Music
Here’s some things you might not know about Sting
Internationally celebrated megastar Sting is heading on tour next year, performing in the UK in April. He might be one of the most recognisable faces in music, but here are some facts that may have passed you by.
He was born in Newcastle.
Well, Wallsend to be precise. Born on 2 October 1951, he spent his early years near shipyards and helping his dad deliver milk. Humble beginnings all round.
His real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner.
With four names, it’s no surprise he opted for Sting. According to interviews, nobody calls him Gordon. Ever.
He’s called Sting because his clothes resembled a bee.
You read that right; Sting got his distinctive singular name from comparisons with the buzzing insect. During his time as an evening jazz singer he was apparently particularly partial to a yellow and black jumper.
He is a qualified teacher.
OK, so this one is a trivia fan’s favourite, but for those not in the know, Sting is a qualified teacher. He studied at what is now Northumbria University and taught for two years.
He is now worth a reported £180 million.
That’s quite a high number.
He has turned his hand to wedding singing.
Presumably always on the look out for new adventures, Sting has performed at two high-profile weddings (that we know of) this year. Lucky guests.
He recently reopened the Bataclan in Paris.
After the horrific attacks in Paris last November, Sting reopened the Bataclan venue as part of a special memorial concert. He reportedly said: “We’ve got two important things to do tonight. First, to remember and honour those who lost their lives in the attacks a year ago, and to celebrate the life and the music of this historic venue.”
He’s starred in loads of films.
Turning his hand to acting, he’s been in a whole load of films as both himself and playing a role. His first appearance was in the iconic Quadrophenia back in 1979. He has also been in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Dune. He most recently played himself in Zoolander 2.
He’s a committed political and social activist.
Sting has been heavily involved with Amnesty International, as well as founding the Rainforest Foundation Fund. He was also famously involved in Band Aid, as well as Live Earth. And that’s only the start of it.
He has just released his 12th solo album.
That’s 12 before we even include releases by The Police, the band in which Sting initially found fame. 57th & 9th is the basis for his huge world tour, which comes to the UK in April 2017.
Tickets for the new London date are on sale at 10:00 on 23 November 2016 through Ticketmaster.co.uk.
