Andy Summers - quietly and confidently glueing everything together with his effortless professionalism. Up there with the true guitar greats, yet happy to leave his ego locked up in the hotel. Class
He's a wonderful musician. I got to see him front his own trio in London quite a few years ago; it was weird to see him playing a 335 as opposed to his ubiquitous Telecaster.
Somewhere between Stewart’s chaotic intensity - and Sting telling him to tone it down and just play the song with some restraint - lies one of the finest drummers ever. Somewhere between Sting’s precise, measured musicality and Stewart forcing him to push the tempo and up the ante - lies one of the best frontmen ever. They need each other!
Thank You! Who else would have thought to put delay on their kit for "Walking on the Moon" I can't imagine that song without that effect, especially live.
It’s ridiculous isn’t it, why can’t they just admit, live playing 101 “every performance will be different, and should be” “mistakes happen, you keep going and sometimes that’s the point”oh and “fucking enjoy your selves”.
What's interesting about the Sting - Stewart dynamic is the obvious dual dynamic of their relationship. There were spats and fights, but there was respect there too. Sting doesn't even flinch at 14:04 when Stewart starts fondling his head. They're relaxed with each other.
The conflict is what made them so ridiculously beautiful, born in the fire. It's a miracle we got what we did. Words cannot describe what this band means to me.
They really made me think differently about conflict between musicians. If there is conflict within a band that means everybody cares about their craft.
You've got to hand it to Copeland .. he's so in shape, energetic and fit - he hasn't lost any enthusiasm or energy. What a man. The dynamic between the three of them is hilarious 😂
Those types of kooks are so in their own world its insane, theyll pull that, and then still act like everybody else is below them, man i hate hollywood, but i digress.
... yeah, he is a real gentlemen - saw him in Oct23 in Montreal - a kind and just all together composed human being. (not that Sting and Stewart are not ... but I guess he was just a little bit older and ... and I guess - a bit of a different character as a guitarist :D )
Ur absolutely right but I think Sting's point there is to keep that "signature" flam fresh and not overuse it. Otherwise it loses it's impact (no pun intended) and becomes predictable and generic.
@@kingcassius2586 I agree. Maybe "generic" was a bad choice of words because Stewart's drumming wasn't and never will be generic. But predictable? Perhaps, especially if he were to overuse any facet of his technique not just that one. True of any musician, really.
@@iggypopisgod9 yes i agree, He ould get on my nerves as well after a while. I mean its ok to joke around for sure but its just constant with him , little too goofy
iggypopisgod9 yeah, he was constantly fighting with Sting for the leadership of the group. The guy who write the songs and hits is the leader. That’s Sting. Not that Sting wasn’t difficult but he wrote the material that got them into Arenas. And they made millions but Copeland didn’t respect that apparently. Because he is an arrogant prick. So is Sting. So two Alpha Males don’t get along.
Andy Summers book, One Train Later, is a great read. He also made a great interview hosted by Rick Beato which can be found on Beato's RUclips site. Andy leaves you with the impression that he's intelligent and so fluent on guitar in several different genres. His early days hanging out with Clapton, Beck, Page, Chas Chandler, jamming with Hendrix, etc. are interesting. Selling to Clapton his Les Paul for $200 and it's now worth $2 million. Yikes!
Kudos to Stewert's son, Jordan Copeland for a fine production. I remember Stewert being interviewed, years ago, and mentioning that his son was attending film school at the time. It seems that he has graduated since and ripened into quite the film auteur. This was not only a beautifully shot documentary of the Police's reunion tour, but also a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of the three members coping with the grueling schedule of a massive world tour. Each member was open, willing to share, and quite articulate in their experiences.
I slept on the streets of Hartford for five days to get tickets to their Syncronisity Tour....got second row on the floor in front of Sting.....everyone rushed the stage and I stood right below Sting. He pointed his toe and touched my hand while dinging and gave me this sweet smile. These guys were awesome live. Saw them twice on The Ghost in The Machine tour. I made a huge banner with their logo and hung it off the side (had first row side stage). They came off the stage saw the banner and either Sting or Andy saw it, pointed it out to the others and Stuart came over grabbed it, shook it and left. I still have that banner packed away. It is a great memory. I can stillhere in my brain "Message in a Bottle"....live
Er...I love the police as much as the next man...but let's keep calm..they're once you take away their considerable musical prowess...they are like you and me... flesh and blood...its not like they're inventing Cures to save lives or bring about world peace...although im pretty sure if that could be brought about via a "charadee" gig Sting ,mark Knophler and eric Clapton...with phil Collins would be on it....oh yes im old enough to remember those days when well heeled highly paid demi gods roamed the planet (via 1st class tickets on concorde)....fighting hunger, dieisease and apartheid....lol
Andy Summers is like the Ringo of the Police. Whilst all the bickering and fighting is going on he's just chilling and waiting patiently to play another song.
