Sting: 'I struggle to write new songs'

Sting has confessed that he rarely writes any new material as he struggles from writer's block.

The singer blamed his lack of creativity on getting older, saying that he is more critical about what he wants to write and record.

The 60-year-old told The Sun: "Writing a song for me is a rare thing now.

"It gets more difficult as you get older because your filters are much more refined and your inner critic is very tough.

"When you're younger, the filters aren't on. Out it comes. Three songs a day, 21 a week. You have to put yourself in a state of grace where you're open to ideas coming to you.

"It's very satisfying when you find one but facing a blank page doesn't get any easier."

Sting will cover a Bob Dylan classic for a charity album in aid of Amnesty International early next year.

The former Police member recently revealed that he is not hurt by criticism and instead believes that knowing what people think of him is an "advantage".

> Sting writing new hometown stage musical The Last Ship

Watch the music video for The Police's 'Roxanne' below: