Name: Stéphanie

Username: Nanou

Location: Bordeaux, France.

Been a fan since: I was 11, and heard 'Message In A Bottle'.

Favourite Sting song: Difficult to choose but 'Why Should I Cry For You?' moves me to tears.

Favourite Police song: 'Next To You' and many others.

Favourite Sting album: 'The Dream Of The Blue Turtles'.

Favourite Police album: 'Reggatta De Blanc'.

Most memorable concert: Maybe last year in Arcachon during the Back To Bass Tour, because it was outdoor, sunny and warm, and my husband was with me and enjoyed it too! And the show was awesome!

Other favourite bands: U2, Texas, Noir Désir (super french band), Tears For Fears, The Cure, The Clash...

In your own words: I was 11 when I first heard The Police and strangely enough I wasn’t particularly impressed. All my friends were crazy about this new band and the very cute singer, but I couldn’t understand why. Since I was curious I bought 'Reggatta De Blanc' - which was released in France before 'Outlandos D'Amour', and then I had a crush. I loved every song, every chord, Sting's voice, the lyrics...everything. And it's been going on ever since (I'm 46 now). Life at home was not always funny when I was a kid. My father was violent and Sting and The Police have been a great comfort for me in many occasions. I remember the day 'Ghost In The Machine' was released in France, I bought it and thought ''tonight it will be OK at home because nothing wrong can happen before I have listened to my new Police record''. So, without knowing it, The Police have been a tremendous support to me during many years. I started listening carefully to the lyrics, translating them, looking in the French-English dictionary when I didn't get some. This did a world of good to my skills in english at school. I even remember doing a homework about the song 'Murder by Numbers''. I really admired Sting a lot and when I heard he had loved a film, read a book or got into a philosophy, I would do like him. I discovered and loved Nabokov, Prokoviev, Jung, saw 'Blade Runner', got interested in the Rainforest issues. I must say Sting has taken a great part in my education. Later I bought a bass guitar and patiently learned to play just by listening to the Police and Sting's songs. I went on buying and loving Sting's records and found most of his songs inspiring. 'Why Should I Cry For You' helped me when I lost loved ones. 'Englishman In New York' is to me one of the best manifestos written about tolerance. I think it should be taught in schools. I've loved every show I've seen (10 I think, I don't remember exactly) and I gave birth to my 1st daughter in my 'Brand New Day' T-shirt. Now she is 16 and wears it herself, which I find funny and moving. All through the years and for many years again I know Sting will be an important part of my life, as he's always been.