Name: Shawn Farrell
Birthday: May 24, 1974
Location: NYC (originally Buffalo, NY)
Profession/Occupation: N’er do well
Profile Date: September 30, 2009
Why are you a fan of Sting?
Because I have extraordinary taste in music.
How long have you been a Sting fan?
Since high school. I’d say I began buying everything he released around the time of the unplugged appearance on MTV, although prior to that I owned Synchronicity.
What makes you different from other Sting fans?
Going by the message boards at sting.com, unlike many of them, I guess I can say I’ve never once searched Google for pictures of his chest hair? Other than that, I guess that it’s a credit to Sting’s music that he draws such a diverse fan base, refugees from the punk era through new admirers with each new release.
Have you ever met Sting? If so, when, where and why?
Brief encounters, a few times. Outside of his birthday appearance on NBC’s Today Show when he was there to promote the Brand New Day album. At the Lincoln Center Barnes & Noble, where he signed my copy of Broken Music. I’m probably forgetting one or two more.
While my encounters with Sting have been brief & fleeting, it’s worth noting the many great people who share my interest in his music. Having waited hours and sometimes all night for a Sting performance or appearance, you’re bound to interact with many people.
How many Sting shows have you attended?
15 times, dating back to the 1993 Ten Summoner’s Tales tour at the theater at Madison Square Garden.
Do you own any Sting memorabilia? If so, what?
Just books. Had an “Englishman in New York” poster on my dorm wall all through college.
Do you have one special or favorite Sting song?
Hard to name a favorite, but I have always enjoyed Sting at his most literary, romantic or poetic, so it would have to be either “I Was Brought To My Senses” or “The Book of My Life.”
How has Sting influenced your life?
Like a dog trained to get a biscuit, every time a new Sting album is released, I’m in line for it at Best Buy.
Does Sting influence you on a day-to-day basis?
Not really. There are lessons to be learned in his lyrics, to be sure, but they’re universal. “Be yourself, no matter what they say,” could be learned from Sesame Street or a Disney movie.
Have you done anything crazy as a fan of Sting?
Define crazy. I’ve done a few all-nighters, but nothing on the truly mental side.
What are your hobbies, talents and interests?
I lead a quiet life in NYC as a two-ton man-mountain who can palm a medicine ball. I’d eat a homeless person if you dared me. I sired a baseball team (& an orchestra if you count the bastards); & I sweat Gatorade; I shed my skin once a year. I once ate a whole live chicken. Doctors once found $60 in change in my stomach. I did all the makeup on the last ‘Planet of the Apes’ movie.
It was the sight of my naked body that drove Brian Wilson insane; I go jogging with a fridge on my back. Years ago, I went public with my own buttocks and made $7 million; I once went to a bachelor party for a friend & ate the entire cake before anyone could tell me there was a stripper in it. I once hosted the Grammy Awards & gave every award to Corey Hart. If you drop a phonograph needle on my nipple, it plays the Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds.’
I taught my little brother how to drive by entering him in the Indy 500. I framed Roger Rabbit; I once scissor kicked Angela Lansbury. I drive an ice cream truck covered in skulls. I used the shroud of Turin as a golf towel & the Pope didn’t mind.
I was in a Broadway production of,’The King & I.’ On opening night, I chloroformed the entire cast and slowly ate them in front of the audience for two hours. The production got pretty good reviews.
Do you play any musical instruments or perform in any way?
None worth mentioning.
Do you have a favorite or cherished memory regarding Sting?
I’d have to say my first time seeing him perform in 1993, which was one of my first concerts in NYC.
Anything else you would like to mention regarding Sting?
He needs to play in NYC soon. It’s been too long.
