arts

May 3, 2026

Sting embarks on "The Last Ship"

For centuries the English city of Newcastle was a hard-scrabble industrial powerhouse that built ships. It was also the hometown of the rock musician Sting, who as a young man witnessed the city's shipbuilding business dry up. He's paid homage to his town's heritage by writing and starring in a musical, "The Last Ship," which he's now taking on an international tour. He talks with Mark Phillips about his long career, and why he can't stop working.

Sting embarks on "The Last Ship"

TL;DR

  • Sting's hometown of Newcastle was historically an industrial shipbuilding center.
  • Sting witnessed the decline of the shipbuilding industry in his youth.
  • He has written and starred in a musical, "The Last Ship," celebrating this heritage.
  • The musical is now going on an international tour.
  • Sting speaks about his long career and his persistent work ethic.