Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, born in Newcastle, was formerly the front man of rock trio Police. Bass player and singer-songwriter Sting’s solo career has surpassed his success as a member of that group.
He has garnered Brit and Grammy Awards under both incarnations, as well as an Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music. Sting’s solo career commenced in 1982, predating the demise of Police.
Branching out into acting, he starred in the 1982 TV film “Brimstone and Treacle”, having debuted in “Quadrophenia” in 1979.
While still with the Police, he co-wrote the Dire Straits hit “Money for Nothing” (1985), singing “I Want my MTV” on the intro of the album version. On Phil Collins’ 1985 album “No Jacket Required” Sting can be heard singing some of the harmonies.
In 1988 he began a two year period of campaigning and raising the profile of environmental issues as well as fund raising on that platform.
Amongst his solo songs, “Russians” addresses the issue of nuclear annihilation, and is based on the theme from the Lieutenant Kije Suite, while “Englishman in New York” has the British eccentric, Quentin Crisp as its subject matter.
Other hits include “If I ever lose my faith in you”, the perennial “Fields of Gold” and various reworkings of the Police back catalogue.
He scored two number one solo albums with “Nothing Like the Sun” in 1987 and “The Soul Cages” in 1991. Sting has included elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new age and world beat in his music.
In the 2003 HM Queen’s Birthday Honours he was awarded a CBE for services to the music industry.
In February 2007, he reunited with Police to open the Grammy Awards.A reunion tour ran from May 2007 until August 2008.Of course, the trio played Seaclose Park back in 2008.
He is a keen chess player and supports his hometown football club Newcastle United.
At this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, Sting will headline Friday night, the 20th of June.
Sting’s nickname came from the fact that he used to wear a black and yellow sweater during his early days as a musician.
On Friday the 25th of April 2025 he released a new live album. ”Sting 3.O Live” comprising 10 songs. Recorded on his World tour, tracks include “Message in a Bottle”, “Fields of Gold”, “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.”