake, but not crying, and I saw his first smile! He wasn't looking at me though, he was looking at his new BFF, "Spaz" the oversized 22 pound tomcat who decided that protecting and watching this baby was now his purpose in life! From then on, every time my son woke from a nap, Spaz came running to find me and yowl at me to go take care of "our" baby! My son was seven when Spaz was 18 and dying of kidney failure. I decided to give my son a kitten of his very own to help him cope with this loss, and found this lazy fat fluffy black furball kitten that's the most laid back cat I've ever known. A friend who owns, builds, and races vintage cars gave us this kitten, my friend is a 6'5" unit of a man with glorious long red hair like a viking and covered in tats (and an absolute sweetheart). His race car is called "Puff the Magic Dragon" so his nickname is "Puff". That's what my son named his new best friend! Giving my son that kitten was one of the wisest things I ever did as a parent. He took such good care of Puff, and Puff was there to give him comfort through some truly awful crap we went through growing into adulthood. He had Puff for 18 years, and Puff died in his arms when my son was 25 yrs. old. As usual, I veered right off track. I was just agreeing that there is no other love quite like the love between parents and their children, but got off topic talking about kitties! Happens to me often.
@@LazyIRanch No, I get it. My family adopted a sick mutt puppy when I was 8. He died in my arms 21 years latter. He saw me through the worst part of my life, and loved me unconditionally through all of it. Luckily, my own son isn't physically sick, but he's already showing signs of the same struggles I went through as a child. I pray every day he doesn't have to struggle as did. My wife and I have thought of getting him a puppy or a kitten for companionship, but my wife is allergic to both. There are just so many times I find myself watching him sleep. The line from the song, "Oh, can't you see You belong to me? How my poor heart aches With every step you take?" All the responsibility, fear, anguish, pride, love, frustration, joy and sorrow, every breath he takes. I get it.
Love the "loop" point Sting finished making at 6:09. That's a nice way of saying "Todays music not only lacks complexity (and emotional/atmospheric nuance) , but it's designed to be dumb. And it's "success" is both the death of the rock era and the street cred of Gen Z". I agree.
I absolutely love his song “When We Danced” (The Symphonicities version most of all) I lost my wife to Glioblastoma and the song in a sweet way helps me weep a little to release just a little bit of trauma and sadness every time I hear it. He is such an amazing musician, writer and poet and his music profoundly affects me. Thanks Adam! An excellent part 2 episode. So well done.
Oh goodness, I immediately heard When We Dance in my head even though the OP wrote And We Danced. Love that song. Sting has written so many great songs.
I have always liked Sting and the Police. I also enjoyed his acting roles, but I never considered myself a fan. These interviews have given me a greater respect for the man and his art. I hope I get a chance to see him live one day!
This caps an excellent interview, Adam. Each part has been insightful, from his early childhood/origins and relationship with his father to his perspectives on his works and career. I'm glad Sting appreciated the thought you put into this. Well done and thank you!
Great interview! It's so nice to see an artist truly appreciative of you reminding him of things he's forgotten. Must and should feel like quite the honor.
The one and only Sting! Loved his work in the Police. His solo career started strong, but was a bit uneven. 🤷 Thanks Professor. Grateful to be able to do yardwork on this wonderful day. Hope everyone has a great day. ❤️
This needs more context...He's been more exploratory as a solo artist and I'm grateful for it. Musically and artistically, it's not always as accessible, but he's produced songs that surpass this works with The Police.
In 1986, at 15, I received as a gift from a certain Peter Wolf, a double copy of Dream Of The Blue Turtles. "Double" meaning one side of the cassette was in English and the B side was in Spanish. I lost it moving around 20 years ago. I believe I already mentioned in the first video my more recent interaction with Sting that took me out of the stagehand game. I really should get back into it but I'm not getting any younger and an injury prone 53 year old isn't high on anyone's short list of "hire immediately". Making Sting laugh a few times was the chef's kiss to this incredible interview. Great job!
Sting owned the airwaves in the early eighties, and yes, a master lyricist. My favorite is Synchronicity 2, just a great story and so well told. This interview was a bucket list for you, Congratulations Adam!
Sting aged well and his wife is gorgeous. What an incredibly gifted person he is. If it's okay, I think I'll silently sulk for a bit with a touch of envy. What a dream life Gordon has led.
I'm still trying to get this image out of my head from an episode of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" that was more than 20 years ago. Someone asked him about which guests were surprisingly "unpleasant" in some way. I was shocked when he mentioned Sting, because I saw that interview and thought it was great! Conan wasn't talking about the interview, but what happened just before it. Apparently, Sting follows a strict macrobiotic diet that causes his poo to smell extremely pungent. He took a big dump in the Green Room restroom, and the smell permeated backstage for hours (according to Conan). Of course, being the funny guy, Conan exaggerated (hopefully) for comedic effect, and I admit I laughed so hard I couldn't catch my breath! I can't find a clip of Conan's description of a malodorous Sting, but I did find mentions of the incident on some chat pages from back then. I just wish I didn't think of stinky 💩 whenever I see Sting, damn you Conan!🤨😄
WOW, look at you! I am so happy to see you go from a genius of music history to interviewing massively famous rock stars. I've watched your channel for years, and you have always been meticulous and very detailed in everything you presented. You know a lot from Atomic Rooster to Captain Beyond, who I almost did an audition for. Keep up the great work, Professor!
