Sting Calls Himself a ‘Heavy Metal Singer’ & His Reasoning Actually Makes Sense

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

November 22nd, 2021 11:29 AM

Sting has one of the most recognizable voices in music, but when describing his voice, the last thing many would say is that he’s a “heavy metal singer.” However, that’s how he described his voice in a new interview, and his reasoning actually makes sense.

In a conversation with Rick Beato, Sting said of his vocal range, “Register is interesting. Most heavy metal singers sing up there, so I’m a heavy metal singer – but I have a little more melody. It’s the same [kind of thing]; to get above the noise of the band you need that register. You can’t be a baritone with a rock band, really.”

He really makes some valid points. Just listen to some of The Police’s most popular tunes below to understand where Sting is coming from

“Roxanne”

“Can’t Stand Losing You”

“Walking on the Moon”

“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”

Sting and 10 Other Classic Stage Names

• Sting

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  Gordon Sumner took on the monosyllabic stage name of Sting after wearing a black and yellow striped sweater when he was playing with the Phoenix Jazzmen.

• Slash

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  Born Saul Hudson, Slash got his stage name from actor Seymour Cassel, a friend of his father's, who noticed how speedily the young Hudson would go from one place to another.

• Bob Dylan

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  Born Robert Zimmerman, the iconic singer-songwriter dubbed himself Bob Dylan in a nod to poet Dylan Thomas.
• U2’s Bono and The Edge

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  Paul Hewson took the name "Bono" after a hearing aid shop in his neighborhood called Bonovox. The Edge, born Dave Evans, got his name due to his sharp facial features and mind.

• Iggy Pop and David Bowie

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  James Osterberg became Iggy Pop as a nod to his pre-Stooges band, the Iguanas. David Bowie, who was born David Jones, was originally going by Davy Jones, but thanks to The Monkees, he adopted the surname of Bowie after pioneer James Bowie, who was known for his Bowie knife.

• Meatloaf

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  Marvin Lee Aday got the nickname "Meat Loaf" from his high school football coach because of his size. Seems almost cruel, but we're pretty sure Meat Loaf had the last laugh.
• Flea

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  Born Michael Balzary, the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist reportedly got his stage name from Anthony Kiedis who took note of his friend’s energetic movement and behavior. Thus, a great stage name was born!

• Gene Simmons

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  Each original member of KISS took on a stage name, but the biggest change came with "The Demon" who was born Chaim Witz but became Gene Simmons.

• Nikki Sixx

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  The roots of Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, Jr.’s stage name stem from wanting to cut any ties he had from a father who had abandoned him at an early age.  Wanting to reinvent himself, Nikki Sixx was born and would later become the Motley Crue bassist’s legal name.

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

• Classic Rock News
• Music
• WMGK Audio

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Sting