A 'Stinging' start to 2005

Jon · Korean Citizen Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Posts: 525

Sting will return to Korea for the first time in almost a decade in what is touted as the first big concert event of the New Year,
The British rock legend will perform two shows on Jan 28-29 at the Olympic Park Gymnastic Stadium in Seoul. He will feature songs from his latest album, "Sacred Love," as well as hits from a 25-year career that stretches back to his days as the frontman of the rock band, the Police.

Sting's appearance in Seoul will also mark the end of his year-long "Sacred Love Tour," launched in promotion of his 10th solo album. Released in 2003, "Sacred Love" is a continuation of the popular artist's musical forays into techno, world music and hip-hop. The album also includes covers of songs by Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and features guest appearances by R&B singer Mary J. Blige, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, and Spanish guitarist Vicente Amigo.

[img:d99044bd41]http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/img_dir/2004/12/22/200412220012.gif[/img:d99044bd41]
Sting

Sting, born Gordon Sumner in 1951, began as a punk rock singer in London's underground music scene during the 70s. With drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers, Sting formed the Police in 1977. They released a string of hits such as "Message in a Bottle," "Don't Stand So Close to Me," and "Every Breath You Take" and emerged as the world's most successful rock band of the early 80s.

At the height of their popularity, the Police disbanded in 1984, and Sting launched his solo career with the album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," the following year. He followed up with a series of albums including "Nothing Like the Sun," "Soul Cages," and "Ten Summoners' Tales" and established himself as a unique figure in music with his blend of self-conscious artistry and commercial appeal.

Sting is also heavily involved in charitable works for such organizations as Amnesty International. He and his wife, Trudie Styler, founded the Rainforest Foundation in 1989 and has helped increase awareness of world's rainforests and their indigenous populations.

The Sting's East Asian leg of the "Sacred Love Tour" includes appearances in Singapore, Bangkok, Osaka, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Sting last appeared in Seoul in 1996 at Olympic Stadium.

Sting will perform at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. and on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at 70,000 won and can be purchased at 1544-1555. Call 1588-9088 or visit www.adexe.com for more information.

(warrenlee@heraldm.com)

By Warren Lee