The rocker's single was written after he watched Russian television and was impressed with the care and attention the country gave to their children's programs.
- July 15, 2010
AceShowbiz - Sting composed Cold War ballad "Russians" after checking out Soviet kids' TV via an illegal satellite feed. The 58-year-old rocker grew up in the shadow of the conflict between Russia and the West, but realized the Soviets were just like Brits and Americans after checking out what their kids watched.
He explains, "I had a friend at university who invented a way to steal the satellite signal from Russian TV. We'd have a few beers and climb this tiny staircase to watch Russian television."
"At that time of night we'd only get children's Russian television, like their 'Sesame Street'. I was impressed with the care and attention they gave to their children's programs. I regret our current enemies haven't got the same ethics."