IMHO i think Sting's greatest strength is that he has his signature sound. Nobody sounds like Sting, and Sting doesn't sound like anybody else. He could sing the contents of a can of soup, and you'd still know it was a Sting song. ^-^ That being said, his lyrics are poetry, plain and simple.
For the Wrapped Around Your Finger video, I always wondered if the candlestick lighter was nervously sitting there, waiting for Sting to knock those things down like dominoes... Gotta admit, that song has tremendous build!
I remember one day I was home from school watching all my children on ABC with my mother and they had this storyline with Erica Caine being locked in a mausoleum underneath a slab with a record player that kept repeating every breath you take for months according to her. I was not supposed to be at home so I don’t remember who was holding her captive, but I remember when she got out and she said that that song was on repeat 80’s daytime tv.. Awesomeness
I have always admired the man and his music through both The Police and solo career. His solo music got me through the darkest points in my life, when my parents passed away. His music will always speak to me.
I liked most of the songs by the Police and some of Sting's solo songs especially Fields of Gold which is my favorite solo song of his thanks again for more classic rock and roll Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
Two great minds here, Sting is right at the top with the musical gods. I heard I’ll write your name on my heart. It’s Sting’s musical genius that brought him worldwide fame but his lyrics reveal him a great man ❤🙏
I still live in Newcastle where he is from, my claim to fame is his dad was our milkman growing up and I had a crush on him when he was a teen and used to help his dad, so I would get up stupidly early to see him and say hi 😂😂😂
I've noticed that songwriters, including Sting, tend to change their minds about what some of their songs are about. But, as a songwriter myself, I have to say that over the years the meaning of some of my music has changed too and I chalk that up to maturity and perspective.
Only time I saw Sting live was when he opened the Mandela Concert in 88. He got a bit miffed when they opened the door before he’d finished his sound check. There was about a thousand of us down the front so he said he’d do one more if, when he came back for the show we had to make out we had seen him perform. We got this almost private performance of Message in a Bottle.
Sting showed the future of his work at the No Nukes concert (1979) with his solo renditions of 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Roxanne'. You just knew he was going solo at some point. My favorite from that concert was James Taylor and 'The Ballad of Captain Jim'.
We got married in 2002 & seriously considered Every Breath You Take as our 1st dance song. Until we say down & really listened to the lyrics, that is! 😂😂😂 That was a close call. We did play it though & everybody danced. In the end, we used the song 'Kissing You' by Desiree (from the Romeo & Juliet 1996 soundtrack) instead. Man we had a blast! RIP JB.
This is one of the best Sting interviews I've seen, and I've seen many. I have loved The Police since 1979. I bought their first two albums, before they were really known in America. I was so young that I was never able to see them in concert. I missed the Synchronicity tour, because we had to visit relatives out of state, when they were playing in my home town. I never visited those relatives again. The reunion tour felt like they did it just for me.❤ It was exhilarating.
I could listen to Sting talk all day! He is, in my opinion, probably the most intriguing, interesting and complex song writer, not only today but of all time. When I was young I never really got in depth with his lyrics. I was very young (10 or 11) in their heyday with the police when I 1st heard him. But now that I've looked deeper and listened to him in interviews like yours, he is amazing and complex. Thanks for such an awesome interview! CAN WE GET PARTS 3,4,5,6,7... ECT😂😂
My favorite Sting solo songs are “Brand New Day” and “Seven Days.” Brand New Day reminds of driving to SF up the 280 in my Miata. Saw Sting 2x in concert. Always puts in a great show.
Funny how some music "touches you" at different points of your life. I admit to never really being much of a Sting/Police fan BITD, but as I've aged, that has changed. Maybe maturity, I don't know. But love the sound and thoroughly enjoyed the interview Prof!
My friend the rock band drummer Barney ( and a damn good one too 💪 ) went to see "The Outlaws" in a 2k seat arena in Riverside CA circa 1980ish. Opening that night for those Legendary Southern Rockers was an unknown band who called themselves "The Police" No one really knew who they were until they played Roxanne, which had literally just started playing on the radio, but even then not everybody had heard of them or even heard their new hit song. Those poor guys were so outta place that night, Sting jumping around with their little punk rock edge, but their music was tight, very well played & they ended up getting a fairly good ovation at the end of their 30-40 min set. Unfortunately for them, on that night anyway, The Outlaws were absolutely amazing with their 4 lead guitar attack 🤯 LOL! I don't think anyone left that concert that night thinking those Police guys are gonna be huge, of course then came MTV & the rest is, as they say... "History" 😉
On Sting's 65th birthday, one of the Sat Radio channels played a Police concert at a small polytechnic college in Connecticut, circa 1979. That tour of North America was done with the lads driving a station wagon loaded with gear. I remember listening to a radio interview where Sting mentioned all the free advertising they were receiving, saying "Everywhere we go, all these places have these cars with lights and things on them, all driving around, with our name on them".
Fantastic interview with the legend, sting ,when I 1st heard the police it was Roxanne on the radio driving to Luke afb in AZ , it was different, Caribbean sound , very catchy ear worm song , I immediately was a fan and the police didn't disappoint ❤ the 80,s the police were a huge part of it
What a gracious and gifted artist Sting is and holding us on every word. Nobody dives in and manages to extract such fascinating nuggets as you Professor!! Well done!! Thank you so much!!❤
"It's been very nourishing to hear that, sir. Thank you. Ah, you've reminded me of a few things that I've forgotten. Thank you." Talk about the highest praise anyone can get and Sting gave it to you! Totally awesome job, Adam! A lot of my friends I grew up with love your stuff and I've been subbed for a number of years now to your channel. Keep up the great work "and remember, three chords and the truth, my friends" as you always remind us :)
I have always been a Sting fan. I started following Sting and the Police with Ghost in the Machine and was saddened when they broke up. When Dream of the Blue Turtles was released I picked it up thinking/hoping it might be more of the Police and at first, I was struck by the difference in style from the Police. I listen to various types of music and I love Stings solo stuff it just requires a different location to listen to it. Rather than during the drive home where you might want a faster song, it's what you listen to when you get home , grab a drink and begin to relax and reflect which his music helps so much. Like Prof said I like both the Police work and the solo work it's just my mood/location at the time as to which one I'd rather listen to at that moment. Great Video Professor. Love to hear from Sting and insights into his music/lyrics. Thanks.
Poll: STRAIGHT UP: What is your pick for the greatest song of the 70s?
Stairway to Heaven just edging Time in a Bottle and Hotel California
Eric Carmen - All By Myself
Nick Drake - Fly
Hotel of California
Freebird
2112
Rockaria!
Steve Miller "Fly Like An Eagle"
That moment when Sting says thank you for reminding him of things forgotten, we all felt that through the screen. Such a deep meaningful moment for him, you and us. Go back and watch that moment it's beautiful.
His music is captivating, complex, and intelligent. You can dance to it, and you can cry to it. There will never be another Sting.
It’s truly affirming for an interviewer to be thanked and acknowledged by such a high profile and storied interviewee. Again, consider yourself a full fledged member of an exclusive community of curators of music entertainment and everything that befits the culture it engenders.
Well said!
💯
This has to be one of the finest interviews with Sting I've ever watched. Adam even got a "thank you" from Sting for recognizing the significance of the bridge lyrics in "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free".
When you manage to land an interview with one of rock’s most esteemed and celebrated icons, you know you’re going something right. Kudos for yet another outstanding interview!
Wow! He got an interview with STING!!
I figured he would eventually. He has gotten a LOT of interviews with many amazing and talented artists. :) ❤
Umm… excuse me? Sting got an interview with The Professor, you mean!
Everything She does is Magic. Is my favorite Sting song
"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" was a The Police song.
@@bobdavis4848 Hey Bob 👋 but he wrote most of it and sang lead. How have you been?
@@constipatedinsincity4424 Yes he did. I'm OK, thanks. Are the Fanilows still supporting the ultimate Manilow in Vegas?
That was the first Police song I loved. Probably because I already loved Calypso and Reggae. "Everything She Does..." sounds amazing when played by a steel drum orchestra, absolutely magical!
A great pick.
I never comment on anything on the internet. Holy cow, thanks so much. His comments about the songs and their inherent ambiguity was priceless.
Thank you for your restraint. I wish more people could follow your example! Lol
"Wrapped Around Your Finger" is an absolute masterpiece of a song. I can listen to it on repeat.
Yes, it is! That little circular sounding melody in the intro and outro of the song is just magical.
The whole record was great. Not sure if I should say disc, album or record anymore. The Police recordings were all pretty darn good.
@@michaelsteding7720 Agreed. I think the proper term is album. Both disc and record are different types of physical media but I know they are all used interchangeably.
I was in the 4th grade in 1982. I slept, ate, and drank rock and roll. I dove into rock and roll history and still love it til today. Now every breath you take has stood the test of time. Stings voice is strong and soulful. 😊
The most interesting Sting interview I've heard. Most I've heard have kept their interviews at the surface level with him.
Every interview I’ve ever seen with Sting makes me believe more and more he’s a musical genius.
My brother's band was the warm-up band for The Police's concert at One Block West many years ago. My sister and I managed to find Sting back stage (there wasn't much security back then). We had a wonderful conversation with him. He was friendly and humble. I have been a fan ever since.
Was this in Kansas City, Kansas? I remember that place..!
@@crothks Yes, it was.
I had a client that was a music industry lawyer, In 1993 I escorted him to an event at which he had a conversation with _Sting._ That gave me the opportunity to observe him up close. He was never anything gracious and charming with *everybody* he met.
I was quite impressed with his poise and demeanor throughout the event.
*_The quintessential British Gentleman._*
Sting is incredibly talented-Can't believe you got to interview him-That's awesome!
Right?!
“Just be grateful for every breath you take” Sting did it again! He is just a master of his craft, a musical and lyrical genius, a class act and a very interesting man. The Police and his solo career, both outstanding and very important part of my life’s personal soundtrack. Thank you for an awesome interview!!!! Bravo!!! 🎉👏
I still get chills, thinking about seeing the Police live on their reunion tour (July '07 in Miami). It was a dream come true for me, that will never be matched.
Very cool! What was your favorite song?
