Free advice to Sting, Andy, and Stewart

[Ben]

Gentlemen,
If the current rumours are correct, the three of you will reunite for your first proper concerts in over 20 years. If true, all of us fans will be clamouring for tickets. We understand that meeting expectations of fans like us can be challenging, so please accept a few tips from a frequent concertgoer and manic Police-fan.

1) Please do not let the scalpers cash in on the demand for your shows. This message board has seen some great ideas to keep the scalpers under control and charge fans a reasonable price, such as selling tickets using some sort of auction, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. Not all of these ideas are feasible for an entire tour, but perhaps try it for one or two stops.

2) Keep the energy high. Yes, we are all twenty years older since the last Police shows, but one of the best qualities of the music was its energy and crispness. Avoid stretching the three minute punk-pop classic into a ten minute jazz exploration.

3) Vary the setlist: Since your last shows, the internet has appeared and spoiled the surprise of a set list of a concert. Take a page from Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan and mix it up. Rehearse 35 or so songs from the repertoire to come up with an evolving 20 song set each night. Sure, some momentum and pace will be lost, but this will be offset by the thrill of fans being surprise by the song selection. You can mingled the dozen of so hits that everyone expects with at least a half a dozen choices from left field such as Secret Journey, Omega Man, or No Time This Time.

4) Tour long: I don't have to remind you, but this is probably the best, last chance for a Police tour. And we all know the demand is there.

5) Keep the supporting players to a minimum. I know that back up singers and horn players can help carry the load, but too much of these tend to dilute the strength of the compositions. Better a bit ragged than too polished, I say. And please, no piano.

6) Leave the fancy light show at home. Keep it simple, just walk on the stage and let it rip.

7) Do what you want to do. The last thing anyone wants is the situation that split you up all those years ago. If you hate doing press, don't do it. If you don't like a packed schedule, space out the shows. Or ignore advice like this.

Thank you and see you in Toronto.

Any other advice, anyone?

[Jose]

The only one from me will be: "Every little thing THE POLICE does is magic" So boys you are free for everything to decide to do... no barriers or opossite from me... if you like lights and big stage is good, if you like other musicinas to support you is good, if you like a mature sound is good... all what you decide to do is perfect for me, because you prove me all what you do in your musical career is success and amazing for me!

No more suggestions to our heros! They know what they like to do.... life experience is the clue!

[sockii]

>No more suggestions to our heros!

Why try to stifle the discussion? Why not throw out our thoughts, suggestions, requests, etc., whether or not they are listened to or not?

Gio's said Stew is watching...sure, they'll do what they want, and more power to them. But it can't hurt to throw out our thoughts and wishes, to discuss what we might wish to hear and see happen. After all, we'll be the ones throwing out no doubt hundreds of dollars (if not more) on tickets, travel, merchandise, etc in support of these efforts.

[bella]

I have to agree with Ben on all counts. ESPECIALLY....

3. Varying the set list is a must as Ben said, especially in this day and age of instant online setlists.

5. Minimal support players. Actually, on this one, I prefer just the barebones trio. NO FEMALE BACKGROUND SINGERS. Step up to the plate and sing background Stewart. I know you don't think you do very well, but I think you are just fine, you and Andy both.

Let's keep this thread on top to ensure Stewart doesn't miss it!!

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Part of the fun, for me, is seeing what they're going to do all on their own. Sure, all of us are going to have thoughts, but it'll be enough for me just to have all three guys on stage for an hour and a half or so.

(Enough?! Good lord! I'll pass out from sheer joy...About the only thing that'll spoil it for me is if it's a big Sting ego show with the other two relegated to backup positions.)

I was just thinking about this earlier...it's going to be hard for this reunion not to invoke inevitable comparisons to John, Paul, George & Ringo. Not that there's any pressure, guys.

Earlier today I was in a record store in Knoxville, TN - I'm in town for a Yo La Tengo concert and posting from the hotel - and the place had the best variety of Police t-shirts I've seen in 20 years. So I had to buy two (a Zenyatta ringer tee and a black GITM one). Whilst checking out I got to chatting with the checkout clerk, who looked for all the world like one of those cooler-than-thou hipsters you often see behind the counter in a joint like this one. To my surprise, he was the nicest guy around, and told me that should the Police play this summer he will pay any amount of money and go anywhere. Folks hereabouts are so excited about this potential Bonnaroo set they're goofy. I may have to retract what I said earlier about the 'Roo organizers having got a handle on the traffic.

[Grant]

h) Jump up and down a lot (this doesn't apply to stew)
9) Original keys, high vocals--- this may not be possible, but don't let sting fark with the phrasings!
X) Original guitar synth and telecaster, hamer 8-string, 'Brian', and of course octobons up the guadalcanal

I haven't seen the police since before I went to college. They'd better come here to Denver (with all the other assumptions intact.)

[ceebab]

I don't think anyone should get their hearts set on all the original songs in their original keys.

When the Moulin Rouge version of Roxanne first came out, I got all bent out of shape. (Before I saw the movie.) One of my main complaints was with how low it was. My husband said, "honey, even Sting can't hit those high notes anymore". And if you listen to recent performances, it seems to be true.

[ceebab]

Oh, duh, I forgot to say what I really wanted to say.

I really don't care what they do, as long as they have enough non-festival dates to meet the demand. I don't mind paying a big chunk of change for a full set, but I really don't want to shell out the same amount of money to see a whole lot of other bands and less than 10 songs by the Police. I've been waiting for this for as long as I can remember, and I can see other bands anytime.

[Grant]

[quote="ceebab"]I don't think anyone should get their hearts set on all the original songs in their original keys.
[/quote]

Hi Ceebab- is 'ceebab' made out of notes? If so, then a bad dad to you. :)

I think that his voice started changing soon after Zenyatta. He still sounds
great though. My wish list is far from my expectations ;)
ciao- Grant

[georgygirl]

For me this happening still incredible...