What the tour has meant to me

[alex]

Ok, 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.

[policerule]

alex, funny that footloose was your first... isn't forbidden music what that movie was about? it is a great story and i'm really glad that you are doing what you want now. i'm not going to get into religion one here, but i certainly am happy that you got away from that situation. music is my religion. i certainly feel like the police are god at this moment.

thanks for sharing!

[georgygirl]

alex, what a lovely post you wrote.

Thanks for sharing with us your feeling about The Police tour.

[alex]

Policerule, that is a riot. I never once thought about the connection between footloose. I agree I certainly don't want to make this a religious post, hence no names from my perspective. I was up so early this morning watching concert clips on youtube, and I just felt estatic. I still break into a goofy grin whenever I think back to the Toronto shows.

[Madgrad]

Gotta jump in here-- great post, alex. Clearly heartfelt. 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.

The only problem is now I've got this urge to follow them around the world! Three times is just not enough! I'm completely addicted (obviously I'm not the only one)! I think I'm having a midlife crisis.

I know what you mean about the "goofy grin" thing, alex. I've had one plastered to my face for weeks. Just thinkin' about Stewart "yelling" at the crowd before running offstage sets me off every time.

[DirtyMartini]

Thanks for sharing your story, alex.

[shyvixen]

Thank you for sharing your story Alex.

My household wasn't nearly as strict as yours but I did get a lot of grief from my parents, my dad especially, about the music I loved. I got many dire warnings about how immoral it was. So I can relate.


Suppose it didn't help things when my dad heard Be My Girl Sally.

[policefan]

Alex, very interesting story. Thank you for sharing it. I just found out that my aunt, a few years older than me was never allowed to go to any concerts but she wasn't even very religious! Wasn't Elvis with his shaky moves seen as by the older generation?

[conroy]

Thanks for sharing, alex. It really means a lot to me when people are ablet to express things like your story and feel comfortable enough to share it with us. It really reinforces how much we are like a close-knit family here.

[animal]

Alex,

Thank you for posting, amazing the trials & trubulations most people go through to get to a certain point in life.

Just find comfort in the fact you're with a bunch of loonies...hmmm maybe that's not the right word, a bunch of like minded enthuasiasts, that you can share experiences with, that will bring a smile to your face even on your worst day.

Enjoy

[alex]

Awww, thanks for all the great feedback guys. When you finally become an adult, most of that stuff from childhood is just a distant memory. You can even be wistful with some of the so called harder memories. Evey kid has it tough at times. I don't believe there are any exceptions. For most of us, we can look fondly at our childhood troubles and wish we could go back. That's one of the things that's so cool about this forum. 99% of the people here make the other 99% better people, if you know what I mean. It's the universal law of reciprocation in it's full effect.

Shyvixen, maybe it's just me, but I got a real laugh out of your responce. Household? immoral? The way you phrased your post makes me believe we might have something in common. When I was a kid, those were two of the most used words. Every family was a household, and every thing was immoral. The most used word being "the big A"

[IndyGirl]

Music has a way of touching people and listening to a certain song again after many years have gone by can transport you back to a certain time and place. The lyrics are poetic and relatable. Thanks for sharing, Alex.

[English-lion]

Alex you remind me of my best friend She was a Salvation army minister's daughter. Very strict! I was the only one of her friends that they permitted to visit Her parents seemed to like me (ha go figure) I remember one time I was there and at the dinner table there was a discussion on what is the name for a female dog! I managed to stifle myself when her Dad went and got up from the dinner table and get the dictionary! but lost it when he read the definition. he would hear me and my friend's brother giggling away! He would give us the stern look we would stop and look innocent! He would continue, we would giggle he would give us the look he would continue we would giggle give the look then continue he gave up when we couldn't stop laughing when he said "How to tell when a bitch is in heat................."

Anyway My friend broke out the same way you did her song was "We got the beat" by the Go Go's she'd put make-up on at school and I would help her escape form the window at night.

Thanks for sharing

[visions]

Thanks for sharing Alex that was very brave of you

what you experienced was not normal

music is very important

all through the bible music is used

i have loved the police since the early eighties and music all my life i could not live with out music in my life

people like that are giving Christians and alike bad names and I am sorry you went through but now you broken away and free from that rubbish for that is what it is.

Keep strong and enjoy the music for music is another way expressing oneself.

Jan.

[shyvixen]

[quote="alex"]
Shyvixen, maybe it's just me, but I got a real laugh out of your responce. Household? immoral? The way you phrased your post makes me believe we might have something in common. When I was a kid, those were two of the most used words. Every family was a household, and every thing was immoral. The most used word being "the big A"[/quote]

I'm glad I made you laugh, Alex. I bet we could share some stories. I remember my mom giving me this big lecture on how evil KISS were. I hated KISS! I remember thinking - "Am I going to start having to listen to KISS now, just to bug her? They're crap!"
Thank goodness for The Police, I could be rebellous and listen to great music at the same time!
The only music that never got me in trouble were my Donny and Marie records. Go figure.