On this episode of This Bits Brilliant Paul Ging and Simon Q Elliott discusses *Broken Music*, the autobiography by **Sting** (aka Gordon Sumner), which covers his early life.

Paul argues that Sting ”gets a bad press” and is ”condemned for a lot of the things that other musicians get away with”.

Sting wrote some all time great hits songs – the book details Sting's beginnings in the North East of England, living in Wallsend and playing gigs at places like the Gosforth Hotel in Newcastle. Sting's first band was the **Phoenix Jazz Men**, where he was the 21-year-old bass player. The band leader, Gordon Solomon, gave him the name ”Sting” because his black and yellow hooped sweater made him look like a wasp. Paul reads a hilarious anecdote from the book about a disastrous gig at the Red House Farm Social Club in Sunderland after a bingo session. While giving a pre-show pep talk, the band leader accidentally snaps the plastic membrane on the bingo machine. When the machine is turned on, a ”relentless hail of luminous pingpong balls” bombards the horrified audience.

Simon and Paul conclude that The Police, who used punk ”as a flag of convenience,” have faced criticism partly because they could ”play their instruments”. The conversation also covers The Police's early days, including a riotous festival appearance in France with The Clash and The Damned, and how they recorded their first three albums in a tiny studio called Surrey Sound in Leatherhead to save money.

The hosts also discuss Sting's controversial reputation, especially his 2006 lute album. Paul suggests that if Damon Albarn or Thom Yorke had done a lute album, they would have been praised, calling it a double standard.

Explore the fascinating world of music and sport through reviews of the best books we can lay our hands on.

On this unique channel we dive into literature on sport and music. uncovering hidden gems and unexpected connections. From classic writing to the all time bestsellers, we'll give you book reviews that lead you to discover great writing that resonates. Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the world of words and melodies!