LOL, that guying crying at 9:28 because he just had his face melted by the reunited Police, playing inches away from him. That would totally be me too. Saw them on the Ghost In The Machine Tour in 1982.
Hold on to at beautiful, amazing 1982 memory. I saw the reunion tour. They were completely over each other, and it plainly shown. They ROCKETED through the shortest set ever, no improvising, no extended versions. Barely 90 mins of sheer pain on stage. I waited 20 years to see my favorite band having missed the 80’s rounds. Heartbroken, I cling fondly to my copy of The Police live in Atlanta 1986. By far, their best work. Sorry for blathering.
I was 7 at the time, already listening to that album, 9 years old I went to my first concert, The Police's Synchronicity Tour, Pontiac Silverdome Michigan, close to 100 000 packed that field. Thank God I had a sister 10 years older than me telling me what was good music at the time, and it wasn't Duran Duran.
I've always liked Stewart's flams. He's one of the few drummers that make that simple accent into a full fledged drum fill. I love Sting's abilities, but maybe one day ( not likely) he will realize that the general public and fans alike appreciate the musicianship of the individuals.
He does. Believe me. Sting absolutely realizes that! He would never have stayed with and later reunited with Andy and Stewart if he didn't understand the impact the 2 of them have on his own abilities as well as on the success of The Police. I mean c'mon! He's not blind to the fact that, as brilliant a musician and songwriter as he is, he has never come CLOSE to achieving the global success and musical impact with anyone else but these 2 men. That's just an indisputable fact. And Sting is no idiot as I'm sure you know. He knows what and who brought him to heights he would never have achieved otherwise.
I think I can quantize this whole thing. 1. Sting is a profoundly talented musical genius and a hugely successful artist on his own. 2. Sting could not sell out Dodger Stadium on his own without Stew and Andy being there. -The End
Absolutely. And don't think he doesn't know that. Which is why a) he choose to be more diplomatic with Andy and Stewart than he used to be, and b) why he agreed to a Police Reunion that he was pretty adamantly against for a VERY long time. With age comes wisdom, and at this stage of his life and career, he knew this was probably his only chance to recapture that "stadium bliss" he felt at Shea 25 years prior.
Bonzo was highly impressed with stew's drumming its a well known fact. Even Jason said so. Stew changed the game, begun a new whole concept for drummers. Peart and Tony williams said that several times
@@jeshkam While I don’t agree with Baker about Bonham. Ginger Baker was FAR from overrated. He was a world class percussionist. Recognized by almost every great drummer of his era and others. Baker was an A hole and an egomaniac. But he had the skills to back it up. Period. Literally nobody with a brain disputes his skill.🤷♂️👍🥃 Even Clapton said Bonham wasn’t on the same level as Baker.🤷♂️
@@BillMcGirr Couldn't agree more with you mate. What a miserable conceited horrible man Ginger turned out to be. Amazing drummer, that fact is undisputed, but he put almost every other great drummer down. Beyond egocentric. The guy even treated his own son like shit. You can be the best drummer in the world, but if you're a total cnut then that drumming skill stands for nothing. Sad that he turned out that way.
"It's so important for me to make Sting happy, cos he is really important to me..... All of my instincts take me into realms that don't make Sting happy" 🤣🤣. That's it right there. Given this we are lucky they gave us 5 albums
From an outside perspective, Andy seems like the world's most patient man. I love him. I love this band. Stewart is the best drummer the world has ever seen. Sting is just simply brilliant (& he was right about Stewart's headband). But Andy is the one I'd love to hang out with. John Mayer + guitar hero ... That was awesome!
yea, sting would be little to serious and arrogant at time for me , stewart just gets to goofy and annoying after 5 minutes in a conversation. Andy would be the best to hang with
"There came a time during the tour, the three of us had to hold hands, (we do a lot of that), confess, give it up, just to hang our heads in humility and and recognise that we are the hottest band in the fucken' world" - Stewart Copeland (35:22) Pretty much.
The drum "pushes" sting is complaining about mid way through are the reason I loved Stewart Copelands approach to feel. I was raised on those awkward little acceents he plays. That the stuff that separates him as a drummer and sting is trying to squash it.
frank mills Meh, I don’t know if I agree there. I’m not a Sting apologist or anything like that...I think his white boy spirituality can be a bit much...but he’s not wrong there. Stewart is a brilliant drummer who’s impossible to fully imitate but the cool drum break and the part that best serves the song aren’t always the same thing. I’m sure Stewart had a dozen little moments like that over the course of any given show...it’s just that THAT particular one was at a pretty crucial moment during the introduction of a hook.
