A reunited version of the British new wave band, The Police, hit the stage at the TD Banknorth Garden on Nov. 11. Providing audiences with nearly two hours of hits from their five albums, the band proved that they are still prominent nearly 30 years later. Consisting of singer/bassist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland, the power trio sought to disprove those who were doubtful of a reunion.
The night began with "Message in a Bottle," one of The Police's most recognizable hits dating back to the 1979 album Reggatta de Blanc. During the course of the show, the band performed 19 hits including, "Every Breath You Take," "Synchronicity II," "Can't Stand Losing You," and "Walking on the Moon." For loyal fans, it was entertaining to hear lesser known tracks like the politically flavored "Driven to Tears" and "Truth Hits Everybody." While the band reformatted some of the song arrangements, it was only the chorus of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" that was disappointing.
The night concluded appropriately with "Next to You," the punk-influenced song that kicked off the band's debut album. As the trio bowed and left the stage, most fans appeared satisfied though a number of attendees were frustrated that "Roxanne," a gigantic hit for the band, was excluded from the night's set.
The band, while obviously a little older and slower, has maintained the same level of musical precision and finesse that was characteristic of their glory days. Sting's voice is still considerably powerful even though he has decided to refrain from some of the high, shrill notes that were found on the early albums. Copeland's frantic, fill-laden drumming was the driving force for many of the songs. On three numbers, including "King of Pain," he darted back and forth between a standard drum kit and a special rig containing more ambient sounding percussion instruments. Summer's guitar playing relied on dissonant chords and effect-driven textures, giving him the sound that many guitarists like, The Edge, emulated in the '80s.
Any complaints regarding the reunion are put aside when you take a moment to consider what you are witnessing: The Police are together again onstage in 2007. For a band that was so infamous for clashing egos and constant squabbling, audiences should realize that this event was never supposed to happen. I hope that this armistice continues and the band can give fans the new album they have been waiting for since 1983. B+
2008 Woodie Awards
