Here's the full BTDT review:
The Police Tour 2007-2008
Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey PA
July 20, 2007
It's a shame to know that these guys have been off the grid for the past 20+ years as a formal band- when they come together, it's like watching a nuclear reaction take place..
I think the first song I ever remember hearing from this band goes all the way back to 1981- the song was "Spirits In The Material World", from the Ghost In The Machine album- this was actually the first LP album I ever purchased in my life on my own (thanks Columbia House!). The album cover sported 3 red digital numbers that kind of looked like 3's but were jumbled somewhat. Many die-hard fans reading this review will be thinking "uh, NO DUH" on the album cover.. But I do mention these details for future reference in the review, so just keep reading 8^]
The show at Hersheypark was an excellent one- The location is perfect for Summer performances, since it's a wide-open stadium with lots of echo. On a cool Summer night, it's a tough one to beat. I attended the show with my wife, sister, and brother-in-law, after spending a day at the park sans kids.. This was my first time ever seeing this particular band in concert, and I just have to say knowing how they sound at their ages today, I think I've really missed out on some great past performances.
The band kicked off at 8:45PM, with the opening act being Sting's son around 7:45PM. We unfortunately missed the opening band set, but I can say that what I DID hear sounded enough like Sting to be his twin- amazing how some traits pass from parent to child. Prior to the show's beginning, I asked my brother-in-law if there was anything in particular he'd hoped to hear them play- he mentioned he'd like to hear them do Invisible Sun from the Ghost In The Machine album. I agreed, as that's probably one of my all-time faves from this group, and it never seems to make it to the radio waves, let alone on a live performance. But, I told him I agreed with him, and also hoped to hear Synchronicity II. I hadn't checked online for any prior postings of set lists like I'd done for the RUSH show, so this night was going to be a total surprise to me.
Set List (not completely in order but close):
Message In A Bottle
Synchronicity II
Walking On The Moon
Invisible Sun
De Doo Doo Doo, De Daa Daa Daa
Everything She Does (Is Magic)
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Roxanne
Can't Stand Losing You
King Of Pain
Walking In Your Footsteps
Driven To Tears
Every Breath You Take
So Lonely
Next To You
After having just seen RUSH earlier this Summer, it's hard to speak of any drummer in a brighter light than good 'ole Neil Peart- BUT, I can definitely say that The Police's Stewart Copeland is close on Neil's coattails... Although he did not perform an actual "solo" for this concert, quite a few of the songs were extended to include additional percussion fills and "extras" that really displayed Stewart's proficiency. At one point, Sting even referred to the event as "The Stewart Copeland Show"- Stewart just seemed to stare at him in awe that he'd said that..
Andy Summers: This was my first time ever seeing this guitarist live, and let me say this.... the guy JAMS. He has some great improvisation skills that sound great blasting out into the audience. And you could really tell the guy enjoys playing for a crowd- I don't know how anyone could ever give that up!
Sting: This guy after all these years is still simply, amazing... He seems to have endless wind in his lungs! I don't know whether it was the perfect Summer night, 30+ years of learning different singing techniques, or what- but the guy extended some notes that just seemed to carry forever through the stadium air. And his range is still there as well! Roxanne proved that..
I have to say that the biggest surprise of the night was Invisible Sun- as I mentioned earlier, myself and brother-in-law were hoping for this one to make the set list, but it was almost a pipe dream.. so to hear it live was a real treat! They actually did quite a few cuts off of the GITM album, and after one of the tracks (I think Invisible Sun), a digital screen showed the numbers from the album flickering in and out.. What a privilege to see, for someone whose first introduction to this trio was that very album! Great stuff.
After the show ended and we were walking to our vehicle, there were rumblings of our little group catching one of the next shows in the area, since the group will be playing both in Baltimore on 8/4 and Atlantic City in November- so stay tuned for another possible review on this legendary band!
Footage from 7/19 event:
(page updated from 2007 Archives due to server migration)