I sense that Sting isn't as horrible as everyone thinks. Especially now that he's older. He has solid visions with his songs so it can be hard to let go and allow the other guys to change them. It also appears that he's an introvert, which can make a person seem like an arrogant snob. I read his biography and now have a better understanding of him.
in my case its the opposite, i used to have a high regard for him but after he dumped stewart and andy and his posturing demeanor in post interviews i couldn't stand him anymore. Ive heard him and trudy are snobs. i acknowledge that he wrote some of their biggest hit songs but he will never find a better drummer and guitarist.
I have learned, as I mature and evolve as a human, that gossip and judgements of people are rarely accurate. Even people that do really destructive, negative things. Still the idea of them is based on a little gossip. From people we don't know either, like who even knew anything about Sting's brother, and what he is like? It makes as much sense as believing the reference of someone you don't know, over the phone, for the person that is applying, right in person. We also hold people to a judgement of them from the past, even though we can see how they are at present. I can see now, how that is an exercise of us talking about who we are, or we think we are. Which can often be inaccurate, as well.
I'm 58. The '70's were Zeppelin, the 80's were The Poilce. Laughed out loud watching this! F'ing GREAT, and very funny! Really captured the magic that was this band.
This band more than any influenced me in the 30 years I've been a pub/club covers band musician, personalities aside (we've all had clashes) these 3 guys rock, It's what makes it work. Why shouldn't Sting come across as cocky or arrogant he's brilliant, Stewart is simply breathtaking as a drummer/percussionist and just crazy. Meanwhile Andy gets his head down and creates some of the most recognisable pop/rock riffs of all time. I'd like to thank them all for waking me up to a sound and a style of playing that for me has never been equaled. Thank you guys, it was great to see you play together again after so many years.
Sting gave the impression that he’s powerless because he can’t fire anybody. If this how he wielded power and influence in the band in the past then it’s no wonder relations between band members was on a knife edge at the height of their fame.
haha i've always heard that the people who are so pro and competitive often have the highest egos. But that's what makes sting so good, he's so driven.
@@instantrameng0d36 I think he was referring more so to the power dynamic he’s been use to in his solo act for so many years. I don’t think that happened in the Police. That was probably more of a mutual thing. Plus Sting is the main song writer of basically all of there material too. So that probably led to the record company being a lot more willing to green light Sting’s solo act which basically proved he could do it on his own and be just as successful. Not to mention, Sting always played with a full live band with saxophone players, back up singers, keyboard players, a second guitarist, and then eventually multiple musicians and percussionist of all different types. So Sting’s solo act always sounded very full with the multiple extra session musicians, much more so than the Police did live. Of course me personally if I had to pick an act I’d rather see live, I’d pick the police any day of the week of course
As a guitarist ,I am with Stewart.I so enjoy that he gives sting what he is due.he more than richly deserves it.Andy Summers is the genius that paints to his formidable jazz abilities and the catalyst for the leap into true excellence.
Something about their clashing personalities and clashing ideas creates the perfect chemistry for whatever it is that they become. I’m sure this has been said 1000s of times, but it’s true.
Without Andy's exceptional talent on guitar and his use of minimal but sophisticated jazz chords they would have been the typical punk-new wave fare. Andy was very important to not only the Police but to music in general.
Can we please have a “best abuses” album of Police? My god this is more funny than any sitcom currently on TV. “Drum fill of 9 bars” or “why don’t we give him a Tennis racket “ ... oh lord dry British wit mixed with American confrontation is just the kind of stuff a writer would have to labor for. Thanks for this video now bring us the best of abuses album please
Must've watched this a trillion times, but I never get tired of it. These guys are very cool. The Police is one of the best things that happened in this universe.
There's the Police, then all the other bands! The amount of emotion a Police song brings out in me is almost shocking. Love these guys, their music and their sense of humor. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't listen to one of their songs. In fact, I loved their music so much I taught myself to play bass, lead guitar and the drums....just so I could play their stuff. It's magical what they do!
4:00 Stewart completely rushes the shit out of his lick and fucks it all up, but at 9:04 he pulls it off the same lick relatively cleanly in Message In A Bottle. Also love that guy having a moment at 9:29. Great band forever.
Thanks Andy. You were the melody. Everyone has their role in a 3 piece All as relevant as each other. What a fantastic time to have been listening too and seeing bands like The Police play to their people
I saw them in Birmingham. I was blown away by Andy's improvs; something I hadn't twigged from their records - up there with the best of them IMO; Beck, Holdsworth et al.
Interesting that Sting is admittedly somewhat rigid in the face of Stewart's improvisation whilst Sting improvises the hell out of his vocal melody lines
lmao i was thinking the same damn thing. getting on him for his fills and telling him to play it like the studio version when he sounds like he's singing the star spangled banner before a baseball game
Hey, there's this other 3 member group you should check out, despite the fact they no longer are: RUSH. Although completely different types of music, they both put out a wall of sound.