@@ProfessorofRock Wow, tough question. It was so long ago but I'll never forget the bombastic energy (especially from Copeland) on Synchronicity II. I believe it was the second song in the set, a great table-setter. So Lonely was cool too -- Sting changed the lyrics to "welcome to the Andy Summers show", which got a (fake, obviously rehearsed) double-take from the guitarist; he later repeated the verse in an extended bridge, changing it again, to "welcome to the Stuart Copeland show". I saw all this from the eleventh row center, by far my favorite concert experience of my time.
I was so excited for the chance to see The Police on their reunion tour, too. It was one of those "drop everything and make plans" moments!
For sure!
Great interview. Congratulations on getting to sit down with one of the best singer/songwriters ever. He seemed to genuinely enjoy it.
Yep. It seemed to stimulate his mind. ❤
Sting's Fortress Around Your heart has always been such a memorable song for me. I remember siting an watching it with my gf at the time on MTV (back when they actually still played music.), right after they played my second most favorite song of his which is Desert Rose. At that time I was semi-living in S.E. Asia with my then gf and our relationship was a bit rocky, she took my hand and we began to have some better conversations that made us think about what we truly wanted in the relationship. While the truth that came out between us was not one that supported a future together it did let us part as friends and gave my very young adult self a better understanding of what sacrifices are often needed to make relationships work. For that and so many other reasons Sting's songs have been in the backdrop of my life. I remember in the early 80s living on a farm in rural Pacific Northwest and the fields that surrounded the farm house were Fields of Barley. So when the song came out it just struck me as if someone was watching my life and writing a song for me. It reminded me of how I felt about a girl I had a crush on and how we would go on walks through the fields of barley together with my dog running along side us. Since my folks were always around the place the only place to go to makeout were in those fields of gold. We often took an old portable radio with us about the size of a loaf of bread to listen to music, laying down on an old picnic blanket and looking up at the wide open sky, listening to the amazing music of the time including that song. It was a romantic song then solidified by our passions shared listening to it while holding each other in our arms laying in those fields of gold. Sting is a wonderful song writer who truly has written the songs of my life and I share many powerful and memorable moments of my life with those songs of my youth and young adulthood. Sting along with Steve Parry of Journey made so many wonderful stories and sang with passion that came from the hearts and souls. Every song never failed to move my heart and feet as I listened and sometimes sang along with them. They were the hymns of the church of my soul and I shall remember them until the day I leave this world. Cheers and thank you for this wonderful interview with one of my most favorite artists!
Great personal account, thank you!
Mine isn't that intimate, but I spent a week in a cabin in Babcock State Park (WV) sitting on a cliff line overlooking the Glade Creek canyon listening to 'Regatta de Blanc' and just digging the nature. I did write down the lyrics to 'Does Everyone Stare' and gave them to a woman ten years older than me whom I had a big crush on... a little later, I heard her listening to that song! Nothing ever happened between us, but she understood where I was coming from. 'Black Seam' was meaningful to me, being from coal country. I came across a VHS copy of 'Bring On The Night' in 2014 and was blown away... Rehearsal in Napoleon's place??!! The highlight of that tape IMO was the elderly lady in a wheelchair (being manipulated most uncomfortably by a portly middle-aged man) with a tour group passing through as Sting&Co. were jamming out on 'Shadows in the Rain'. This lady was rockin' out to the band!
There is practically nothing of Sting's body of work that I don't like; it's a dang shame we must grow old. If it were up to me, Sting and Stuart and Andy would be perpetually the ages they were in 1980.
I'm surprised, but glad, that he chose "Sister Moon". Hauntingly beautiful. Great interview!
In 1985, I was a freshman at LSU. Sting came to campus, and I camped out 2 nights to get tickets. Missed 2 days of classes. That set the tone for the rest of my college career.
Say it loud and proud.
So, your college career didn't go so well because you were skipping your classes to follow the music you loved?
I was at that one too. He put on a great show.
Geaux Tigers! LSU is my Alma mater too! 💜💛💜💛
@@Heartwing37
Well due to having too many distractions, I transferred to Louisiana Tech. I soon found out distractions are everywhere. 😂
Wrapped Around Your Finger and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
are on my all-time favorite list. Love both videos as well.
Agreed!
I especially love the latter song.
"My arse played a demolished chord" just took me all the way out. I'll never hear "Roxanne" the same way again!
Ha ha!
Too funneh! ☺️
You could call it an E dem7 chord!
Mystery solved, all these years later 😅
Loved Sting's appearance on SNL back in the day especially the elevator skit with the song Roxanne.
Host, Steve Martin. My favorite sketch from that episode was the 'Bond On Holiday' short. "Ah, yes. GoldSting!"
And the menacing tone as Sting informed Bond, "The pretzels...are no longer... complementary."😅😅😅
Thankyou for interviewing Sting (I've seen your whole interview). I could see that he appreciated someone who had real knowledge of his songs and real appreciation of his craft. And you werer someone who didn't (and doesn't) ask the same old questions every time. Brilliant!
Truly happiness = gratitude. Those that are happiest find reasons to be grateful. Sting appears to have won the game of life - not due to fame or fortune, but realizing the most fundamental key to it.
The solo song I really loved was _Fortress Around Your Heart._ It got a lot of radio play and the video was excellent.
