Globe recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Sting, one of the most noteworthy singer-songwriters of his generation, whose legacy is etched in history. From the dynamic energy of his early days in The Police to a solo career lasting over four decades, he holds firm as a cultural force, globally-renowned for his spellbinding voice and artistic creativity.
Sting’s latest release, the April 2025 album “STING 3.0 LIVE”, is enriched by the simplicity of a three-piece setup rather than a full band, drawing out the deep emotion of his songs. Next month, a world tour in support of the superb record will roll into UOB LIVE Bangkok.
In our chat, Sting discussed the musical journey he’s embarked on, from his breakthrough days to now, offering insights on how he manages to stay youthful and reflecting on what excites him about his return to Thailand after more than a decade since last playing here.
It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, Sting! Can you kindly tell us what you’re looking forward to most about performing in Thailand? Your last Bangkok concert was in 2012.
Well, you know, it is a very different band that I’m bringing this time. I’ve reduced the band down to three people: I’m on vocals and bass, my guitarist Dominic Miller, who I’ve played with for 35 years, and an exciting new drummer named Chris Maas. It’s a three-piece, and the reaction from audiences to the band so far, in Europe and North America…it has been their surprise at just how powerful three musicians can sound! We are playing all the hits, and it is very heartening to find out the songs are resilient enough to take that reduction. They are sturdy and in many ways clearer. You know, I have had some experience with a three-piece before with The Police years back, so I know it works. I am surprised though at how sturdy the songs are, and people have really been loving the tour. As I also have.
Most people are slowing down in their 70’s, yet you look like you’re getting younger! Is that thanks to yoga, or the time you spend recharging in Italy where you own a home?
I would say, my main workout is what I do on stage! Singing is a very athletic pursuit, and I have to do the job of a 20-year-old…which I seem to be able to do. I have been in training for my entire life, so I’m good at it. My voice is resilient most of the time and I love to sing. So I think it’s enjoyment that gives me a younger sensibility – I don’t feel like an old man.
You’ve inspired millions with your work, but which music interests you at the moment?
I mean, there are so many great artists, and there’s such a wide variety now. It’s very hard to have a handle on the whole thing. I’m really fond of Billie Eilish’s music, and also of her brother, Finneas. I believe they’ve come up with something new and fresh…this complete world that they’ve made. I met them last year…they told me my music was played in their house growing up, and that they know my stuff very well. So, I was very flattered to hear that. There are many others too, but they’re certainly my favourite artists at the moment.
Back in The Police days, you shifted from punk into reggae-rock. Looking back, do you think taking such a risk early on gave you the courage to keep innovating as an artist?
I don’t think there’s any art without a small degree of risk. I mean, there is no real physical risk in doing something artistic. Risk is being in your comfort zone a lot of the time so that you can create something fresh and new and surprising. For me the most important thing in music, in art, is surprise – the listener needs to be surprised…the observer needs to be surprised…the artist needs to be surprised by his own work! So, I’d say it’s essential. Risk and surprise are everything. I don’t wish to sound like everyone else and I wouldn’t do it supposing I were bored..I’m always looking for novelty, something that I haven’t thought of before. You know, I’m a student. I am still learning my craft…still learning about music.
Your appreciation for the legendary jazz visionaries Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock is often referenced. Do you get to sit down and revisit their wonderful records regularly?
I actually do…I mean, you know…Herbie is a friend of mine. So, yes, I think he’s wonderful. Miles and I briefly worked together in the 1980s, and I’ve still got his number in my phone book….I still have a phone book, I never got rid of it. But yes, I do like jazz. It intrigues me. I’m not a jazz musician. I never will be. However, the sensibility of jazz is something that I appreciate. So, the sense of discovery and constant improvisation strongly intrigues me.
You played Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in David Lynch’s Dune back in 1984. With the new films introducing Frank Herbert’s universe to a whole new audience, have you noticed rising curiosity about the original, where you famously wore daring silver underwear?
We’re really proud of that production, and I went to see the new one last year, with Austin Butler playing the same role as me. I was so impressed with him. I liked the movie. I’d say our movie is a bit more camp and funnier but, you know, the new one is a beautiful piece of work. Seeing it brings back memories and makes me miss David Lynch tremendously. We lost him recently. He was such a genius of cinema and television. I deeply miss him.
It’s 40 years since your solo debut “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” came out. How has your approach to writing and performing music changed from that first record to now?
That surprises me – 40 years! Although it was a long time ago, it feels like it has gone in a flash. My attitude is much the same, in that it’s always a voyage of discovery. I am there to discover the songs, rediscover the songs…and then find things that are there, which I had not noticed before. Also, in my performances…I want to surprise myself. So, I have always had this idea that I’m not just reproducing something I have done before. It always has to sound fresh and new. One of the things about the tour is many of the songs we’re doing, some of them may have been written 40 or 45 years ago, but they sound contemporary, and the themes I’m singing about sound contemporary. They’re not dated. It may sound arrogant for me to call them timeless, but I do feel in some ways that they probably are.
What can fans expect when the “STING 3.0” Tour makes a stop at UOB LIVE Bangkok?
People of Bangkok, you will be surprised. I can guarantee that. And happily surprised! So, please come and see us. We are really looking forward to it. It’s been a while…and I can’t wait to perform another concert in Thailand after all these years. It’s been way too long!
Sting will take to the stage at UOB LIVE Bangkok on Thursday, September 25, 2025 with tickets for the concert starting from THB 2,800 by visiting: livenationtero.co.th, or calling: 02-262-3838. Thanks to D&W/Cuffe&Taylor/Rhodes Media/Sting.com for use of photos.