Met them at UH campus first time in Hawaii, because my Aunty was shacking up with the promoter, they did a line and rocked the place. They were brothers back then and loved the island playing tourist. Got to kick it with devo b52s the knack and joan jett such good bands and memories loved the 80s
Being "much more organised" as Sting says can actually be a bad thing (or rather, not as good). It kills spontaneity and being creative... I think audiences respond better to the "Craic" created by this creativity. Sting should just chill into it. They've played the songs to death, so they know the damn tunes... so allowing creativity is important. I think Sting as a band mate would drive me nuts too :) And having said all that I do realise it's 13 years old this LOL LOL :)
I have to say, they do seem to have a genuine love for each other , but as much as i thought the amount of lumens emitting from Sting's arse was considerable...Stewart is hard fucking work! There's an element of "day release patient on meth"" about Stewart! He's a fucking brilliant drummer, but He's also fucking hard work! But, as a band, when they go off on one and jam out and improvise, they got fucking perfect chemistry! They got that intuition thats almost like a 6th sense with each other! And its a joy to get off with them when watching and listening!
Rock 'n' Roll Recovery I think they have love for one another in the same way that you have love for the wife you divorced after years of fighting but still miss, somehow.
Absolutely awesome. The Police Rock!!! Many Thanks. I loved The Police since I was a kid when I found one of their albums that belonged to my big sister. I played it all the time. All three, Sting, Andy, Stewart, are musical brilliance and effin funny. I wish you never stop.
Tengo este DVD, es increíble, es un honor que se haya llevado a cabo en mi ciudad natal (Buenos Aires) y haber estado ahí en el recital, adelante de todo, es una experiencia hermosa que nunca voy a olvidar. Gracias Andy, Stewart y Sting por tantas alegrías.
This is absolutely incredible. I had no idea this documentary existed. I cannot believe they had so much access. To watch these geniuses argue over details is fascinating.
15:48 this why one cannot work with this knuckle. Absolutely amazing drummer. Entertaining guy. Absolute pain in the ass though. Impossible to work with except you follow him no matter what.
I attended the Montreal concert at the Bell center in july 2007 ...a dream came true, what an experience for a teenager in the seventies who listened for the first time The Police (do do do da da da ) , im 54 years old amd still a big fan.
Having seen The Police on Saturday Night Live I became an instant fan! Sadly, after 27 years I think Sting is more impressed with himself than anybody is impressed by him. I still love the band and give the other guys credit for making it through rehearsals without wanting to beat him with his ego stick. Did he have them to Tuscany to save money on a space, because that is beautiful country or so they could see his massive wall of STING memorabilia and gold CDs?!?
Best film I've seen on the best band of all time. Captures the energy & anticipation of The Police getting back together again. From the gig/presser at the Whisky A Go Go to the lights out moment of opening night in Vancouver with the screaming audience palpable. Great film by Stewart's son Jordan. Was lucky enough to see The Police several times on this tour and the memories come flooding back. Even Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up thru' the p.a. pre-show - just like back in '83 at Wembley Arena on the Synchronicity tour. This is a must watch for all Police fans.
It just makes me want to scream out in pain to see the damage COVID-19 has done to live music concerts. The roar of the audience cheering for their favourite band is something we will never see again in the future!! Thank you for uploading this transcendental magical video. It truly is "Better than Therapy!" The guy head bopping @ 45:00 just shows how f**king amazing it was and still is!! 💖💖
The first time i heard Roxanne was in 1978 when the world was great, when i look at the comments slanging of Sting, this reflects their own problems What a band!
I loved these 3 personalities together. As I heard I think it was Stewart who said we all make music for different reasons and it works so well together. In finding this documentary I see that for them and it did work. I totally love their work in and outside of the band. Love Stewart’s energy and enthusiasm and Andy’s evenness as with Stings semi OCD ways. Lmao It works and glad to have enjoyed them as a band and solo artists. Amazing musicians
I was fortunate to have seen the "Ghost in the Machine" and "Synchronicity" tours when I was in High School. I traded an once of swag for great sets for the Synchronicity show. Great band to see live and in relativity small venues compared to their final 2007 tour. The cost for tickets in 2007 was outrageous as well.
The group dynamic between these guys is as entertaining as their music is. The entire documentary is also brilliantly edited to make it as funny as possible.
That must have been so difficult. When you write something, a song, a play, a poem, it’s your baby. It takes a lot of restraint to paint something then for someone else to come along and paint their own colours all over it and be happy. Perhaps if they’d shared the songwriting a bit more then there would have been more harmony.
