Sting Fighting to Legalize Marijuana
April 5, 2010 – Sting seems to be fed up with our paradigms around pot! The singer says we, as a society, spend too much time putting marijuana users in jail when legalizing the substance could feed the hungry of the world. Here is what he said on his blog.

"The 'War on Drugs' has failed - but it's worse than that. It is actively harming our society. Violent crime is thriving in the shadows to which the drug trade has been consigned.

People who genuinely need help can't get it. Neither can people who need medical marijuana to treat terrible diseases.

We are spending billions, filling up our prisons with non-violent offenders and sacrificing our liberties.

For years, the 'Drug War' has been used as a pretext to lock people in prison for exorbitant lengths of time - people whose 'crimes' never hurt another human being, people who already lived at the margins of society, whose voices were the faintest and whose power was the least.

Sting Set to Release His New Album on October 27
July 26, 2009 - Sting will come back this fall with a new solo CD “If On a Winter’s Night” slated to be released on October 27.2009 on Deutsche Gramophon. The album was arranged and produced by Robert Sadin, who worked on Herbie Hancock’s Grammy-winning “Gershin’s World”. The forthcoming CD will be inspired by Sting’s favourite season and features two original compositions, a cover of traditional music of the British Isles, including traditional songs, carols and lullabies.

As Sting put it on his web site : “The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material.  By filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new.”

Sting’s original compositions include “Lullaby for an Anxious Child” and “The Hounds of Winter.” Both have been previously released (“Hound” is the opening track of his 1996 solo album “Mercury Falling”). Other tracks include the 14th century carol “Gabriel’s Message”, the traditional Newcastle ballad “The Snow it Melts the Soonest”. Henry Purcell’s “Now Winter Comes Slowly”, the English “begging” song “A Soalin” and an English reworking of Schubert’s “Der Leiermann” now called “Hurdy Gurdy Man”.

Of his deep affinity for winter, Sting explained: “Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons”.

For more information: www.sting.com - By Akbar Nour

Sting Set to Avoid Pop Music Again with “If On a Winter's Night”
June 20, 2009 – Sting hasn’t released a Pop album since 2003’s “Sacred Love” – it’s been that long.  His last album “Songs from the Labyrinth” in 2006 was inspired by the lute songs of English composer John Dowland. Now Sting says his next project "If On a Winter's Night” will be inspired by his favorite time of year and feature two original compositions as well as traditional songs, carols and lullabies from the British Isles. It’s due in stores October 27th on Deutsche Grammophon.

"The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material," says Sting. "By filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new." 

"If On A Winter's Night" will be produced by the chap who put together Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning "Gershwin's World," Robert Sadin. It will feature Sting’s long-time friend and guitarist Dominic Miller.

The two original tunes "Lullaby for an Anxious Child" and "The Hounds of Winter," will compliment old Newcastle ballads "The Snow It Melts the Soonest," and the 14th century Carol "Gabriel's Message,” which was featured on the 1989 Christmas compilation “A Very Special Christmas.”

Sting explains his love for winter, "Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons."

Seems Sting got his Rock ya-yas out on the Police reunion tour and now he’s gone all mellow again. – by John Beaudin

The Police Say Goodbye Again
May 8, 2008 – Does retirement mean anything anymore in Rock’n Roll? If you believe it the Police just announced that their calling it quits - again. That’s it, after their current summer tour Sting, Andy Summer and Stewart Copeland will go their separate ways. The band says the last show will be a fundraiser in New York City. The boys say they will donate a million dollars to help New York City reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. The donation will also be matched by a special fund created by New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg. The band said, "We are pleased to contribute to this powerful and historic initiative that will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for future generations.” Sting says it’s very appropriate to end things in The Big Apple, "We kicked off our very first American tour at CBGB's in 1978 and this summer, 30 years later, our journey will come full circle as we play our final show here in New York City." The retirement and donation news came at an interesting time considering Sting’s own Rainforest charity was under fire this week for fancy bookkeeping and not giving out enough to the actual source of the charity. – by John Beaudin

