Many, many years ago--so long ago that I'm not sure how long--I was introduced to the music of Sting. It was love at first listen, and I've been smitten ever since.Sting has been with me through times both pivotal and mundane. His albums--mainly from his solo career--take up more space in my music collection than any other single artist or band. The poetry of his lyrics makes me swoon for love of the language, speaks to my soul, and I find myself returning over and over again to songs that I've heard hundreds of times already. His versatility in form, style, and genre demonstrate his skill as a real musician and make his music even more timeless.
As a starving college student trying to make ends meet one year, I had a job cleaning a professor's apartment every week. I took my Walkman and a Sting cassette tape to help me pass the time folding laundry, wiping down bath fixtures, and vacuuming. I still remember vacuuming the living room with "Something the Boy Said" playing loudly in my ears.
Many years later, I took a leave of absence from work and put most of my earthly possessions in storage for several months, including my CD collection. But I couldn't do without Sting for that long. I needed him more than ever. Instead, I made two mix CDs with my favorite Sting songs--essential Sting, if you will--to carry with me during my travels.
My friend Amy and I often joke that we're going to start a radio station that's All Sting, All the Time. What bliss that would be!
Listening to Sting is like going home. It's the comfort of familiarity, warmth, and that je ne sais quoi that makes a place or a person feel like home. His music is a long, tight hug from someone who knows me well. It's the feeling of relief and security that comes when you're able to let your guard down with someone you trust--the freedom to be completely yourself. It's a sense of completeness and contentment.
Sting is also easy on the eyes, which never hurts, and he only gets better with age. To wit: Compare these photos of him in the '70s or '80s, and just a few years ago. I know which one I'd rather see on stage!
A few weeks ago, Sting came to Washington, DC, as part of his Back to Bass tour. It goes without saying that I bought tickets the moment they went on-sale. Angie came down from New York for the event and we spent two blissful hours in Sting's company in an intimate venue in downtown DC. He played an unprecedented FOUR encores and delivered a performance that did not disappoint.
Here we are waiting for the concert to start. See how happy and excited we are?
Someday, when I have more money than I know what to do with (a likely scenario, I'm sure), I will hold a private Sting concert, so I can stare at his face and sing along to every song and bask in the close proximity of the fabulous, talented Bee Man.
