Hey Roger,

You mentioned something about working up nerve to talk to these guys.  I think that comes from respect for their privacy and the desire not to appear like a blathering fan.  But, I've found that the coolest people, (stars or otherwise) will generally talk to me on some level. If they don't, they have a good reason (like being in a hurry or concentrating on preparation for a show) or they're bastards and don't deserve to talk to you anyway.  It's usually the first. Many performers are very gracious and understanding of the nervy fan and many will put you at ease.  Best example of that was Michael Anthony of Van Halen.  I got to see them after winning backstage passes and seats to the show in Manhattan kansas on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge tour.  Everyone was very nice, shook hands and conversational but Michael Anthony was like the host of a dinner party.  Very cordial and friendly and seemed genuinely glad to see us.  Sometimes that's all it takes to make a fringe listener turn into a faithful fan.  (the guy I went with, close friend of over 20 years now was the big fan) I remember telling myself that if I ever achieve that level of fame, I'd remember the way he spoke to us and try to emulate that.

Why couldn't Sting be that cool?

PRH