Sting Under Fire for Rainforest Charities
May 7, 2008 – Sting and his wife Trudie Styler are under attack over questionable bookkeeping for their charity Rainforest Foundation Inc. The organization started by the couple and Belgian photographer, Jean Pierre Dutilleux, back in 1989 has scored zero by a watchdog group for each of the last four years. In 2006, the singer held a charity concert at Carnegie Hall to help save the world's rainforests but not enough of the money went to the cause according to The New York Post. The charity watchdog reviewed the tax records and found out less than half of the amount actually went to forest saving charities. A spokesman for the watchdog group says that usually 75% of the take goes to any cause but less than 50% of Sting’s charity does that. To make it worse, Stings Rainforest Foundation is rated one of the worst out there. The singer is planning another big rainforest concert on Thursday featuring Billy Joel and James Taylor. The Foundation also has way too many reserves in the bank. The charity has $10 million in assets including $5 million in cash and according to the Better Business Bureau charities rarely keep more than a year’s expenses in reserve. Dutilleux who started the Rainforest Foundation Inc has turned against him and is helping in the investigation, saying, "I have kept quiet for almost 20 years, hoping for improvement. But enough is enough. Everything is true or worse." Yesterday Styler tried to defend their stance, she says, "The Rainforest Foundation is celebrating its 20th year. We wouldn't still be in business or have given out millions of dollars over the years if we'd spent everything we made immediately after it came in." – by Shannon Edwards

Sting springs 26.5 for new digs in New York
April 16, 2008 – Am I the only one who noticed Sting rhymes with ka-ching? The rockers just paid 26.5 million for an apartment in New York. City records showed that the building was bought by Gordon Sumner, Sting’s real name. The police reunion turned out to be one of the most successful reunions of any band in years. Chris Botti actually bought one of Stings old digs a few years ago only to sell it again last year. - By John Beaudin

Sting Stung by Police Band Mate Stewart Copeland
June 1, 2007 - Who needs critics when Stewart Copeland's in the house. The Police drummer had some harsh words to say about the groups reunion show this past Wednesday in Vancouver. Copeland called the performance "unbelievably lame" and complained on his website about the bands missed cues and screw-ups on stage. He also called Sting 'a petulant pansy instead of the god of rock' when the singer missed a cue at the end of "Synchronicity." Copeland added that his co-horts Sting and guitarist Andy Summers actually played in different keys during classics "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" and "Don't Stand So Close To Me." The drummer did take some of the blame admitting he made "a complete hash"of his rhythms for "Walking on the Moon/Footsteps." It may not be as harsh as it sounds though since all three guys gave each other huge hugs at the end of the show and laughed hysterically. - Kari Graham

Sting Goes Classical
September 29 , 2006 - You could never accuse Sting of being boring! The singer plans on releasing a CD of 16th century music performed on the lute in October. "It's a strange record, a delightful record and I think people will be intrigued by it," Sting says in a video interview on his site. "The album is voice and lute, there are a few four part harmonies that I sing and it's all music from the 16th century." Sting guitarist Dominic Miller who has already recorded classical music gave him a lute as a gift 2 years ago refueling the singer's love for 16th century music. Sting has had a life long fascination with 16th century composer John Dowland who is best known for the song "Flow My Tears." The album will be released on the classical label Deutsche Grammophone. Sting will kick off a summer European tour on June 4 in Lisbon and plans to travel to Russia, Israel, Scandinavia and Monaco. - Kari Graham

Sting Cancels Shows In England
May 12, 2004 - It's the one problem that no singer wants to have - laryngitis. Sting has a severe case and has had to cancel three shows on his U.K. tour. On his official web site the singer says he's been "Gutted" by the throat problems. The singer had to cancel a show in Newcastle last Friday but has promised to make it up as well as other shows cancelled. Some Scandinavian shows were also cancelled for the same reason.

Chris Botti Talks About Sting, Swinging And A Thousand Kisses
April 7, 2004 - Chris Botti just got off the road with Sting so we just had to ask him the sex question. Just one week after Sting's wife Trudy Styler announced on Howard Stern's morning show that the couple were swingers everyone's been wondering if she was being serious? "You know I never thought I would be questioned about that," says Botti bursting out laughing. "Of course I was like all other New Yorkers and I opened up page six and saw it and I'd left them the night before when our tour ended." Botti told Smooth Jazz Now as far as he's concerned it was all a big joke. Read more.