The whiskey. A legendary bar. The doors. Morrison. Guess what? I was there in 2010 during the day. The guy said I couldn't take pictures. This was my eyes opened to the corporatization of American ideals values cultural hotspots and everything we all hold near and dear. That's when the death knell rang for America.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Andy Summers - quietly and confidently glueing everything together with his effortless professionalism. Up there with the true guitar greats, yet happy to leave his ego locked up in the hotel. Class
He's a wonderful musician. I got to see him front his own trio in London quite a few years ago; it was weird to see him playing a 335 as opposed to his ubiquitous Telecaster.
Andy is the Ringo of this band
you may be an everton fan... but you're absolutely right! (jokes haha)
Beautifully and truthfully stated!!
up the fucking toffees
Somewhere between Stewart’s chaotic intensity - and Sting telling him to tone it down and just play the song with some restraint - lies one of the finest drummers ever. Somewhere between Sting’s precise, measured musicality and Stewart forcing him to push the tempo and up the ante - lies one of the best frontmen ever. They need each other!
So well said :-)
Thank You! Who else would have thought to put delay on their kit for "Walking on the Moon" I can't imagine that song without that effect, especially live.
@@capo_di_capi "Keep it up...."
@@dinopappous6639 Synchronicity Tour Atlanta...gotta love Sting's jacket!
The tension between these 3 brilliant musicians created the alchemy of the brilliance of The Police
3:13 "I'm now in a band where I can't fire anybody." And the laughter that followed. 😂
ego!
18:40 Stewart: We are over rehearsed
18:41 Sting: We are under rehearsed
LOL
Gotta love that part
It’s ridiculous isn’t it, why can’t they just admit, live playing 101 “every performance will be different, and should be” “mistakes happen, you keep going and sometimes that’s the point”oh and “fucking enjoy your selves”.
Andy...............; I just wanna play!
What's interesting about the Sting - Stewart dynamic is the obvious dual dynamic of their relationship. There were spats and fights, but there was respect there too. Sting doesn't even flinch at 14:04 when Stewart starts fondling his head. They're relaxed with each other.
5:51 "This is kind of surreal, you with that shit on your head casting aspersions on my headband." I love Stewart. I could watch hours of this.
The conflict is what made them so ridiculously beautiful, born in the fire. It's a miracle we got what we did. Words cannot describe what this band means to me.
First time I heard them was 82. I was 12. I've never gotten over it.
I so love & appreciate and stand with your comment. ♥️🇺🇸🌿
They really made me think differently about conflict between musicians. If there is conflict within a band that means everybody cares about their craft.
John Mayer: I play a lot of guitar hero so I know its red, green, blue
Andy: Thank god..
Omfg I love Andy 😂
You've got to hand it to Copeland .. he's so in shape, energetic and fit - he hasn't lost any enthusiasm or energy. What a man. The dynamic between the three of them is hilarious 😂
Stewart and Sting are the classic Yin Yang. Thank God for Andy being the glue!
When Kanye starts "singing" at 29:35, it always reminds me of my 3 year old niece joining in on the Christmas Carols
Bruh 😂 I don't know if it's because I'm drunk, but that comment made me laugh for a hot minute. Thank you for that.
I just arrived at this point, please cut my ears off..
But Kanye is the self proclaimed "The greatest rockstar of all time!"
You obviously missed all that greatness 😎
Those types of kooks are so in their own world its insane, theyll pull that, and then still act like everybody else is below them, man i hate hollywood, but i digress.
Stewart, Sting AND Kanye?!
So many egos in that room. 😀
Andy seems so nice! Bless him.
He’s put up with a lot!
... yeah, he is a real gentlemen - saw him in Oct23 in Montreal - a kind and just all together composed human being. (not that Sting and Stewart are not ... but I guess he was just a little bit older and ... and I guess - a bit of a different character as a guitarist :D )
7:05 Those "flams" Sting speaks of is SO signature of the Police sound and fans love it. Stewart's flams are like Andy's flanger/chorus effects.
Nah he just wants him to build it with the kick
Yes but maybe he didn't want a flam in that bit
Ur absolutely right but I think Sting's point there is to keep that "signature" flam fresh and not overuse it. Otherwise it loses it's impact (no pun intended) and becomes predictable and generic.
@@marcweissman5752 that's just it though. Stewart's style is notoriously the antithesis of "predictable and generic."
@@kingcassius2586 I agree. Maybe "generic" was a bad choice of words because Stewart's drumming wasn't and never will be generic. But predictable? Perhaps, especially if he were to overuse any facet of his technique not just that one. True of any musician, really.
I freakin' love Stewart Copeland
any sensible person would, he's the boy
uneedtherapy42 i can see why Sting left. Copeland is ungodly talented but highly annoying at times.
