A massive number of musicians were influenced in one way or another by The Beatles. The band split in 1970, but their massive album output and record-breaking singles have made them music industry legends for all time. In a recent interview, singer of The Police – Sting – has spoken out about the band, and the profound impact they had on him.

Sting is an award-winning singer and songwriter who first hit fame in his band, The Police.

In both The Police and as a solo artist Sting has sold over 100 million records and earned more than 15 Grammy Awards.

Sting was asked about The Beatles in an interview with Rick Beato. He replied: “I’m glad you mentioned The Beatles because the reason I’m a musician is because of The Beatles.”

The 70-year-old explained that his background gelled with that of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.

READ MORE: The Beatles: Noel Gallagher ’embarrassed’ by Fab Four comparisons

Sting said: “They were from Liverpool, I was from Newcastle; both port towns in the north of England – working-class.

“They had the same education as me, I went to grammar school; they were scholarship boys. Smart working-class kids.”

After seeing what The Beatles could do with relatively simple songwriting Sting said he felt he could do the same.

The singer revealed: “They conquered the world with their own songs, and therefore gave permission to a younger generation, a decade younger, to try the same thing.”

He revealed he wished he had written Sting’s Fields of Gold.

McCartney explained: “There’s always a couple that I hear that I think I’d have liked [to have written].”

McCartney went on: “I liked Sting’s Fields Of Gold, and I thought: ‘Y’know what, I should have written that.'”

McCartney went on: “How dare he? I told him: ‘You stole my song.’ I thought that was a nice one, y’know?”

The Police released some other incredible hits including Don’t Stand So Close To Me and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.

Throughout Sting’s career thus far, he has earned almost 50 awards worldwide.

SOURCE