Sting Likes To Swing
March 26, 2004 - Maybe a lot of rock'n rollers are swingers when it comes to their sex life but most don't admit it - Sting's wife is a different story. During a visit on the Howard Stern radio show wife Trudie Styler admitted that they are into swinging "big time.'' Styler admitted that Sting initiates the fun by inviting women back to their homes for threesomes. And who says the fun has gone out of the music business? Styler thinks living a "legit" life is a bit "boring" adding that Europeans have a lot more fun than Americans.

Sting, Annie Lennox Joining Forces For Tour
March 9, 2004 - Two major vocals acts from Smooth Jazz radio are pairing for a tour this summer. Sting, Annie Lennox and another act yet to be named will tour amphitheatres from June to October. So far only five Canadians dates have been announced; Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Sting is currently on a North American tour with Trumpeter Chris Botti that wraps up on March 23 in Ottawa. So far Sting's latest album "Sacred Love" has sold one million copies in the United States alone. Members of Sting's fan club will have early access to tickets, some of which went on sale today. (March 8) Lennox latest "Bare" album has sold 743,000 copies so far in the U.S. The singer was competing with Sting at the Oscars on February 29th for "Song of the Year" - Lennox won for "Into the West" from "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."

Sting & Chris Botti Support Dominic Miller
March 7, 2004 - It was a surprise but then again it wasn't. Both Sting and Trumpeter Chris Botti showed up for guitarist Dominic Miller's (left) album release concert party last Thursday night. (March 4) Miller has been working with Sting since the early nineties and Botti has been in the fold for the last few years. The event at New York's Joe's Pub celebrated the release of Miller's third solo album "Shapes" which features Sting on his own 1993 hit "Shape Of My Heart" and Botti's trumpet on "Prelude No. 3 for Clavier." Botti stuck around and performed on the latter plus Schubert's "Ave Maria." The albums sound moves from Classical to a simple acoustic feel. Miller who is currently on the road with Sting and Botti will do solo gigs on his off nights during the world tour.

Sting Encourages Charity Donations
February 20, 2004 - When it comes to Sting and Charitable donations, it's good for all involved. Sting who was honored as this years Grammy MusiCares Person of the Year seems to have a knack for raising funds. The February 6th banquet for the singer grossed 3.2 million (U.S.) for MusiCares' Financial Assistance Program, which helps musicians in need. Last year's honoree Bono raised 3 million. Last week Sting had to cancel four shows (San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Oakland) because of an undisclosed illness. Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and long time Sting band mate Chris Botti is currently opening up the shows.

Sting, Annie Lennox Nominated For Oscars
January 29, 2004 - After winning a Golden Globe award on Sunday night Annie Lennox could win the ultimate trophy next month with her nomination for an Oscar. Lennox is nominated for the song that got her the Golden Globe "Into the West" from "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." Also nominated for "Original song are Sting, Elvis Costello and Michael McKean of Spinal Tap fame. Read the full story.

Sting To Perform At Grammy's
January 22, 2004 - Sting will be performing at this year's Grammy Awards on February 8 on CBS. The updated Grammy list of performers was released yesterday and it also inlcudes Sean Paul, Martina McBride and Black Eyed Peas. Presenters include Norah Jones, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, plus actors Sean Astin and Amber Tamblyn. It was earlier reported that Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and the White Stripes will also make it onstage. Outkast will honor George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire and Robert Randolph & the Family Band in a special segment dedicated to Funk. Four separate acts tied for most nominations, each with six, Beyonce, Jay-Z, OutKast and Pharrell Williams.

Sting To Be Honored in February
January 6, 2004 - Through hard work and an amazing talent Sting has managed to stay relevant during his many years in the public eye. Next month MusiCares will honor the singer as "Person of the Year" with a gala evening featuring Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Elton John and Dave Matthews. MusiCares, an organization that helps people in the music industry financially and medically have raised over a million dollars on previous events. NARAS president Neil Portnow said, "We felt that, for the benefit of MusiCares, seek out an individual of great stature, of great respect, but also someone who filled the bill -- someone who's not only a great artist but also humanitarian and philanthropic." Portnow said Sting was an obvious choice, "We've had him on our radar for a few years. We always thought he would be a great honoree, and this was the right time for all of us to do this, and he graciously accepted. We're absolutely thrilled."

