STEWART COPELAND

Since I've posted some criticisms here in the past, I thought it only right that I should post the positive. I've heard some of the SoCal shows, and they are improving. The same weak spots are still there in the set (although they've made things a little better by moving things around), but their playing is getting a lot more focused and coherent. The jams are starting to sound like they have a sense of direction, and Sting is finding his groove on the vocals. They've picked up the tempo considerably in a number of areas, which is very welcome. Most of all, they're starting to sound like The Police--a single cohesive band. By the end of the tour, they'll probably be in extremely good form...

Thanks for posting your thoughts, it's good to see that some original doubts and criticisms are turning a bit toward the positive...I hope you have a great time when you do get to see them!

I hope I do get to see them. Keeping my eyes on the schedule for any new announcements.

Truth Hits, Next to You and Don't Stand still SUCK compared to the originals, though... Just gotta be honest.

They might as well just put a message up on the Jumbotron that says "We're old and we can't rock anymore".

I must demand that they swing through California again... I wanna see our boys warmed up. I mean, the Oakland show was good, but it could have been better.

I can't wait for July 10. I know they're going to have everything down. I think they were rusty at first but I really think Bonnaroo changed them and especially the recent Dodger Stadium gig.


I cannot wait.

The new version of Next To You is awsome, its got a groove which the old vesrsion didn't, too punky for my tastes. Dont Stand needs to be stripped down like the acoustic versions in the past and then segue into a song like So lonely. Truth could be faster I agree, should be dropped maybe in favour of Bring On The Night if they ever get that working

I heartily disagree. Lyrically, Next to You is a straightforward blues/rock song. The only thing that distinguished it in the first place was the way they played it. Stewart's drumming in particular. Check the second part of this video for illustration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEJH6clqfUI

They were great from the first show. They'll be great at the end. No amount of posting YouTube clips is going to change my opinion in this regard, in as much as I don't expect to change yours based on my thoughts in this regard.

When was that show you're seeing again? I really look forward to your own personal review of a show you've actually been to.

It's not as if the things I've said haven't been stated by people who have seen the shows. These are not unique opinions. If and when they add a show in D.C., I'll be there--provided I can get a ticket before they sell out.

Well, as long as you're being fair and balanced (much like Fox News, hee hee), you might note that quite a few people called last weekend's show the "best stadium show they've ever seen in their lives".

Best. In their lives.

Again, I can't compare ANYTHING I've seen or heard on the Internet to the actual experience of being at the show, W&S. I really hope you do have the opportunity to form a qualified opinion based on having gone to the concert. It's a great experience that I hope everyone can enjoy.