The Soul Cages is in my top favorite 5 albums. It’s brilliant, beautiful story telling.
Love how a musician throws a song out there and the audience owns all interpretations.
Love how Sting ended this episode, being grateful for "every breath you take." What a great line. So true
'Sting,' as a genius always captivates me since he's actually very balanced and down to Earth when interviewed. He certainly enjoys his life his artistry and creativity provided, and his family and never seemed to get hung-up in the filthier side of the industry. That's the height of reasons to respect him as an individual. He maintained control when others of his calibre became lost, suicidal or dead of O.D. or something else equally tragic. Really enjoyed this interview as well as with Stewart Copeland...Gifted and Lovely people.
Prof of Rock has hit the 'Big Time' through his authenticity, graciousness, charm, wit and passion for the music of our times and people skills. CONGRATS!!!
"...Between the Scylla and Charybdis" and "Devil and the deep blue sea..." Pure genius to allude to the same situation (The proverbial "rock and a hard place") and yet not repeat oneself!
I love lyrics that are complex enough that I can't predict what the next line will be. I mean, I love the Beatles but their early songs had such predictable rhyming lyrics it would be cringeworthy if sung by a lesser group...
"She was just seventeen, you know what I mean..." always made me shudder a little.😖
Sting's lyrics could stand alone as poetry.
I have to disagree slightly with Adam, there are other songs with the word "alabaster", however they are likely all Gospel songs. "Alabaster" has special symbolic meaning to Christians, The oils that Mary Magdalene used to anoint Jesus after his crucifixion were kept in an alabaster box or jar, so several worship songs mention "alabaster".
What a huge honor !!! I did like the Police a lot but it was Sting's solo career that really took me to a different path to appreciating his work. I have listened to the song "When We Dance" so many times. It is beautiful and soulful. I also appreciated seeing the documentary "20 Feet From Stardom" and listening to Sting speak about and also show the incredible talent of Lisa Fischer, a female vocalist with a voice from another world. Sting is a true musician and not someone that does it for fame. That fame came to him because of the talent that he possesses but not from some desire for the spotlight.
"You've reminded me of a few things that I forgot". I can't imagine what it felt like hearing that said to me coming from Sting. Yet another well done interview. Thanks again for building this encyclopedia of rock for all to enjoy.
Wow! He wrote Every Breath You Take at Ian Flemming's desk? What a cool story!
OMG that sounds like the perfect storyline.
So the same desk where James Bond and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang were written?
*Fleming
Blowfeld thought the same thing about Meestah Bawnd...
He's still a legend. And incredibly humble in his success.
IT'S...STING! When we were teens my friends got him confused with the wrestler Sting. But this dude is among the most interesting people ever in music, he's one of one.
"Ladies and gentlemen... The Stinger!!"
Tony Schivonni, circa 1985
I remember buying Zenyatta Mendatta when it was originally released when New Wave/Post Punk was taking off. Fast forward to last year when Sting gave us an hour long private concert at Red Rocks before the actual concert. Then he shook my hand and my wife’s. Wow. The man is indeed one of the greatest singers and poets.
Sting kicked butt in 'Dune'...so manic!
He played a scary bad guy. 😊
Until Muad'Dib kicked his butt.
He stole the show in Quadrophenia as well. His presence is so huge.
I actually prefered him in as Victor Frankenstein in The Bride. Showed a very different side of him from his band persona.
Anybody besides me see him in Brimstone and Treacle?
Adam Reader this is a special episode for me. When I was 12 I got lost for several hours in the Littke Sahara Sand Dunes west of Nephi. In my 12 yo mind I thought I was going to die in the desert.
I had just saved up my allowance and bought the cassette of Synchronicity. Listening to that album over and over and looking up what words like Scylla and Charybdis was my therapy to heal from a traumatic experience.
This albumn and Sting will always hold a special place in my heart.
What a great interview and genuine guy! Truly a musical genius, and master lyricist. My Sting solo fiver:
1. Fields of Gold
2. Shape of My Heart
3. Englishman in New York
4. Why Should I Cry for You
5. Fragile
And I’ve left out so many good ones from his solo career, not to mention with The Police.
Great ones!
Sting is genuinely humble. A real man through and through. He has real affection for his audience. Humility in the present moment which he is happy and grateful to share with any of us out here listening. Thank you Professor.
Your interview with Sting gave me a new insight to the man and his music. As an 80's metal and hairband guy I wasn't the biggest fan back in the day. Roxanne is one of my absolute favorites and when it came on the radio my kids and I would do our best Eddie Murphy versions. To this day when we get together, we still do it whenever it's played. As for my pick of the greatest song from the 70's, I'm going with "Cat's in the cradle". It's a haunting reminder of one of the realities in most people's lives.
Police was my youth and Sting was my mature years.
Same!
Yes!
I laughed when Sting said he met an astrologer. "I didn't believe a minute of it. "
I like The Police and Sting's albums. I have all the albums in my collection. I even bought his last record The Bridge. My favorite song is If It's Love. Whistling song.
Do you like his song “I Wrote Your Name Upon My Heart”?
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It is okay, but not my favorite.
The Smiths, Miami VIce, Sting...80s overload alert. RIP to several people in the music business who have passed recently.
