Hilary wrote:

Sting meeting fans on TV shows never seems to pan out.

I think he's somewhat shy or nervous around fans. The last time he came to Portland (August 2000 I think) he did an interview at a local radio station. I knew it was going to happen, so I went down to the station at the approximate time with my copy of BRAND NEW DAY thinking I might get it signed. When I arrived, there were a dozen or so other fans there with the same idea. We all waited about 30 minutes and then his car showed up. The driver took him to the secure parking under the station and Sting immediately disappeared within to do the radio thing. After 45 minutes or so, he emerged with a few radio folk and perhaps one or two of "his" people and started to get back in the car. Of course this didn't sit well with some of the autograph collectors who I was waiting with and they proceeded to shout his name and beg for him to sign stuff. And he did. He somewhat shyly came over with a few of the others. The security fence was opened and he began to sign. "One item only!" one of his handlers pronounced as the guy with a boxload of albums attempted to muscle his way forward. I had a little chuckle at that! Eventually he came to me and I asked him if he could sign my CD with my silver pen (shows up better on the BRAND NEW DAY cover than black). He looked at me a little perplexed, but silently and gracefully took the pen from my hand and signed. You can see the result here: http://home.bendcable.com/aceface/autos/1999bnd.jpg I thanked him and he moved on to the next person - a lady in her late thirties or early 40's. I don't think she had anything for him to sign, but rather just wanted to get a photo with him and say a few words. Which she did. During this time, I managed to take a picture or two. You can see one here: http://home.bendcable.com/aceface/misc/string.jpg Throughout the 10 or so minutes that he signed stuff, Sting said little, smiled occasionally, and tried to appear relaxed even though it seemed to me that he was somewhat uncomfortable. After he finished talking to the woman, one of the guys shouted "thanks" or something to that effect. Sting smiled, laughed a little, and then sauntered back to his car. He left moments later. It was a completely different side of him compared with what I've seen on stage or TV or heard on record or radio. But it was nice to meet him none-the-less. Even if it was only to say, "Can you sign it with my silver pen?" and "Thanks." Maybe next time I'll be able to tell him that I think he's my generation's Miles Davis. :)