@@iggypopisgod9 yes i agree, He ould get on my nerves as well after a while. I mean its ok to joke around for sure but its just constant with him , little too goofy
iggypopisgod9 yeah, he was constantly fighting with Sting for the leadership of the group. The guy who write the songs and hits is the leader. That’s Sting. Not that Sting wasn’t difficult but he wrote the material that got them into Arenas. And they made millions but Copeland didn’t respect that apparently. Because he is an arrogant prick. So is Sting.
So two Alpha Males don’t get along.
@@dynjarren7523 ... Thank God for Andy Summers
Andy Summers book, One Train Later, is a great read. He also made a great interview hosted by Rick Beato which can be found on Beato's RUclips site. Andy leaves you with the impression that he's intelligent and so fluent on guitar in several different genres. His early days hanging out with Clapton, Beck, Page, Chas Chandler, jamming with Hendrix, etc. are interesting. Selling to Clapton his Les Paul for $200 and it's now worth $2 million. Yikes!
You've gotta love Stewart.
He gives as good as he gets!LOL
I like Stewart but, man he talks a lot .
I guess growing up in Beirut as the son of a CIA agent kind of rubs off on you.
@@markdemell3717 He's also a bit corny. Though maybe it's the age thing.
Kudos to Stewert's son, Jordan Copeland for a fine production. I remember Stewert being interviewed, years ago, and mentioning that his son was attending film school at the time. It seems that he has graduated since and ripened into quite the film auteur. This was not only a beautifully shot documentary of the Police's reunion tour, but also a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of the three members coping with the grueling schedule of a massive world tour. Each member was open, willing to share, and quite articulate in their experiences.
I slept on the streets of Hartford for five days to get tickets to their Syncronisity Tour....got second row on the floor in front of Sting.....everyone rushed the stage and I stood right below Sting. He pointed his toe and touched my hand while dinging and gave me this sweet smile.
These guys were awesome live. Saw them twice on The Ghost in The Machine tour. I made a huge banner with their logo and hung it off the side (had first row side stage).
They came off the stage saw the banner and either Sting or Andy saw it, pointed it out to the others and Stuart came over grabbed it, shook it and left. I still have that banner packed away. It is a great memory.
I can stillhere in my brain "Message in a Bottle"....live
U bed any of them? 😂😂😂
Wow...you are so lucky to have seen them many times!!
Awesome story
I grew up in Waterbury, I remember the Hartford Civic center
Er...I love the police as much as the next man...but let's keep calm..they're once you take away their considerable musical prowess...they are like you and me... flesh and blood...its not like they're inventing Cures to save lives or bring about world peace...although im pretty sure if that could be brought about via a "charadee" gig Sting ,mark Knophler and eric Clapton...with phil Collins would be on it....oh yes im old enough to remember those days when well heeled highly paid demi gods roamed the planet (via 1st class tickets on concorde)....fighting hunger, dieisease and apartheid....lol
Andy Summers is like the Ringo of the Police. Whilst all the bickering and fighting is going on he's just chilling and waiting patiently to play another song.
But, unlike Ringo, is HALF of the band, really, without standing out as such. Andy will forever be underrated for his part in this power trio.
I’m team Stewart. Love his chaotic intensity
LOL, that guying crying at 9:28 because he just had his face melted by the reunited Police, playing inches away from him. That would totally be me too. Saw them on the Ghost In The Machine Tour in 1982.
Ken Mastri - I’m pretty sure “that guy” is Robert Downey, Jr.! 😁
Hold on to at beautiful, amazing 1982 memory. I saw the reunion tour. They were completely over each other, and it plainly shown. They ROCKETED through the shortest set ever, no improvising, no extended versions. Barely 90 mins of sheer pain on stage. I waited 20 years to see my favorite band having missed the 80’s rounds. Heartbroken, I cling fondly to my copy of The Police live in Atlanta 1986. By far, their best work. Sorry for blathering.
I was 7 at the time, already listening to that album, 9 years old I went to my first concert, The Police's Synchronicity Tour, Pontiac Silverdome Michigan, close to 100 000 packed that field. Thank God I had a sister 10 years older than me telling me what was good music at the time, and it wasn't Duran Duran.
Saw them in Santa Cruz, when I was just a kid, around 1978 or 1979 I think.
so much respect
Strong personalities, amazing musicians, a lot to hear in this movie.
Sometimes the pressure creates Diamonds, maybe Neil Young was right, it is better to burn out than to fade away.
23:43 I thought the camera was going to pan up to reveal Sting flying the plane...or at least telling the pilot how he's not doing it right.
Sting bow to his pagan god.
I've always liked Stewart's flams. He's one of the few drummers that make that simple accent into a full fledged drum fill. I love Sting's abilities, but maybe one day ( not likely) he will realize that the general public and fans alike appreciate the musicianship of the individuals.
