I grew up listening to The Police. I was too young in the '80s to make the pilgrimmage to one of their shows, but marveled at the videos. I stared in wonder at the television as Sting ran through a darkened room lit only by rows of candles. Years later, when I could appreciate their music on a deeper level, the band was long since gone, and there seemed virtually no chance of a reunion. Saturday night the unimaginable became real, and I was treated to stunning versions of my Police favorites while standing among a crowd of 80,000. It's easy to guess what songs were played, but none were performed in the usual way, with new arrangements that dare I say are even more interesting than the originals. Walking in Your Footsteps and King of Pain were spectacular in their new versions. Here's hoping a live album is released.
The performance was spot on with a distinct simpatico between members, though there were a couple of brief instances where they left the stage, returning a few minutes later. Some joked the guys must be back there fighting- if so, it didn't show. Sting and Andy Summers appeared to be playing the same guitars they had 25 years ago. Nice touch. Stewart Copeland was the most enthusiastic of the bunch, his energy seeming endless. Half way through he prompted Sting to remove his clothes for the rest of the show; Sting settled for just losing his shirt, to the delight of many female fans.
This fan was hoping to hear Syncronicity, but Summers seemed to be lacking in the backing vocals department, which probably explains why Don't Stand So Close to Me was also omitted. The show was slotted for 9-11:30 p.m. but ended an hour early- though after this amazing show, how could anyone possibly complain?
Catch The Police at Churchill Downs July 14. You won't regret it. -Mary Q. Burton
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