Been a fan since: Since 1983, when The Police released the 'Synchronicity' album. I was very young and became infatuated with Sting, because he was not your run-of-the-mill "rock star." He was intelligent, eloquent, and creative. He was a true artist and a poet, which became even more evident when he began his solo career.
Favourite Sting song: It is difficult to choose just one, but I would have to say 'Fragile'. It is very beautiful and the lyrics ring true.
Favourite Police song: 'Every Breath You Take'.
Favourite Sting album: My favorite Sting album is 'Ten Summoner's Tales' because I find it so clever the way Sting relates his autobiography through the music and packages it in a way reminscent of The Canterbury Tales.
Favourite Police album: Without a doubt, 'Synchronicity'.
Most memorable concert: I had the pleasure of seeing The Police reunion tour in 2007, which was a dream come true! I was too young to see The Police in concert when they were together, so their brief reunion was a great treat. I saw Sting in concert two other times, the last being in Atlantic City, NJ in 2012. That concert was pretty special, because I got to see Sting close up and even made eye contact!
Other favourite bands: I am an '80s child, so I like my "oldies, but goodies," like Hall and Oates!
In your own words: Sting has been very special to me since a young age. I became enamoured by him after listening to the 'Synchronicity' album. The album itself was a bit of an acquired taste for a 12-year-old who did not understand the psychological concepts of Carl Jung, which served as the album's theme. I read all about Sting and quickly made the connections between certain songs/lyrics and his personal life. Then I began learning about Jung, which got me interested in school and psychology. To me, Sting was so intelligent and eloquent! I remember taping radio interviews with Sting, playing them back, and writing down the "big words" used by Sting and looking them up. I would then learn the vocabulary and use it in "homage" to my rock idol. But in reality, I was expanding my vocabulary, which came in handy later in high school when I had to take the SATs! As an English instructor today, I encourage developmental students to expand their vocabulary by listening to their favorite music and paying attention to the lyrics and words they don't know. I always tell my Sting story, and how the 'Synchronicity' album helped me build my vocabulary and research new topics while growing up. For me, Sting is more than a singer. He is a genuine artist whose lyrics and music are pure poetry.
Eliot Sumner will join the Sting 3.0 Tour for the show on October 16 at Hard Rock Live in Rockford, IL. Tickets are available from https://sting.com/pages/tour
At the recent 2026 BMI London Awards four Sting written songs were among the works recognised for hitting milestones relating to the number of performances in the US. These were 'Every Little Thing...