Yes, Stewart's flams are great, only bested by Terry Bozzio.
He does. Believe me. Sting absolutely realizes that! He would never have stayed with and later reunited with Andy and Stewart if he didn't understand the impact the 2 of them have on his own abilities as well as on the success of The Police. I mean c'mon! He's not blind to the fact that, as brilliant a musician and songwriter as he is, he has never come CLOSE to achieving the global success and musical impact with anyone else but these 2 men. That's just an indisputable fact. And Sting is no idiot as I'm sure you know. He knows what and who brought him to heights he would never have achieved otherwise.
I agree sting woundnt be where hes at all 3 of them just wow
I think I can quantize this whole thing.
1. Sting is a profoundly talented musical genius and a hugely successful artist on his own.
2. Sting could not sell out Dodger Stadium on his own without Stew and Andy being there.
-The End
Absolutely. And don't think he doesn't know that. Which is why a) he choose to be more diplomatic with Andy and Stewart than he used to be, and b) why he agreed to a Police Reunion that he was pretty adamantly against for a VERY long time. With age comes wisdom, and at this stage of his life and career, he knew this was probably his only chance to recapture that "stadium bliss" he felt at Shea 25 years prior.
Bonzo was highly impressed with stew's drumming its a well known fact. Even Jason said so. Stew changed the game, begun a new whole concept for drummers. Peart and Tony williams said that several times
And, they were all Tama Drummers at the time. it's because of Stewart I won't play anything but.
Ginger Baker once said Bonham couldn’t swing a sack of shit.
🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🥃
True story.
@@BillMcGirr And that was said by one of the most overrated drummers ever?
@@jeshkam
While I don’t agree with Baker about Bonham.
Ginger Baker was FAR from overrated.
He was a world class percussionist.
Recognized by almost every great drummer of his era and others.
Baker was an A hole and an egomaniac.
But he had the skills to back it up.
Period.
Literally nobody with a brain disputes his skill.🤷♂️👍🥃
Even Clapton said Bonham wasn’t on the same level as Baker.🤷♂️
@@BillMcGirr Couldn't agree more with you mate. What a miserable conceited horrible man Ginger turned out to be. Amazing drummer, that fact is undisputed, but he put almost every other great drummer down. Beyond egocentric. The guy even treated his own son like shit. You can be the best drummer in the world, but if you're a total cnut then that drumming skill stands for nothing. Sad that he turned out that way.
"It's so important for me to make Sting happy, cos he is really important to me..... All of my instincts take me into realms that don't make Sting happy" 🤣🤣. That's it right there. Given this we are lucky they gave us 5 albums
From an outside perspective, Andy seems like the world's most patient man. I love him. I love this band. Stewart is the best drummer the world has ever seen. Sting is just simply brilliant (& he was right about Stewart's headband). But Andy is the one I'd love to hang out with.
John Mayer + guitar hero ... That was awesome!
yea, sting would be little to serious and arrogant at time for me , stewart just gets to goofy and annoying after 5 minutes in a conversation. Andy would be the best to hang with
Andy being ten years older than the other two helped with the patience thing, I think.
Sting bows to his pagan god,ugh.
Andy is the absolute necessary easygoing neutral guy that keeps Sting and Stewart from killing each other. Love Andy! Never any drama or BS with him.
@@DarkeningSkies1 Andy has also played with a wide variety of bands and musicians in his career. There's really nothing new under the sun for him
Stewart Unloading on Sting 4:50 was priceless
"There came a time during the tour, the three of us had to hold hands, (we do a lot of that), confess, give it up, just to hang our heads in humility and and recognise that we are the hottest band in the fucken' world" - Stewart Copeland (35:22)
Pretty much.
it was true. they came out of retirement and became the top selling act on the planet, again!
The drum "pushes" sting is complaining about mid way through are the reason I loved Stewart Copelands approach to feel. I was raised on those awkward little acceents he plays. That the stuff that separates him as a drummer and sting is trying to squash it.
frank mills
Meh, I don’t know if I agree there. I’m not a Sting apologist or anything like that...I think his white boy spirituality can be a bit much...but he’s not wrong there. Stewart is a brilliant drummer who’s impossible to fully imitate but the cool drum break and the part that best serves the song aren’t always the same thing. I’m sure Stewart had a dozen little moments like that over the course of any given show...it’s just that THAT particular one was at a pretty crucial moment during the introduction of a hook.
I sense that Sting isn't as horrible as everyone thinks. Especially now that he's older. He has solid visions with his songs so it can be hard to let go and allow the other guys to change them. It also appears that he's an introvert, which can make a person seem like an arrogant snob. I read his biography and now have a better understanding of him.