Have to say that I love Sting's solo work the best. The band he assembled for Dream of the Blue Turtles was amazing. At the time I was not a jazz fan, knew nothing of jazz. Later on in life when I became (and still am) a big jazz fan, I immediately knew Branford Marsalis' signature sax when I first heard it thanks to all my Sting albums.
Yeah, that band was killer... If you want to see them at the first, find and watch a documentary made during the days leading up to the kickoff of their 1985 'Dream' world tour in Paris. It's titled 'Bring On the Night' and it's an awesome piece of work.
I've always heard both the stalker and the romantic to Every Breath you Take, but after my son was born, and having to just pay so much attention to his every move, it gave me a new PoV of the song.
I know exactly what you mean! When my son was born, he became very sick and spent his first week in NICU, I couldn't even hold my baby! I couldn't stand being away from him, so my precious MIL came to stay with us and she drove me back and forth to the hospital so I could bring him my pumped breast milk and stare at his tiny sick body inside an incubator with tubes coming out of him. Only a parent can understand that level of fear and anguish!
When I got to take him home I was terrified I'd do something wrong. I was the youngest in my family and had zero experience with babies!
He mostly slept, so I moved a chair into his room so I could watch him. I eventually fell asleep from exhaustion. My cat woke me up, and that's when I discovered I had a wonderful helper! My son was awake, but not crying, and I saw his first smile! He wasn't looking at me though, he was looking at his new BFF, "Spaz" the oversized 22 pound tomcat who decided that protecting and watching this baby was now his purpose in life!
From then on, every time my son woke from a nap, Spaz came running to find me and yowl at me to go take care of "our" baby!
My son was seven when Spaz was 18 and dying of kidney failure. I decided to give my son a kitten of his very own to help him cope with this loss, and found this lazy fat fluffy black furball kitten that's the most laid back cat I've ever known. A friend who owns, builds, and races vintage cars gave us this kitten, my friend is a 6'5" unit of a man with glorious long red hair like a viking and covered in tats (and an absolute sweetheart). His race car is called "Puff the Magic Dragon" so his nickname is "Puff". That's what my son named his new best friend!
Giving my son that kitten was one of the wisest things I ever did as a parent. He took such good care of Puff, and Puff was there to give him comfort through some truly awful crap we went through growing into adulthood. He had Puff for 18 years, and Puff died in his arms when my son was 25 yrs. old.
As usual, I veered right off track. I was just agreeing that there is no other love quite like the love between parents and their children, but got off topic talking about kitties! Happens to me often.
@@LazyIRanch No, I get it. My family adopted a sick mutt puppy when I was 8. He died in my arms 21 years latter. He saw me through the worst part of my life, and loved me unconditionally through all of it. Luckily, my own son isn't physically sick, but he's already showing signs of the same struggles I went through as a child. I pray every day he doesn't have to struggle as did. My wife and I have thought of getting him a puppy or a kitten for companionship, but my wife is allergic to both. There are just so many times I find myself watching him sleep. The line from the song,
"Oh, can't you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take?"
All the responsibility, fear, anguish, pride, love, frustration, joy and sorrow, every breath he takes. I get it.
@LazyIRanch I love this! ❤
Everything about Sting and the Police is awesome. Just every song and performance is incredible.
Agreed!
For sure.
Love the "loop" point Sting finished making at 6:09. That's a nice way of saying "Todays music not only lacks complexity (and emotional/atmospheric nuance) , but it's designed to be dumb. And it's "success" is both the death of the rock era and the street cred of Gen Z". I agree.
Yup.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 He didn't actually say Gen Z, if you were going to go after me for it.
Love the cool/chill vibe of this song (Wrapped Around Your Finger). The video is a great match to the song as well!
Agreed!
It’s an amazing video.
Sting is one of my most favorite musicians ever! Thanks for this interview!!
I absolutely love his song “When We Danced” (The Symphonicities version most of all) I lost my wife to Glioblastoma and the song in a sweet way helps me weep a little to release just a little bit of trauma and sadness every time I hear it. He is such an amazing musician, writer and poet and his music profoundly affects me. Thanks Adam! An excellent part 2 episode. So well done.
❤️🙏
Great song for sure
Need to look it up.
I only know When we dance.
Oh goodness, I immediately heard When We Dance in my head even though the OP wrote And We Danced. Love that song. Sting has written so many great songs.
@@LathropLdST sorry, that is the song I meant…I corrected my initial post. My bad.
A brilliant singer and songwriter. By far my favorite of Sting's work is "Fields Of Gold". A masterful troubadour.
Jeff Lynn and Sting. The best.
One of the most gorgeous pieces of popular music ever written any time, any where.
Spent my childhood watching MTV and The Police and Sting were a staple. Good times 🤙
You gave him his flowers and I thank you for that.
Sting does a great job of telling stories we can all relate to
I have always liked Sting and the Police. I also enjoyed his acting roles, but I never considered myself a fan. These interviews have given me a greater respect for the man and his art. I hope I get a chance to see him live one day!
This caps an excellent interview, Adam. Each part has been insightful, from his early childhood/origins and relationship with his father to his perspectives on his works and career. I'm glad Sting appreciated the thought you put into this. Well done and thank you!
Great interview! It's so nice to see an artist truly appreciative of you reminding him of things he's forgotten. Must and should feel like quite the honor.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. This interview. Sting is one of my most admired artists. Not only for his music but also for his ethics and morals
The one and only Sting!
