STEWART COPELAND

"What remains astonishing about The Police show is that it's just three musicians — Sting, Summers and Stewart Copeland. Sting sings for two solid hours without any backup or augmentation. There are no additional musicians and nothing be added to by a computer. It's kind of a remarkable feat and all the more so when you realize they have nothing to fall back on."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,291060,00.html

I've read this kind of blind "i'm not listening, lalalalalalalalalalala" praise a few times now. As much as our boys are ripping it up, the fact remains that Sting et al are *not* working unassisted for many of their songs. It's pretty clear that during "Synch II", "Message", "Roxanne", and "Truth", there are sampled and / or autotuned backing vocals mixed in with the live vocals. A small criticism but I always get annoyed when Journo's state the band are doing it the 'natural' way when they are not. 'Roxanne' (aside from the jam section) and several other tracks are also played to a click (don't believe it? take 'roxanne' from the last 10 shows, line them up listen with bewilderment at how every rendition is at exactly the same BPM).

Of course, journos are making all kinds of mistakes and unwarranted criticisms as well, and considering their age and the 20 years of Sting Solo-ness they have to get over, the band are doing really well. Especially Andy, who is soloing all over the place (probably too much, as it kills that nice minimalist edge which was a hallmark of the Police sound) like a man a third of his age. He's shredding like a monster. What a gloriously talented guitarist.

Hey tj7---It's true what you're saying---there are some augmentations, but I gotta say: It IS amazing what these 3 musical monsters are achieving nightly, and I don't think the word "crutch" would be warranted. They could get over just as well with no technical help, if they so chose. I really don't see how Sting does it, night after night! What I'm really happy about (and you can really see it in those Toronto pix) is that this tour seems to be growing more triumphant with every show they play! As for the journos, I stopped reading them after they misappropriated Stew's blog post at the beginning of the tour. I was at Dodger Stadium, and I saw it for myself: They're the best!.....

yep, and i agree wholeheartedly with you as well. night after night, sting is hammering his voice and still putting his all into it. andy remains the star, as far as i'm concerned, though! (sorry stew, you're a legend but andy's got that camel! )

....also keep in mind that most non-musicians aren't going to notice that. If they can't see it on stage, the average person won't have a clue what's really going on behind the scenes. What technical wizardry! Gandalf would be proud....

Andy Summers, covering ALL the harmonic and melodic accompaniment (except for the occasional Sting foot pedals). Ya know, I told myself that seeing them once on this tour would be enough, but it's chats like these that make me reconsider! It's a musical summit that bears repeated listenings, and I'm a little jealous of those who are doing multi-shows. Maybe I'll ask Stewart if I can be his towel man when I see him in L.A. in 2 weeks! I have a feeling, tho, that every drum geek west of the Mississippi will be there too........

I agree neonhunter,

I was just glad to get tickets for the one show in Philly, and only seeing them once on the tour.

Afterwards I needed another fix.

Luckily they announced another Philly show in Nov, and I've got tix for that.

The reviews from fans who have seen several shows, say everytime they seem to outdo themselves.

Georgygirl said it best: This feat has never been achieved before IN HUMAN HISTORY!