What the tour has meant to me
Posted: 11 Aug 2007 11:57Ok, I realize that I might be making a mistake getting so personal here. And it's a good bet that I might read this later and remove it, so if I do at least you know why.. I've always loved music from as far back as I can remember. The problem was, I was raised in a very oppressive religious atmosphere. Music was strictly forbidden, as was most contact with society out of the institution. I still remember the first song I heard on my am radio, footloose. I discovered it by accident. From then on, I would spend hours in my room with the radio volume so low that my ear would be an inch away from the tiny speaker.
My first introduction to The Police was at a friends house. That was where I saw the Syncronicity album cover. Being raised with a ridiculous fear of demons, I was terrified by the picture of Sting beside a skeleton, and the flaming phone. My guilty pleasures of listening to a few songs on the radio would never extend to The Police, I swore to myself. The first time I heard the Police music, I had no idea who it was. I was with my uncle and the singles had just come out. We were on our way to play a game of hockey, and I instantly loved every song I was hearing. When he told me who we were listening to I had a real battle with my conscious. It took a while to buy my first cd, but I bought Outlandos. I was very cautious, so I threw out the case and disguised the cd in a religious cd cover. All was great for a while, but soon the cd was discovered. Man I got in deep shit for that one.
No more music until I moved out 6 months later. But then I bought the entire catalogue. The music and lyrics made me realize for the first time that I was not alone. Other people felt the same as I did. I was 17 and trying to break free from my religion, and music was my only out. I was just learning what concerts were and was waiting with baited breath for a Police concert. It was 1988 though and it was too late for that. A short while later I was expelled from the church. It was difficult as I was then disowned by all friends and family. I hope this doesn't sound like a drama queen, but my music was the only thing that got me through. It was literally my only bright spot.
Over the years, I realized that a reunion would never happen, and immersed myself in adding to my collection. Then it all came together. They played the grammies on my birthday. I was 2 hours late for my party because I wouldn't leave the house until they played. I didn't trust my friends to 100% quiet during the performance. I've been to two shows so far. And it's no exaggeration that both have been up there with the highlights of my life so far. Just as the old albums helped me grip with a new life that I had to forge, the live shows have awoken another giant in me. I now find myself with more enthusiasm than I've had in years. I've been working on a project for over 3 years now, and we've made more progress in the last 3 weeks than the entire 3 years combined.
Watching this tour mature, and seeing just how much effort and dedication are required has made me incredibly focused. I'm working harder and smarter than at any other point in my life. Sorry if I rambled. I was up very early, too early, and I was pacing and this was all I could think about. So for those who have negative comments about the tour, this is why I ignore your posts, or why I might make a derogatory comment about it. I don't mind constructive criticism, but to just say something stupid has no place here. I hope those people will learn to understand that. Take care all, I can finally start getting ready for the day soon, and sorry for the length.
My first introduction to The Police was at a friends house. That was where I saw the Syncronicity album cover. Being raised with a ridiculous fear of demons, I was terrified by the picture of Sting beside a skeleton, and the flaming phone. My guilty pleasures of listening to a few songs on the radio would never extend to The Police, I swore to myself. The first time I heard the Police music, I had no idea who it was. I was with my uncle and the singles had just come out. We were on our way to play a game of hockey, and I instantly loved every song I was hearing. When he told me who we were listening to I had a real battle with my conscious. It took a while to buy my first cd, but I bought Outlandos. I was very cautious, so I threw out the case and disguised the cd in a religious cd cover. All was great for a while, but soon the cd was discovered. Man I got in deep shit for that one.
No more music until I moved out 6 months later. But then I bought the entire catalogue. The music and lyrics made me realize for the first time that I was not alone. Other people felt the same as I did. I was 17 and trying to break free from my religion, and music was my only out. I was just learning what concerts were and was waiting with baited breath for a Police concert. It was 1988 though and it was too late for that. A short while later I was expelled from the church. It was difficult as I was then disowned by all friends and family. I hope this doesn't sound like a drama queen, but my music was the only thing that got me through. It was literally my only bright spot.
Over the years, I realized that a reunion would never happen, and immersed myself in adding to my collection. Then it all came together. They played the grammies on my birthday. I was 2 hours late for my party because I wouldn't leave the house until they played. I didn't trust my friends to 100% quiet during the performance. I've been to two shows so far. And it's no exaggeration that both have been up there with the highlights of my life so far. Just as the old albums helped me grip with a new life that I had to forge, the live shows have awoken another giant in me. I now find myself with more enthusiasm than I've had in years. I've been working on a project for over 3 years now, and we've made more progress in the last 3 weeks than the entire 3 years combined.
Watching this tour mature, and seeing just how much effort and dedication are required has made me incredibly focused. I'm working harder and smarter than at any other point in my life. Sorry if I rambled. I was up very early, too early, and I was pacing and this was all I could think about. So for those who have negative comments about the tour, this is why I ignore your posts, or why I might make a derogatory comment about it. I don't mind constructive criticism, but to just say something stupid has no place here. I hope those people will learn to understand that. Take care all, I can finally start getting ready for the day soon, and sorry for the length.
I also feel as though "Our Boys" reuniting has had a positive effect on my life. Before this I had slipped into a sort of suburban haze-- raising little kids, etc. Listening to WAY too much Wiggles, I'm afraid. 
I'd forgotten how friggin much I love music, especially the Police.
Just thinkin' about Stewart "yelling" at the crowd before running offstage sets me off every time.
