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Friday, November 16, 2007
Photos / Live Reviews Live Review: The Police
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Nov 16, 2007 at 2:37 PM
The Police w/ Fictionplane
Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Nov. 15, 2007
The Deal: The Police return to Charlotte for the first time since 1982 (and second time ever) with Sting's son's band in tow.
The Good: Fictionplane singer Joe Sumner may sound and look a lot like his dad, but their energy was infectious and a good start to the show. The Police hit the stage to high anticipation around 8:45 p.m. and kicked off their hour-and-45-minute set with "Message in a Bottle." If there were any worries that Sting was still suffering from the flu that caused the cancellation of the previous night's show in Philadelphia, they were quickly forgotten. Sting's vocals were solid and he capped off the song with his signature jump in the air. It was a big night for singalongs as the band rifled through a hit-heavy set including, "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Walking on the Moon," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" and "De Do Do Do De Da Da Da." Like their set at Bonnaroo there were few moments of "jamming" and Stewart Copeland appeared to have the most fun. Copeland also found the time to show off his expertise on percussion during "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "Walking In Your Footsteps." Sting cracked a few smiles during the night, especially when he led "Truth Hits Everybody" into a brief cover of Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack."
The Bad: Why build a big stage if you're not gonna use it? Sting made his way up the side of the back ramps of the stage only twice during the show. Sure, he wound up standing on top of the speakers, but they had a huge circular stage, yet contained themselves up front. Let's face it - Sting isn't the best lyricist and some of the songs just sound goofy. Sure, they're fun to sing along to, but at times I almost had to laugh.
The Verdict: A fine comeback performance - especially after being sidelined by the flu. Fans are still hoping for a new album.
SETLIST
Message in a Bottle
Synchronicity II
Walking On The Moon
Voices Inside My Head
When The World Is Running Down
Don't Stand So Close To Me
Driven To Tears
Truth Hits Everybody > Hit the Road Jack
Hole In My Life
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Wrapped Around Your Finger
De Do Do Do De Da Da Da
Invisible Sun
Walking In Your Footsteps
Can't Stand Losing You
Encore
Roxanne
King Of Pain
So Lonely
Every Breath You Take
Next To You
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