Sting on his new trio, his old friend Billy Joel and why he’ll never wear spandex
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Sting’s journey through the years, and it’s truly remarkable. His dedication to physical fitness, coupled with his discipline and self-awareness, is something to be admired. The man’s still got it, and he’s not afraid to admit a dash of vanity keeps him going on stage.
At the Ohana Festival in Dana Point during September, Sting finds himself pondering over two significant dilemmas: deciding on the songs for his evening’s headlining performance and choosing the right pair of undergarments for the occasion.
He’s unsure about the color for his outfit, gesturing towards a variety of Calvin Klein boxer-briefs on the countertop,” he explains, his head bobbing slightly. Clad in tight black denim jeans and a snug white t-shirt, the 73-year-old musician is casually arranging a set list that he plans to adjust until just before his performance. “We usually start with our hits and end with them too,” he says. “However, the middle part can be flexible, keeping it interesting.
One reason it’s straightforward to understand is that following several years dedicated to orchestral performances, a Broadway musical, and a residency in Las Vegas, Sting is currently touring with only two other musicians – guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. This trio, named Sting 3.0, pulls songs from Sting’s extensive catalog as a solo artist and the Police’s lead vocalist, which he founded in London in 1977 after teaching English. This week, they return to Southern California for five shows at The Wiltern starting Tuesday night.
Sting — who with his wife, Trudie Styler, lives among homes in Europe, New York and Malibu — spoke before his Ohana performance about the new combo, his first trip to L.A. and whether he’d ever consider cosmetic surgery. These are excerpts from our conversation.
When you left the Police —
I never left the Police.
OK?
I didn’t.
When you stepped away from the Police —
I didn’t step away from the Police.
Took a break from my duties with the police force? What term could be used for this situation?
One approach to rephrase that statement could be: “Earlier, you described that transition as expanding your musical style beyond what a three-person band could offer.
My approach is unpredictable. I aim to keep people guessing about my next move, and that’s what makes music exciting for me. In fact, nobody anticipated a trio at this juncture.
Contrary to fifteen years back, immediately following the Police reunion tour, such a move would have been foolish. But let me assure you, I’m anything but foolish [laughs].
How do you find appealing about the trio setup? I’ve appreciated the process of simplifying the songs, making them more raw yet resilient. This minimalism gives them an edge and also makes them easier to understand. There’s a space between the instruments that offers a moment of relaxation for the ears. Yet, they can quickly change direction when needed.
Isn’t there a Sting song that wouldn’t fit well with only three musicians?
You’re referencing a Police song. Instead, how about we discuss a tune from one of your solo works, such as “I Hung My Head”? This piece has an intricate interplay between the guitar and bass lines, making it quite complex yet engaging.
In your previous performance at Caesars Palace, I was curious if that environment enabled you to delve deeper into your songs since it’s something you enjoy doing. Instead, I assumed it would just be a run-through of the hits. However, the crowd that attended were quite cultured. I engaged with them more than usual during the show, providing backstory for many of the songs – where they originated, why they were written, and their meaning. This allowed me to perform some less mainstream songs because I could elucidate their origins. I could also share my personal experiences connected to these songs with the audience.
Is it possible that staying in Las Vegas for an extended period as a performer could become monotonous or routine? It seems like it might blunt one’s edge.
× Did you ever visit the Sphere? U2 performed there early on and I enjoyed the performance, but found it challenging for the band to stand out amidst all that spectacle. It was visually overwhelming, which isn’t really my cup of tea. So, I’m unsure if it’s the right venue for me.
As I recall, my initial encounters with Los Angeles were unforgettable. Coming from the Midwest, we embarked on an epic cross-country journey, passing through Omaha and the breathtaking Grand Canyon before finally arriving in L.A. late one night in our van. Driving along Sunset Boulevard, I found myself overcome by a sudden urge as we approached the Sunset Marquis. “Pull over,” I demanded, and the driver asked why. My response was simple: “I need to embrace that palm tree.
And so, I embraced the palm tree, leaving others perplexed by my odd behavior. I, after all, hailed from the northern regions of England and had little encounter with such tropical wonders as palm trees before that moment.
According to my information, the first Police concert in L.A. took place on March 1, 1979. That night, we played at the Whisky a Go Go, and afterwards, we drove past A&M Records on La Brea Avenue. To our surprise, there was a massive billboard displaying our band’s faces. We met Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert, chatted with various stars by the pool, and I remember thinking, “This is truly incredible!
By the close of that year, you found yourself at the iconic Palladium, having performed at various venues including Madame Wong’s Chinese restaurant, the Greek Theatre, the Forum, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Wiltern, with our upcoming project taking us back to the latter.
Is it not more fitting to spend five nights at a theater rather than one or two at an arena? The atmosphere of a theater offers a unique experience where the audience feels immersed in the story, and they become part of the puzzle. In a larger venue like an arena, the focus is on grand gestures; when you make a move, the audience responds accordingly. A theater, however, offers a more refined ambiance that allows for intricate interactions between performer and audience.
