Featured Fan: Mike Child (mikeii)

Name: Mike Child

Username: mikeii

Location: Southampton, UK.

Been a fan since: 1994, when my Dad brought the Fields of Gold compilation home.

Favourite Sting song: Shed loads to choose from, but I think it'll have to be 'When We Dance'.

Favourite Police song: 'Wrapped Around Your Finger'.

Favourite Sting album: 'Ten Summoner's Tales'.

Favourite Police album: 'Ghost in The Machine'.

Most memorable concert: That would have to be the private gig Sting played at the Baltic with his old pals up in Newcastle on May 5th 2006. It was not just the fact that it was Sting performing - all of the musicians involved were superb and it was an unforgettable night of music. I did get to meet Sting afterwards as well, albeit briefly. Trouble was, I was 19 and somewhat lacking in confidence, so meeting a big hero of mine was perhaps not the easiest experience and I didn't really know what to do or say! I'll do better next time.

Other favourite bands: Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ron Sexsmith, Lindsey Buckingham/Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Pet Shop Boys, Chris Rea, Jimmy Nail, Bruce Springsteen, Bap Kennedy, Emmylou Harris, Ruth Moody.

In your own words: As alluded to above, my fascination with Sting's music began nearly twenty years ago when my Dad brought home a copy of the Fields of Gold compilation in November 1994. The songs included on that album made a significant impression on me, and I can genuinely say they all still bring back many happy memories for me. As a guitarist and songwriter myself, Sting is one of a number of artists who have inspired me in my own creative endeavours. He is unquestionably one of the finest songwriters of his generation, capable of churning out great song after great song. I am inspired by artists who have their own unique musical signature, be it in the way they write songs, they way they sing, or the tone they get out of an instrument. I believe this is what sets the great apart from the good in music, and it is also why I no longer have any interest in the current generic, 'commercial', auto-tuned and computerised material which is consistently played on heavy rotation on many radio stations these days. Sting not only has a distinctive writing style, but he also has that utterly unmistakable clear and penetrating voice, which I believe to be the finest in rock. I always hoped to be able to sing at his level, but alas, into adulthood, my voice has turned out to be somewhat lower-pitched than his! Thanks to Sting and the numerous other artists who have inspired me over the years, I am now consistently coming up with new ideas for songs and I always have something to work on. My hope is to continue writing and recording material as long as I am capable of doing so. Whether anything I do would ever be commercially viable is irrelevant to me. As Sting has been known to say, 'music is its own reward'. And if it wasn't for his music, I may never have discovered my own creative urge.