Loved his work in the Police. His solo career started strong, but was a bit uneven. 🤷
Thanks Professor. Grateful to be able to do yardwork on this wonderful day. Hope everyone has a great day. ❤️
Love the Police stuff....not as much the singles stuff but I understand why he went solo.
Indeed!
I love both his work at Police & solo
I’m still feeling out of it but I can just turn on some Sting tonight.
This needs more context...He's been more exploratory as a solo artist and I'm grateful for it. Musically and artistically, it's not always as accessible, but he's produced songs that surpass this works with The Police.
In 1986, at 15, I received as a gift from a certain Peter Wolf, a double copy of Dream Of The Blue Turtles. "Double" meaning one side of the cassette was in English and the B side was in Spanish. I lost it moving around 20 years ago.
I believe I already mentioned in the first video my more recent interaction with Sting that took me out of the stagehand game.
I really should get back into it but I'm not getting any younger and an injury prone 53 year old isn't high on anyone's short list of "hire immediately".
Making Sting laugh a few times was the chef's kiss to this incredible interview. Great job!
Sting owned the airwaves in the early eighties, and yes, a master lyricist. My favorite is Synchronicity 2, just a great story and so well told. This interview was a bucket list for you, Congratulations Adam!
Sting aged well and his wife is gorgeous. What an incredibly gifted person he is. If it's okay, I think I'll silently sulk for a bit with a touch of envy. What a dream life Gordon has led.
So true!
I'm still trying to get this image out of my head from an episode of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" that was more than 20 years ago.
Someone asked him about which guests were surprisingly "unpleasant" in some way. I was shocked when he mentioned Sting, because I saw that interview and thought it was great!
Conan wasn't talking about the interview, but what happened just before it.
Apparently, Sting follows a strict macrobiotic diet that causes his poo to smell extremely pungent. He took a big dump in the Green Room restroom, and the smell permeated backstage for hours (according to Conan). Of course, being the funny guy, Conan exaggerated (hopefully) for comedic effect, and I admit I laughed so hard I couldn't catch my breath!
I can't find a clip of Conan's description of a malodorous Sting, but I did find mentions of the incident on some chat pages from back then.
I just wish I didn't think of stinky 💩 whenever I see Sting, damn you Conan!🤨😄
Started slow though!
His wife is so lucky. Lol
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 No one mentioned the Tantric thing yet...
Thanks. It's always good to hear about these great songs.
Sting is one of the best singers in my opinion. I do miss the 1980's they were a great time, particularly the early 1980's.
Yes for example 1983 was a great year!
Thanks Wayne!
sunday was rocking to killing joke 80s im living in the 80s then midnight oil and the squeeze cant beat those even today
WOW, look at you! I am so happy to see you go from a genius of music history to interviewing massively famous rock stars. I've watched your channel for years, and you have always been meticulous and very detailed in everything you presented. You know a lot from Atomic Rooster to Captain Beyond, who I almost did an audition for. Keep up the great work, Professor!
Lyrics written on my soul.
IMHO i think Sting's greatest strength is that he has his signature sound. Nobody sounds like Sting, and Sting doesn't sound like anybody else. He could sing the contents of a can of soup, and you'd still know it was a Sting song. ^-^
That being said, his lyrics are poetry, plain and simple.
Wow. This is going to be crazy. Epic show!
So many great songs; Thank u Sting🙏
For the Wrapped Around Your Finger video, I always wondered if the candlestick lighter was nervously sitting there, waiting for Sting to knock those things down like dominoes... Gotta admit, that song has tremendous build!
I love Andy's guitar effects between the verses (Mephistopheles is not your name. I know what you're up to just the same).
I felt the exact same way!
I remember one day I was home from school watching all my children on ABC with my mother and they had this storyline with Erica Caine being locked in a mausoleum underneath a slab with a record player that kept repeating every breath you take for months according to her.
I was not supposed to be at home so I don’t remember who was holding her captive, but I remember when she got out and she said that that song was on repeat 80’s daytime tv.. Awesomeness
I'll be seeing Sting with Billy Joel in May. Can't wait!!
He usually has a excellent first rate band. Saw him play Wembley in 1987 dream of blue turtles tour. He's very good value for money
Billy Joel...🤮
Same!
@@jazztheglass6139 Amen!
@@OzzieBird What?
I have always admired the man and his music through both The Police and solo career. His solo music got me through the darkest points in my life, when my parents passed away. His music will always speak to me.
I liked most of the songs by the Police and some of Sting's solo songs
especially Fields of Gold which is my favorite solo song of his thanks
again for more classic rock and roll Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
You got it!
I love Fields of Gold.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980me too!! It is so pretty
You sure have climbed the ladder man, getting to a point where you can attract interviewees like Sting.
Two great minds here, Sting is right at the top with the musical gods. I heard I’ll write your name on my heart. It’s Sting’s musical genius that brought him worldwide fame but his lyrics reveal him a great man ❤🙏
I still live in Newcastle where he is from, my claim to fame is his dad was our milkman growing up and I had a crush on him when he was a teen and used to help his dad, so I would get up stupidly early to see him and say hi 😂😂😂
I've noticed that songwriters, including Sting, tend to change their minds about what some of their songs are about. But, as a songwriter myself, I have to say that over the years the meaning of some of my music has changed too and I chalk that up to maturity and perspective.
