by thedaner on 01 May 2007 19:37
I think it's valid to have reservations about a band that hasn't been on tour in 23 years. Especially since Sting has had the reins on the Police songs since then and has reworked them to death.
I would have serious reservations if they had done the Hall Of Fame show, then went on tour the next day. I thought they sounded pretty bad then (except for Stewart, who just killed; and I'm not just saying that because of this forum), and figured they'd never play together again and what a shame that it was not up to par.
Ringo Starr's comment seems to be a tiny chink in the armor and when I first read his quote I instantly thought of Branford Marsalis' comment from 1985 (paraphrased): "Ringo Starr couldn't swing if he was hanging!.." This was after Ringo was quoted as saying that jazz sounds like cats running around on a tin roof.
And speaking of jazz, The Police WON'T sound like that. I'm quite sure Andy and Stewart are dissuading Stingo from the versions he's been doing since 1985 (example: I hope Sting puts the missing verse back in "When The World..."). That being said, I'm sure that Andy's harmonic sense has only advanced more and more and he probably has great ideas for new sections and reharmonizations in the songs. Stewart is still on fire and I'm glad he got out from behind the computer keyboard and back on the skins.
Along with that, we're getting The Police. No one else. No keyboard players, extra long-haired posing guitarists, backup singers, horn players (quickly--I thought that Chops RUINED most Police songs), etc. It would be great if we got the energy and excitement from stadium shows resembling the Zenyatta tour, with improved musicianship.
As for the cash--yes, they're getting a ton of money. They're all sharing the profits (it's not Sting's money show). Keep in mind they have other people to pay. They make their living playing music. God Bless 'em.
I'm sure I'll gush about the show. I'm sure I'll have criticisms. I just listened to a 1980 Zenyatta show in France where Andy was screwing up left and right. It happens. I'm a musician. You have good gigs and bad gigs.
I missed the Police live in 1984. Seen Sting many times since then. I listen to my bootlegs constantly. I can't wait, no matter what kind of show it is.