Saw the Police show in St. Louis

[MonetBass]

By now I'm sure everyone read reviews, but I wanted to share my personal experience.

It was a great show. The stage wasn't huge, but with only three blokes onstage, I guess it doesn't need to be. I think partly due to the crowd getting into it from the get-go (we were all singing along with "Message In A Bottle"), Sting had a grin on his face and was having a ball. He even complimented the crowd for being "in good voice".

Their arrangements were fairly close to the originals, with occasional tangents that were tasteful. They pulled out a few tunes I didn't expect, though: "Voices Inside My Head" (which then went directly into "When The World Is Running Down..."), "Invisible Sun", "King Of Pain", "So Lonely", and -- my favorite -- "Can't Stand Losing You/Regatta De Blanc/Can't Stand Losing You".

Re: Sting's bass tone, I wasn't digging it on the GITM and Synchronicity stuff. Sounded OK on the Outlandos and Regatta stuff though. I guess he didn't want to change instruments. His voice was very solid, though. He hit some high notes with no problem.

Andy was -- well, Andy. He shredded on a couple of tunes, and even pulled out a rather atonal solo (much like on the album) on "Driven To Tears". Very cool. He didn't jump much, but what do you expect from a 64-year-old?

What made the show for me was Stewart Copeland. (Blasphemy, I know!) He was working hard and appeared to be having the time of his life. His supplemental percussion setup behind him that he used on "King Of Pain" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" had various bells, a glockenspiel, a tabla, and tympani.

Most of all I'd say that these three guys had nothing to prove and just went out and had fun. Consequently the audience did too (at least in my section). And mostly they sound just as good as ever, with the exception of a few minor flubs. But who of us hasn't messed up during a live show? It was a blast and I'm glad I got to see them on what I imagine will be their final tour.

Don't forget they'll be playing the Live Earth concert on Sat., so set that DVR! I will be.

[dave64o]

They're no Kansas ( ), but I'm still looking forward to seeing them in two weeks in Philly. Glad to hear it was a great show.

[MonetBass]

True, Dave. But I saw Kansas in '95 and was sadly disappointed. Then Styx came on stage and they were amazing! (Last tour w/ DeYoung.)

[dave64o]

I only said that for your benefit, which I'm sure you knew

I've seen Kansas a few times in the last several years and was only disappointed once. That time they only played for about an hour and 15 minutes and left. Maybe someone wasn't feeling right or there were some kind of technical or schedule issues? Who knows? The other times I saw them they played forever and sounded great, just liek the old days.

Come to think of it they (Kansas) were here last night for a free 4th of July show. I unfortunately couldn't go. I'll just have to console myself with going to see Rush tomorrow night with my 10 year old son - a concert he requested to go to before I ever brought it up!

Still looking forward to The Police, too!

I saw Styx two years ago and I agree, they were phenomenal. Peter Frampton opened for them and as usual also did a great show. The opening act was what surprised me the most, though. We purposely took our time getting there because we didn't care if we saw the first act or not, but we got there early enough to hear most of their set. It was the Nelson brothers (Gunnar and ?) and they did an acoustic set by themselves that was really, really good. I walked away having a lot more respect for them than I ever had based on their bubble gum, teenybopper power pop from the 80's.

[MonetBass]

Originally Posted by dave64o

I'll have to console myself with going to see Rush tomorrow night with my 10 year old son - a concert he requested to go to before I ever brought it up!

You have taught your son well, Dave.