SUMMER 1985: Sting is absolutely impossible to avoid. He sings on the Dire Straits mega-hit "Money for Nothing," duets at Live Aid with Phil Collins, even makes a movie (Bring on the Night) about the bold artistic step he apparently takes by hiring jazz musicians to play on his solo debut. His first solo single, "If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free," is both catchy and grammatically incorrect, though he redeems his academic roots when "Fortress Around Your Heart" becomes the first hit song ever to include the words "battlements" and "chasm."

VIDEO: Dire Straits, "Money for Nothing"
VIDEO: Sting, "If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free"
VIDEO: Sting, "Fortress"
GALLERY: More artifacts from the Police and their solo careers