At a time of life when most pop stars have burnt out or faded away, Sting (born Gordon Sumner) has held his place as the thinking man's rocker. His breakthrough work with the Police has long since given way to a hugely successful solo career. Sting's concerts are instant sell-outs the world over. His film and Broadway roles have won rave reviews. His support for social and environmental causes like the Rainforest Foundation polarise his critics down two lines, those who admire his stand, and others who accuse him of being motivated more by egomania than by genuine concern. Sting is not one to make a virtue out of being a one-track pop star. Christopher Sandford's balanced yet provocative commentary points out the contradictions and hypocrisies in a life that has generated some of the most exhilarating music to emerge from rock and roll's first forty years.