During these theater performances, you’ll be joining Billy Joel for stadium shows as we take a break. Billy and I go back a long way – since 1980. He dropped by to see us at Nassau Coliseum, strolled into our dressing room, introduced himself: “Hi, I’m Billy Joel. I’m a big fan.” We spent an evening together around a piano, and Billy began to play Gilbert and Sullivan, Beethoven, the Beatles. He can play anything. He’s truly a great guy. I’ve always admired him deeply. He asked if I would open for his major tour. I replied that I usually don’t do that kind of thing, but I’d make an exception with two conditions: One, you must introduce me. And two, you must sing a song with me. So we kick off the set with Billy singing with me – we perform “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Then I join him on stage, and we do “Big Man on Mulberry Street,” which he claims was written with me in mind. Whether that’s true or not, it makes for a great story, so let’s not spoil it!
In 2014, you went on tour with Paul Simon. What did you take away from that experience?
Paul was one of my influential figures – my guides if I aspired to be a skilled songwriter. If there was any man whose wisdom I would seek, it would be him. His songs like “America” are works of art. It’s quite a broad topic, searching for America [chuckles]. With less talented hands, that could have been a catastrophe. But he begins with simple things like pies, magazines, and cigarettes, and then the grandeur of the song becomes apparent – that’s pure genius.
I attended the concert at The Forum where they performed “Brand New Day” and “The Boxer.”
It was an honor to hear him sing any of my songs, as we share many similarities. He may be more detail-oriented than I am, but I appreciate his dedication to perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed his latest album, “Seven Psalms.
Perhaps the subject matter is beyond your current understanding. You didn’t seem to grasp it.
If you say so.
Next year.
Last year, Pink and Marshmello collaborated on a fresh take of your hit song “Fields of Gold”, adding it to the growing list of interpretations or uses of your music by other artists. It’s intriguing to consider why your songs continue to attract young musicians. I can only speculate, but whenever someone decides to rework or remix my work, I don’t hesitate because I find that there are always new insights and perspectives I hadn’t anticipated. Plus, it generates income, so it makes sense! It keeps their music relevant. Songs have a life of their own; they need to be nurtured and reimagined to stay alive or partnered with fresh ideas.
× It’s quite likely that many Marshmello fans may not recognize me, but should they delve into some historical findings, they will discover me.
Does the recent controversy surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sampling of “Every Breath You Take” for his “I’ll Be Missing You” impact your personal perception of the song? Not necessarily. While I’m unaware of the specific details involving Diddy, it doesn’t change my view of the song at all. To me, it remains a favorite.
And people still love to hear it.
Absolutely.
“Could you tell me about your current exercise routine? These days, I swim whenever possible in the mornings. My body of knowledge from 35 years of yoga practice influences my daily activities. I engage in stretching exercises, strength training, and walking regularly. I’m proud to say that both my physical and mental well-being are thriving due to this regimen.
What proportion is attributed to its health and what proportion is due to cosmetics or appearance enhancement? Approximately half could be vanity, let’s say 50%, while the other half would be about 50% discipline. I’m maintaining an appearance as if I were 25 years old.
“I don’t typically look at photos of myself, but there needs to be a certain level of self-confidence, or ‘professional vanity’, to perform on stage. I wouldn’t feel comfortable going on if I was overweight or wearing inappropriate clothing. If that were the case, I wouldn’t go on stage. So, while it’s not excessive, this sense of vanity is important for my performance and it’s not harmful in the extreme – I don’t spend a lot of time preening, getting made up, or visiting the salon every day.
Have you ever felt that urge to accomplish something small, perhaps some exercise or maintenance work?
Is it your wife who’s always on the lookout for a more youthful companion? [Laughs] She certainly is a sight to behold and looks quite attractive.
At this point in my life, I have a moderate approach towards alcohol, occasionally enjoying a drink such as wine after an event or mezcal. Abstaining from alcohol completely is not on my agenda. As for drugs, I’ve never partaken in anything legal or otherwise throughout my life, and I am proud of that fact.
Are there any substances that are permissible or acceptable for consumption? To clarify, I have never consumed tobacco, and while I did use marijuana in the past, my interest in it has since waned.
It’s quite surprising that, unlike many rock stars of the ’80s, you didn’t smoke cigarettes during your youth. Growing up, I was more into sports and smoking wasn’t part of my lifestyle because it seemed unhealthy to me even before extensive research confirmed this. My father was a lifelong smoker, and I always had a sense that it wasn’t right, long before the evidence was clear. As a kid, throwing his cigarettes in the fire made me quite popular at home!
In the ’80s, with its rocky atmosphere, I didn’t find a sense of belonging. I was more like a lone wolf back then, a schoolteacher who preferred to stand apart. That particular scene, as it were, seemed to fade away.
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2024-11-11 14:32