The most expensive record I ever bought was one of rock artist Sting.

Of course, this was back when the compact disc was still the dominant commercial music distribution format. I used to go to this old record store in Greenhills that sold rare albums in CD, vinyl and cassette tape formats. I saw this CD called Sting At the Movies, which I knew I had to have.

The album, I found out later, was only released in Japan and contains 17 songs from various movies. The tracklist includes “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” from The Last American Virgin; “I Burn for You” from Brimstone and Treacle; “Moonlight” from Sabrina, “The Secret Marriage” from Four Weddings and A Funeral, and many others.

The CD was priced around P1,300, which was pretty steep at the time (even now). But I saved up for it and bought it because it was around the time that I became a bit obsessed with Sting. I was a little too young to have caught his peak when he was with The Police but followed his career as a solo artist. One of my all-time favorite albums is his Ten Summoner’s Tales’ which I listened to constantly back in high school. I bought his best-of release Fields of Gold and a few others. When he came to do a show in 1994, I was 13 and broke, so I never got that chance to see him live.

On December 9, Gordon Sumner (Sting’s real name) is coming back to Manila to do a show. Much has transpired in Sting’s life and his music since he first wowed Pinoys at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in 1994. He has won numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy and Golden Globes trophies as well as Academy Awards nominations.

What I like best about Sting, however, are his songs that speak of such grand, sweeping emotions yet remain grounded and relatable. Pick any Sting song and chances are, it doesn’t try too hard to ram any sort of deep, pretentious drivel down anybody’s throats. Often they speak of simple things set to uncomplicated melodies.

Remarkably, it’s not difficult to find deeper layers of meaning to his songs. “Roxanne,” “Fragile,” “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You,” and many others all masquerade as pop songs but are really about heavier, more meaningful themes. Sting’s activism towards social issues has also elevated his status from a mere rock star into global icon status, something today’s commercial music stars could learn to emulate.

Despite all this, Sting is first and foremost an entertainer and by all accounts, his Manila show should be a thrill ride for diehard fans, newbies and everyone else in between. It’ll be good to listen and reminisce to his hits live, and allow him to remind us why he’s one of the most versatile and most universally acclaimed artists of our generation.

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A day before Sting, another pop superstar will perform in Manila. Elton John, most famous for his piano-based hits that include “Your Song,” “Candle In the Wind,” “Rocket Man,” and videoke staple “Skyline Pigeon.” If you’re a fan of both but can only afford tickets to one, I feel for you and wish you luck in deciding. Two authentically big names in music playing one after the other is a rare thing, so choose wisely.

Sting Back To Bass Tour Manila will be held on Sunday, December 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It is presented by Ovation Productions with the support of Solar Entertainment. Elton John Live in Manila happens December 8 also at the Araneta Coliseum.

For tickets to both shows, call Ticketnet at 911 5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph

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