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‘I’m still a student of music’ — Sting reflects on his long career ahead of his Toronto show

The solo artist and former Police frontman on his history with Toronto, his “unlikely pairing” with Shaggy and his ongoing love of touring. By Nick Krewen Whether it was with The Police or on his own as a solo performer, Sting has always had a special relationship with Toronto. The man born Gordon Sumner in Wallsend, England – and who will be appearing at Budweiser Stage on September 5  – has…


Hipgnosis made indelible album art for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and many more – now it’s immortalized in a documentary

With the doc Squaring the Circle and Pink Floyd exhibit Their Mortal Remains in Toronto, founder Aubrey “Po” Powell feels Hipgnosis is getting its due. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star British progressive rock legends Pink Floyd may be known for such masterpieces as Dark Side of The Moon and The Wall, but they also were directly responsible for launching the most distinctive, popular and influential creators of memorable…


Depeche Mode’s death-tinged Memento Mori isn’t about the passing of Andrew Fletcher, Martin Gore says.

The Depeche Mode songwriter talks about the loss of Fletcher, hit song “Ghosts Again” and how it felt to turn 60 By Nick Krewen Special to the Star If the Depeche Mode video for their current hit song “Ghosts Again” offers  you a sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone. Directed by noted photographer and director Anton Corbijn,  the music video reflects the theme of the British electronic outfit’s 15th album Memento…


How Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon got an accidental Toronto premiere 50 years ago

Four days before the album was to be released worldwide in 1973, DJ David Marsden played it on his CHUM-FM show. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Fifty years ago this week, Toronto radio listeners unwittingly enjoyed the world premiere of the classic Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon. Call it a happy accident, because things weren’t supposed to quite work out that way, said Bob Roper,…


Elton John pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, confesses love for Toronto in memorable farewell

If this was Elton John’s Toronto swan song in terms of concert appearances — he plans to retire from touring live next year — then it was a doozy. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star If this was Sir Elton John‘s Toronto swansong in terms of concert appearances, then it was a doozy. Performing in front of a crowd of 45,000 fans for the second night in a row…