Here's what sting had to say about the appointment, "MusiCares looks after musicians who are less fortunate than people like myself: people who are on hard times who have given their services to the industry and have fallen foul of circumstances, people on the street or with drug problems or whatever," Sting says. "You call MusiCares up and they say, 'Well, what do you need? Your rent paid? Your rehabilitation program?' I think its important work. So I'm the figurehead this year, and I'm very proud to do that."

Sting co-founded the Rainforest Foundation with his wife Trudie Styler and has also helped Amnesty International, Live Aid and the Juvenile Diabetes' Carousel of Hope.

The gala will be held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif. on February 6. Other acts paying tribute will include Charles Aznavour, Black Eyed Peas, Dido, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Mayer, Rufus Wainwright and Wynonna. Each artist will sing a Police or Sting tune.

Annie Lennox, Sting Nominated for Golden Globes
December 19, 2003 - The Golden Globe nominations were released today and two artist associated with Smooth Jazz radio are in the running. Annie Lennox and Sting were both nominated in the "Original Song Category." Lennox' for "Into The West" from "Lord Of The Rings - Return Of The King" co written by Howard Shore and Fran Walsh. Sting's nomination was for "You Will Be My And True Love" from the movie "Cold Mountain." Elton John and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin were also nominated for Best Original Song for "The Heart of Every Girl" from the Julie Roberts film "Mona Lisa Smile." Read all the nominations.

Sting to Take "Sacred Love" On the Road in January
November 18, 2003 - Sting plans to take his show on the road in early 2004. The "Sacred Love" tour will kick off January 23rd at the Knight Center in Miami, the first of thirty-five shows for the first leg slated for North American audiences. In late April 2004 the singer plans to launch a thirty-five date European tour. If you don't catch Sting the first time you'll get a second chance with his 2004 line-up. Sting will return to North America for a run of 30-35 amphitheatres in July through September. Plans then call for a return to Europe and other international territories. The total tour could include as many as one hundred and fifty shows in 2004. Ticket pre-sales will be conducted through Sting's fan club and American Express promotions.

Review - Sting - Sacred Love
November 7, 2003 - Sting has gone from being a rock'n roll rogue to spiritual wiseman in the span of just a few years. On the cover of "Sacred Love" the singer even looks like a saintly cat! "Sacred Love" like the albums before it has a sense of importance, lyrical weight riding on pretty catchy tunes. Sting has always had a fascinating way of articulating his journey inward such as on his "The Soul Cages" album inspired by the death of his father. Read more.

Rod Stewart Takes Swipe at McCartney, Sting, Elton
October 29, 2003 - Seems Rod Stewart has just about had enough of being criticized for dating a younger woman. The 58 year old rocker is currently seeing 32 year old model Penny Lancaster says while he gets dumped on for the age difference fellow rockers in the same boat are left alone. "What pisses me off is they never have a go at Paul McCartney for marrying a younger woman ... but they kill me because of Penny," he said. Read more.

Sting to be Honored at the Grammys
October 16, 2003 - It seems everywhere you turn Sting is in the spotlight these days. His new album "Sacred Love" is in stores and the singer should have a great night at the Grammys this coming February. Sting will be recognized, not for his music but for his good deeds at the next awards ceremony. Sting has been named the 2004 MusiCares Person of the Year for his humanitarian and environmental work. Just last week the Queen made the singer a C-B-E, a Commander of the British Empire an honor below knighthood.

Sting Receives Commander of the British Empire Honor
October 12, 2003 - Sting met the Queen for the first time on Thursday and he's not sure she's ever heard his music. The meeting was a good occasion though and the Queen made him a C-B-E, a Commander of the British Empire, an honor below knighthood. He told the press that he's at least pretty sure she knew who he was though. The singer who just released his latest album "Sacred Love" on September 22nd says he knows Prince Charles listens to his music and "there's always hope'' Elizabeth will. Sting meeting the queen was a "bit like a dream."

Sting to Play Free Concert for American Express
September 24, 2003 - Sting obviously loves his American Express card so much that the singer is performing a free concert for the credit card company. The free show on October 7th at Chicago's Grant Park will serve to herald the launch of American Express' new 'Blue Cash' credit card. Guitarist Jonny Lang will open. There are two ways to win tickets and starting today Chicago's WXRT-FM will have some giveaways and starting next week "Blue Cash Roadies" will blanket the Chicago area offering fans the chance to win tickets. VIP tickets will be available for sale from the event's official website. Sting's new A&M album "Sacred Love" is due Sept. 30. The artist will also play a benefit concert Oct. 4 at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Tickets are being auctioned on Ticketmaster.com.

