Sting recently opened up about a memorable moment involving his iconic song, “Fields of Gold”. During a conversation with Professor of Rock, the singer shared an interesting detail that connects his work with Paul McCartney.
In their discussion, the former Police frontman recalled how McCartney revealed his admiration for the song. It wasn’t just a casual compliment either. According to Sting, McCartney admitted that “Fields of Gold” was a song he wished he had written himself.
For Sting, this moment carried immense weight. He expressed how humbled he was, knowing that someone with McCartney’s songwriting legacy had such high regard for his work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVq0IAzh1A
McCartney’s High Praise for Sting
Sting went on to explain just how meaningful McCartney’s words were to him. As a lifelong Beatles fan, it was a major moment for him. McCartney, after all, was one of the reasons he even dared to become a songwriter.
He shared how much McCartney and Lennon inspired him with their ability to conquer the world through their own music. Sting made it clear that their influence was a driving force behind his own career.
McCartney himself once admitted during a Q&A that he admired Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” He jokingly remarked, “I should have written that. How dare he?”
Sting’s Honest Thoughts on McCartney’s 1980s Struggles
Paul McCartney kicked off the 1980s with a solid release, Tug of War. However, his follow-up albums like Pipes of Peace and Press to Play didn’t have the same success. It was clear something had shifted in his music.
Sting took notice of this change. In an interview with David Sheff, he expressed concern over McCartney’s direction. To Sting, the rock legend seemed to be losing his edge and struggling to create more serious work.
While Sting acknowledged McCartney’s genius, he felt the former Beatle needed to push himself creatively. Sting hoped McCartney would take on more challenging projects and reclaim his musical impact.
Sting’s Deep Connection to The Beatles
Sting shared his admiration for McCartney, believing his contributions to The Beatles were just as significant as Lennon’s. In some cases, Sting even thought McCartney’s work was more important, and he felt McCartney could afford to take more risks musically.
The Beatles have always been a huge influence on Sting’s career. In a 2021 conversation with Rick Beato, he opened up about how much the band meant to him. They were the reason he decided to become a musician.
Growing up in Newcastle, a working-class port town like Liverpool, Sting felt a strong connection to The Beatles. Their background and education mirrored his own, making their success feel relatable and inspiring.
The Beatles’ Legacy of Inspiration
Sting emphasized the profound impact The Beatles had on aspiring musicians. He noted that their success with original songs opened the door for younger generations to explore their creativity.
He acknowledged that countless artists owe their careers to The Beatles. Their influence was undeniable, shaping not just Sting’s path but also that of many others in the music world. The band’s legacy continues to resonate with musicians today.
One of Sting’s most notable works, “Fields of Gold,” was featured on his fourth studio album, Ten Summoner’s Tales. The album was released on June 7, 1993, showcasing Sting’s own evolution as an artist while honoring the spirit of innovation he admired in The Beatles.