Some interesting words of candor from The Big Man . . .

[hollo]

Part of the reason we all like the police is sting's bass playing . You know, it's so catchy and groovy. Don't you love the bass line on songs like oh my god and hungry for you. Stewart and andy are important but it's sting's bass playing that gets all of us dancing.

[hollo]

But sting has lost focus without the police. His solo music isn't as direct and focused as the police. If the general public were polled i am sure 70% of people would choose the police over sting.
I do not like dream of the blue turtles in comparison to synchronicity. I like fortress around your heart but the other songs are typical of sting's solo career, they're jazzy watered down songs.

Sting needs to be in the pollice to get back into rock music to be toughened up. He needs to make a police album to re-establish himself again after losing his way.

[Wait and See]

>>>Stewart (yes, despite the colossus that is his ego)<<<

I don't know if it's accurate to say Stewart has a colossal ego. From what I've seen of his family, the whole bunch is a pretty aggressive lot who go for whatever it is they're after with 100% effort. Not so much "I'm the greatest" as "this is what I'm about, take it or leave it". Blunt and straight forward, no BS. Certainly that can rub people the wrong way, but it doesn't necessarily require an inflated sense of self-aggrandizement.

[blueboy]

I really hope that the documentary footage reflects that changing dynamic from the first few weeks of rehearsal where Sting appeared to be taking the reigns...through to the more equal band dynamic that Stewart is alluding to.

That will be interesting to watch!

[xyzman]

Hello again everyone.

Coming out of the safety of lurk mode for a minute, I think Stewart's words are fascinating because it confirms what probably everyone on here thought would happen when they got back together - I agree any future footage will be brilliant.

I'm also mildly surprised that SC feels that Universal didn't exploit the back catalogue too much - what with SACD's and compilations etc, there's been quite enough opportunities to buy the same thing a number of times thanks!

Still looking forward to Message In A Box 2 though (any further news on this anyone?)

Finally, I have to say that any musical scepticism I have had about the reunion has been blown away by the numerous comments made mainly by SC about Sting realising that The Police were not going to be just a band of professionals bowing to his every word and command.

From the outside, The Police always seemed to get their energy and drive from the friction created by the 3 gifted but strong minded individuals in the band. Ultimately they split up because of it - but one thing you could never call them was bland.

If some of that energy is back now because they all appreciate that the friction is the key mixed with a healthy dose of respect, then all power to them and I hope that they stun everyone over the next 12 months.

OK - War and Peace over.

All best wishes from London.

[DirtyMartini]

[quote="Wait and See"]I don't know if it's accurate to say Stewart has a colossal ego. . . .[/quote]

Nah, W&S, I was just being sarcastic, which is why I added the wink. Some of the things I dig about SC are his unpretentiousness and generosity as well as his candor and self-awareness. I was simply poking fun at the overblown hyperbolic ego trip persona that he puts on for dramatic effect -- which is a frickin' hoot.