this is my first post in here, but I've been in Geneva yesterday and I'd like to share
thoughts with other Police-Fans.
First of all I was so happy to see those guys, it was their very first(!) concert
in Switzerland - and may well be their last. I've wished to see Police live for
over 20 years now, so I was a happy, smiling, young(?) man in the crowd having fun!
The man of the evening was Stew! Always full of energy, driving the band, playing
a wonderfully steady drumming full of details. His work on the hi-hat and on the toms
was simply awesome, exactly what I've been dreaming to see live! Wonderful! 5 stars
for the anchorman! Worth the (pricey!) ticket!
And Sting: well I've seen him live on the "soul cages" tour and heard a lot of live
recordings. Sting did a decent job yesterday, but it's obvious that he avoids singing
some high-pitch notes. Many songs were played in a much lower key than usual which
changed the mood considerably on some songs. But Sting's such a pro that he masked
this without any problem. His voice is still great, he's in great shape and he
still jumps high on end chords!
But: What the hell was up with Andy??
I found that he was out of time several
times, some solo scales were - to say it friendly - experimental. Solos were
rather long, I totally agree that Police were known for tight, short & sexy songs,
not for prog-rock like solos...
Other problem: Sting modified some songs and played them in a "sting solo band" -
style. This may be ok on some songs, but then a studio crack like Dominic Miller
would match this concept better and IMHO this damaged the "Police-sound".
Guess Sting has waited too long for the reunion >:->
It was great to see Andy, he *is* a great guitar player, but yesterday - I'm afraid -
he just didn't groove. Period. Hope he just had a bad day...
The light show and the visuals were great, the sound was ok in front of the scene
(too loud, too much bass) and the crowd was doing fine, I'm sorry that we Swiss
people didn't fill up this damned arena, but I wouldn't say that the audience
was cold.
Higlights: "Message in a bottle", "Wrapped around your finger" (beautiful!!!),
"Next to you", "Every little thing" (nice guitar arrangement).
Lowlights: "De Doo Doo Doo..." (too long, didn't groove),
"Driven to tears" (boring arrangement).
Songs I've missed yesterday: "Tea in the sahara", "Synchronicity I", "Man in a suitcase"
So it was a great concert, not sensational, but great!
But enough ranted for today, folks! I am a happy man, I've *finally* seen them live,
life's different now
Go and see them, you'll be having a good time!!!
Regards (& sorry for my bad english)
Daniel
