Meta Description: Explore Sting’s musical journey, from his punk roots with The Police to his deep influences from jazz and Jimi Hendrix. Discover how these influences shaped his iconic sound.
Sting’s Diverse Musical Influences and Evolution from Punk to Jazz
Sting, a multifaceted musician, started with The Police during the punk wave. Despite their early association with punk, The Police drew heavily from reggae, jazz, and funk. Their 1978 debut album, Outlandos d’Amour, featured hits like ‘Can’t Stand Losing You’ and ‘Roxanne,’ showcasing their unique sound that set them apart from contemporaries.
The Police: Beyond Punk
The Police were more than just a punk band; they had instrumental prowess unmatched by many. Andy Summers’ accomplished guitar work, Sting’s melodic bass, and Stewart Copeland’s jazz-inspired drumming brought a richness to their music. Will Sergeant of Echo and the Bunnymen noted in a 2021 interview how The Police’s skill sometimes seemed out of place in the punk scene. He said, “If you could really play, it was a disadvantage. Some bands we saw at Eric’s Club, like The Police, we thought were shit because they were too good.”
Sting’s Musical Evolution
Through five studio albums, culminating with Synchronicity in 1983, The Police evolved from their punk roots to define the new wave genre with complex compositions. Sting, though modest about his instrumental skills, emerged as one of the most accomplished songwriters of his generation. His early work’s urgency was more about fitting in with the times, contrasting his deeper inspiration from 1960s rock legends like The Beatles.
Influences from The Beatles and Jazz
Sting idolized The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, for his dual role as a bassist and songwriter. His love for musical complexity drew him towards jazz, where he played in clubs with bands like Phoenix Jazzmen and Last Exit. A pivotal moment in Sting’s musical journey was witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Newcastle before his fame. “[Hendrix] played in Newcastle before he made it, actually – before he had his first hit in England, which was ‘Hey Joe’,” Sting shared. The performance left a lasting impression, showing Sting that one could be both a rock star and a virtuoso.
Honoring Hendrix’s Legacy
Sting’s encounter with Hendrix’s extraordinary guitar skills could have been intimidating, but it instead inspired him. “The lesson was that you can be a rock star and a virtuoso at the same time because he was, clearly,” Sting reflected. In 1991, he honored Hendrix by covering ‘Purple Haze’ in the Netherlands, taking on both bass and vocals, with Dominic Miller on guitar and Vinnie Colaiuta channeling Mitch Mitchell on drums.
