On the subject of setlists

[sockii]

Since this keeps coming up as a bone of contention, I'd just like to ask this:

Please name me arena/stadium-level tours where the headlining artist has regularly changed up the setlist night to night.

I'm just curious, because the more I think about the aritsts/shows I've seen-- particularly when you're talking about productions with lots of lighting/video work involved--I really can't think of any artists who DO what so many folks seem to be demanding that The Police do on this tour. Add or remove a song or two through the months, yes, having one or two changing numbers, maybe, but beyond that? Please let's hear of some examples.

[Divemistress of the Dark]

I don't know, because The Police are the only band I'd go to the trouble to see in an arena.

I have seen REM pick up songs on the fly, but I've been lucky enough to see them in smaller venues over the past few years, so it may not count.

[jeffdaweasel]

[quote="sockii"]Please name me arena/stadium-level tours where the headlining artist has regularly changed up the setlist night to night.[/quote]

There are a few, but not many, and not quite on this level.

Pearl Jam would do this a bit, as would the Black Crowes. Neil Young has played large venues and thrown out the set list (if there was one).

But the Police aren't that kind of band, and with all the lighting cues and so on, it just wouldn't be feasible. We're not talking about the Grateful Dead here. I don't see why anyone would be disappointed that each show isn't 100% unique in this regard.

[sockii]

>Neil Young has played large venues and thrown out the set list
>(if there was one).

Yeah, I would expect that of him (and say, Bruce Springsteen). Your more singer/songwriter kind of artist, and I don't think they have as much of a stage production involved, do they?

>But the Police aren't that kind of band, and with all the lighting cues and
>so on, it just wouldn't be feasible. We're not talking about the Grateful
>Dead here. I don't see why anyone would be disappointed that each
>show isn't 100% unique in this regard.

Exactly.

[PhilippeC]

[quote="sockii"]I really can't think of any artists who DO what so many folks seem to be demanding that The Police do on this tour.[/quote]

They're not just folks, they're faaaaaaaaaaaans! Even if The Police would play 40 songs on this tour, some would still regret a dozen of songs is missing!

[Voices Inside My Head?]

Dave Matthews band is famous for it. I have a 4 CD set of back to back concerts they did last year at Fenway Park. There was only one repeat song in both shows. They like to mix it up especially for those that seek multiple shows and to avoid boredom. I'll second the comment about Springsteen. He also likes to mix it up some.
[quote="sockii"]Since this keeps coming up as a bone of contention, I'd just like to ask this:

Please name me arena/stadium-level tours where the headlining artist has regularly changed up the setlist night to night.

I'm just curious, because the more I think about the aritsts/shows I've seen-- particularly when you're talking about productions with lots of lighting/video work involved--I really can't think of any artists who DO what so many folks seem to be demanding that The Police do on this tour. Add or remove a song or two through the months, yes, having one or two changing numbers, maybe, but beyond that? Please let's hear of some examples.[/quote]

[jeffdaweasel]

[quote="Voices Inside My Head?"]Dave Matthews band is famous for it.[/quote]

Sure... but that's what jam bands *do*. The Dead, DMB, Phish... that's what they do. And the Police are just not that kind of band!

There are plenty of places to see/hear great improvisational music. Try your local jazz bar or indie-rock club, and support a smaller-level musician who needs it!

[Spec A!]

Dave Matthews Band. Check out their setlists on the tour part of their site and you'll see a good 3-5 songs changing every couple shows. Sometimes they change night after night, sometimes they change after a few dates in a row, but they do vary a few songs at least.

On one hand it's very cool, because you just don't know 100% for sure what you're going to hear. Yeah you know the major songs will be there, but you may catch a gem or two. On the other hand, it can be disappointing to be following the setlists as the tour progresses and get your hopes up for them to play a certain song for the show you have tickets for, only to have it change up that night.

In the end, it's all about the music, and I love every bit of it!!

[Voices Inside My Head?]

I think that considering their problems in the first concert with, pardon the word, synchronicity, they might stick pretty much to a constant set to ensure that they have "mastered" the songs to their satisfaction. I don't see them doing too much changing, especially with material they haven't grown comfortable with again. I could also see them dropping those they feel haven't gone well.

[sockii]

>Sure... but that's what jam bands *do*. The Dead, DMB, Phish... that's
>what they do. And the Police are just not that kind of band!

Yup. Jam bands you'd expect that. I've never put the Police in that category.

And quite honestly, when I look through my old bootlegs, it seems like the Police have *always* played a standard setlist with very few variations, tour to tour. I'm not sure why folks expect any different this time aronud.[/i]

[vespapod]

U2 on the "unforgettable Fire" tour Bono asked fans what they wanted to here about halfway through the show.....could have been ad libbed but seemed authentic to me.

[jeffdaweasel]

[quote="sockii"]And quite honestly, when I look through my old bootlegs, it seems like the Police have *always* played a standard setlist with very few variations, tour to tour.[/i][/quote]

That is 100% correct, going all the way back to the tour for Zenyatta. Same set each stop.

See, we didn't have the freakin' INTERNET then so that everyone could compare and contrast each show five minutes after the encore, and then bitch about things that shouldn't matter at all.

[AZPEARTPORTNOY]

Bon Jovi, Metallica, Rush and Dream Theater. I would say these bands are major arena acts with the exception of D.T. in the U.S. I have seen these bands on many tours, not only do they change it up, they do it on a nightly basis. Rush has played only a few dates thus far and has not changed it yet but they will. Although many of you may not be familliar with Dream Theater, I have never seen a band who tries so hard to please their fan base. Mike Portnoy, drummer, keeps a history of the shows they play and will change up the setlist based on what they played the last time through. He does this for EVERY show. The fans love it.

To be fair, the acts I have listed have at least nine albums of material to pick from. They also didn't stop playing together for over twenty years. I've posted that I'd love to see Sych 1 in the setlist but I understand at this point they have to do what they feel is best. I'm just glad they're back and in PHOENIX TONIGHT!!!!!!!

[Philip]

It could be an "encore". No need of "SPECIAL LIGHT EFFECT... to give to sockii her show.

Of course the police can doo that. They started with not much technic in the begining.


and regarding the QUESTION OF THE STADIUM SHOW :
stadiums are made to play base ball in the USA (or what you call football) and soccer in the rest of the world. Musicians are supposed to be FREE. ROCK is free. I meen, it's not a SHOW, it's not an OPERA, it's not THEATRE. It's a rock band playing what ever they want.

too much ORGANISATION....

keep it simple & true/honest

[sockii]

>It could be an "encore". No need of "SPECIAL LIGHT EFFECT... to give to sockii her show.

It's not _my_ show--nor are the effects anything to do with what I may or may not want in a Police (or anyone else's) show. Just for the record.

Simply brought up the question.