Most artists don’t wake up aspiring to be the next Beatles. Achieving that level of stardom requires time, dedication, and often a spark beyond oneself to transition from garage jams to major music icons. For Sting, his journey into rock and roll began when he witnessed the power of two particular bands.
The Police always stood apart from traditional rock sounds. As classic rock faded, punk and new wave emerged, yet few anticipated the ska-influenced tracks like “Roxanne” sharing the stage with pop hits such as “Message in a Bottle.”
These weren’t your typical rock songs. Sting, equipped with a deep understanding of music theory, was unafraid to incorporate unusual chords or guide bandmates Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers through complex key changes, as exemplified in “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Their approach was about expanding musical boundaries.
However, true innovation in rock had already begun a few years earlier. Before punk took center stage, guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton were redefining the instrument’s potential. Clapton’s time with Cream showcased a collaborative spirit, with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker giving him ample room for creative exploration. Hendrix, meanwhile, mastered the art of making his Stratocaster sound pristine one moment and chaotic the next.
Sting found inspiration in the power trio format, noting, “One of the first bands I ever saw was Cream. I also saw the Jimi Hendrix Experience when I was 14, but then I saw Cream, and they kind of turned my head around.
It was a very formative experience to see those two bands. And then I was in The Police, so the trio thing was prevalent.”
The beauty of each band lay in how they collaborated. In a trio, every member must support one another, allowing Sting to maintain melodic and rhythmic control in his music.
While Sting is undoubtedly the driving force behind The Police, witnessing Clapton and Hendrix excel in their power trios imparted a crucial lesson: a standout star is only as strong as the group’s ability to gel. Without that synergy, even the brightest talent risks falling flat.