Thank you Sting for all the memorable song.
Congrats. This is huge.
Thanks!
Very nice interview, what a talented and gracious man Sting is.
Only time I saw Sting live was when he opened the Mandela Concert in 88. He got a bit miffed when they opened the door before he’d finished his sound check. There was about a thousand of us down the front so he said he’d do one more if, when he came back for the show we had to make out we had seen him perform. We got this almost private performance of Message in a Bottle.
Sting showed the future of his work at the No Nukes concert (1979) with his solo renditions of 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Roxanne'. You just knew he was going solo at some point. My favorite from that concert was James Taylor and 'The Ballad of Captain Jim'.
Don't forget that "every leg you break" goes back to "Walking On The Moon."
Never walked on the Moon. True story.
We got married in 2002 & seriously considered Every Breath You Take as our 1st dance song. Until we say down & really listened to the lyrics, that is! 😂😂😂 That was a close call. We did play it though & everybody danced. In the end, we used the song 'Kissing You' by Desiree (from the Romeo & Juliet 1996 soundtrack) instead. Man we had a blast! RIP JB.
Great interview Professor!
Thanks!
This is one of the best Sting interviews I've seen, and I've seen many. I have loved The Police since 1979. I bought their first two albums, before they were really known in America. I was so young that I was never able to see them in concert. I missed the Synchronicity tour, because we had to visit relatives out of state, when they were playing in my home town. I never visited those relatives again. The reunion tour felt like they did it just for me.❤ It was exhilarating.
I could listen to Sting talk all day! He is, in my opinion, probably the most intriguing, interesting and complex song writer, not only today but of all time. When I was young I never really got in depth with his lyrics. I was very young (10 or 11) in their heyday with the police when I 1st heard him. But now that I've looked deeper and listened to him in interviews like yours, he is amazing and complex. Thanks for such an awesome interview! CAN WE GET PARTS 3,4,5,6,7... ECT😂😂
Easily my favorite interview you've done.
My favorite Sting solo songs are “Brand New Day” and “Seven Days.” Brand New Day reminds of driving to SF up the 280 in my Miata. Saw Sting 2x in concert. Always puts in a great show.
Funny how some music "touches you" at different points of your life. I admit to never really being much of a Sting/Police fan BITD, but as I've aged, that has changed. Maybe maturity, I don't know. But love the sound and thoroughly enjoyed the interview Prof!
My friend the rock band drummer Barney ( and a damn good one too 💪 ) went to see "The Outlaws" in a 2k seat arena in Riverside CA circa 1980ish. Opening that night for those Legendary Southern Rockers was an unknown band who called themselves "The Police" No one really knew who they were until they played Roxanne, which had literally just started playing on the radio, but even then not everybody had heard of them or even heard their new hit song. Those poor guys were so outta place that night, Sting jumping around with their little punk rock edge, but their music was tight, very well played & they ended up getting a fairly good ovation at the end of their 30-40 min set. Unfortunately for them, on that night anyway, The Outlaws were absolutely amazing with their 4 lead guitar attack 🤯 LOL! I don't think anyone left that concert that night thinking those Police guys are gonna be huge, of course then came MTV & the rest is, as they say... "History" 😉
On Sting's 65th birthday, one of the Sat Radio channels played a Police concert at a small polytechnic college in Connecticut, circa 1979. That tour of North America was done with the lads driving a station wagon loaded with gear. I remember listening to a radio interview where Sting mentioned all the free advertising they were receiving, saying "Everywhere we go, all these places have these cars with lights and things on them, all driving around, with our name on them".
Fantastic interview with the legend, sting ,when I 1st heard the police it was Roxanne on the radio driving to Luke afb in AZ , it was different, Caribbean sound , very catchy ear worm song , I immediately was a fan and the police didn't disappoint ❤ the 80,s the police were a huge part of it
What a gracious and gifted artist Sting is and holding us on every word. Nobody dives in and manages to extract such fascinating nuggets as you Professor!! Well done!! Thank you so much!!❤
"It's been very nourishing to hear that, sir. Thank you. Ah, you've reminded me of a few things that I've forgotten. Thank you." Talk about the highest praise anyone can get and Sting gave it to you! Totally awesome job, Adam! A lot of my friends I grew up with love your stuff and I've been subbed for a number of years now to your channel. Keep up the great work "and remember, three chords and the truth, my friends" as you always remind us :)
How can I still love every breath you take after all these years? It’s so simple of a song
I have always been a Sting fan. I started following Sting and the Police with Ghost in the Machine and was saddened when they broke up. When Dream of the Blue Turtles was released I picked it up thinking/hoping it might be more of the Police and at first, I was struck by the difference in style from the Police. I listen to various types of music and I love Stings solo stuff it just requires a different location to listen to it. Rather than during the drive home where you might want a faster song, it's what you listen to when you get home , grab a drink and begin to relax and reflect which his music helps so much. Like Prof said I like both the Police work and the solo work it's just my mood/location at the time as to which one I'd rather listen to at that moment.
Great Video Professor. Love to hear from Sting and insights into his music/lyrics. Thanks.