Sting No Don Juan
September 10, 2003 - As they say if you have to flaunt it chances are you ain't got it! After telling the world that he was a stud with staying power Sting is doing some backpedaling. The singer was quoted a few years ago boasting that he could make love to his wife Trudi Styler for hours at a time. Sting now says he was a little tipsy when he made the claim and was trying to impress his buddy Bob Geldof. Sting says when he claimed he could make love for eight hours, he didn't say it included "four hours of begging, and then dinner and a movie."

Sting to Debut 'Sacred Love' in Paris
August 26, 2003 - Joining a fan club has its benefits! Member of Sting's official fan club will get a sneak peak of his new album 'Sacred Love' on Sept. 22 at Paris' L'Olympia. "Sacred Love" arrives Sept. 23 internationally and Sept. 30 in North America. A special concert DVD will be released on October 6th. "Inside the Songs of Sacred Love" was taped in mid-May at Los Angeles' Mayan Theatre in front of invited guests and contest winners. As she does on "Sacred Love," Mary J. Blige joined Sting for the duet "Whenever I Say Your Name." Material filmed at the Mayan will also be shown on the special "Sting: Sacred Love" airing in October on A&E. The video for the first single from the new album "Send Your Love," premiered last week on VH1 in the U.S. and Much More Music in Canada.

Sting to Receive Billboard's Century Award
August 20, 2003 - It's Billboard magazine's highest creative honor and Sting will be the next artist to receive it. The singer will be the 2003 recipient of Billboard's Century Award on Dec. 10 at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. The awards were created in 1992 by the magazine's then-editor in chief, the late Timothy White, and then-publisher, Howard Lander, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the publication. "I'm so pleased to receive this most prestigious award from Billboard magazine. This magazine meant so much to my very great friend, the late Tim White," Sting said after learning of the honor. "Tim, as editor in chief spent 11 years nurturing and giving the magazine his lasting imprint. It will be my honor to be a part of its history and join the other illustrious recipients." Sting is the 12th artist to receive the award. He joins good company and here are the other winners: George Harrison (1992), Buddy Guy (1993), Billy Joel (1994), Joni Mitchell (1995), Carlos Santana (1996), Chet Atkins (1997), James Taylor (1998), Emmylou Harris (1999), Randy Newman (2000), John Mellencamp (2001) and Annie Lennox (2002). Some of the past winners were first in line to praise Sting including Randy Newman. "He's a great writer, great singer, great performer and a spectacular bass player," Newman says. "I particularly admire the harmonic complexity of his work. He won't settle for the same old chords. He works hard, and it shows." John Mellencamp said, "Sting is a great artist because he has been able to reinvent himself and his music but still remain true to his own original vision." James Taylor, who performed on Sting's 1999 studio album "Brand New Day" says, "Sting is my pal. My admiration for the man and his music continues to renew itself. He is a universally popular artist who has kept his integrity and earned the respect and sometimes envy of his peers. I only wish Tim White were here to see it." Sting's next album "Sacred Love" will be released September 23rd but the video for the first single "Send Your Love" premiered Monday on VH1.

Sting Writing Autobiography
August 16, 2003 - The new Sting album "Sacred Love" will be released on September 23rd and the singer is also busy putting the finishing touches on his life story - well at least part of it. Interestingly Sting's autobiography has no mention of wild parties when he was a member of the Police or any other juicy tidbit since book will only tell his story up to age of 25. The book will touch on the singer on the verge of making it. So far Sting's publisher has no release date or title. We say forget part one, release the juicy sequel first!

Sting to Release 'Sacred Love' September 23rd
May 25, 2003 - Sting's follow up to 1999's "Brand New Day" will feature Norah Jones sister Anoushka Shankar and Mary J. Blige according to Billboard magazine. "Sacred Love" to be released on September 23rd was recorded in France and produced by both Sting and Kipper who also handled keyboards and drum programming on "Brand New Day. Sting and his band were also filmed while playing the album live at Los Angeles' Mayan Theatre. The footage will be used for an A&E documentary and DVD set for October 7th release. The first single "Send Your Love" will be sent to radio stations in late June. "Brand New Day" sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S. alone and peaked at # 9 on the Billboard charts.