He IS BRILLIANT! Heres to hoping they'll have a 2nd reunion tour😃
in my case its the opposite, i used to have a high regard for him but after he dumped stewart and andy and his posturing demeanor in post interviews i couldn't stand him anymore. Ive heard him and trudy are snobs. i acknowledge that he wrote some of their biggest hit songs but he will never find a better drummer and guitarist.
@@ImYourHuckleberry_29 him and trudy are insufferable
I have learned, as I mature and evolve as a human, that gossip and judgements of people are rarely accurate. Even people that do really destructive, negative things. Still the idea of them is based on a little gossip. From people we don't know either, like who even knew anything about Sting's brother, and what he is like? It makes as much sense as believing the reference of someone you don't know, over the phone, for the person that is applying, right in person. We also hold people to a judgement of them from the past, even though we can see how they are at present. I can see now, how that is an exercise of us talking about who we are, or we think we are. Which can often be inaccurate, as well.
I think he would be difficult to work for
I'm 58. The '70's were Zeppelin, the 80's were The Poilce. Laughed out loud watching this! F'ing GREAT, and very funny! Really captured the magic that was this band.
This band more than any influenced me in the 30 years I've been a pub/club covers band musician, personalities aside (we've all had clashes) these 3 guys rock, It's what makes it work. Why shouldn't Sting come across as cocky or arrogant he's brilliant, Stewart is simply breathtaking as a drummer/percussionist and just crazy. Meanwhile Andy gets his head down and creates some of the most recognisable pop/rock riffs of all time. I'd like to thank them all for waking me up to a sound and a style of playing that for me has never been equaled. Thank you guys, it was great to see you play together again after so many years.
Yes indeed
Lovely comment left 9 years ago. 1/20/24. I concur. ♥️🇺🇸🙏🏻
Sting gave the impression that he’s powerless because he can’t fire anybody. If this how he wielded power and influence in the band in the past then it’s no wonder relations between band members was on a knife edge at the height of their fame.
haha i've always heard that the people who are so pro and competitive often have the highest egos. But that's what makes sting so good, he's so driven.
@@instantrameng0d36 I think he was referring more so to the power dynamic he’s been use to in his solo act for so many years. I don’t think that happened in the Police. That was probably more of a mutual thing. Plus Sting is the main song writer of basically all of there material too. So that probably led to the record company being a lot more willing to green light Sting’s solo act which basically proved he could do it on his own and be just as successful. Not to mention, Sting always played with a full live band with saxophone players, back up singers, keyboard players, a second guitarist, and then eventually multiple musicians and percussionist of all different types. So Sting’s solo act always sounded very full with the multiple extra session musicians, much more so than the Police did live. Of course me personally if I had to pick an act I’d rather see live, I’d pick the police any day of the week of course
As a guitarist ,I am with Stewart.I so enjoy that he gives sting what he is due.he more than richly deserves it.Andy Summers is the genius that paints to his formidable jazz abilities and the catalyst for the leap into true excellence.
I think the reason why the three work so well together (as Sting wondered about) is because each one of them is a genius and hugely talented.
Copeland to reporter: "Don't for a minute think that I need a big gong. But I have one." I love his humour.
The reason I play Tama, and always will.
Stewart Copeland Rocks!!
If I were in a band with Copeland I'd be all "do whatever you want bro".
🤣🤣🤣 right !?!?
Ypu wouldn't because he doesn't play in time.
@@charmingferret5916 He does but offbeat.
More on the hi hats bru
Yeah that way he could play even less in the pocket and all over the place
Something about their clashing personalities and clashing ideas creates the perfect chemistry for whatever it is that they become. I’m sure this has been said 1000s of times, but it’s true.
Without Stewart’s energy (and his bros) this band wouldn’t have a single GOLD record. Think about that...
Without Stewart, this band would never have existed, it was his band.
@@abbynormal34 exactly
Last time I checked...bands need songs...without Sting...doesnt happen either. They were an incredible band because all 3 were incredible musicians.
Without Andy's exceptional talent on guitar and his use of minimal but sophisticated jazz chords they would have been the typical punk-new wave fare. Andy was very important to not only the Police but to music in general.
nickdryad Sting is an ordinary composer?? Is this a joke?
Can we please have a “best abuses” album of Police? My god this is more funny than any sitcom currently on TV.
“Drum fill of 9 bars” or “why don’t we give him a Tennis racket “ ... oh lord dry British wit mixed with American confrontation is just the kind of stuff a writer would have to labor for. Thanks for this video now bring us the best of abuses album please
Forget about how good he is a a drummer... My man Stewart Copland was charming the pants right off that lady at 31:37. Smooth as hell.
She's paid to act that way she does it with everyone
Must've watched this a trillion times, but I never get tired of it.
These guys are very cool.
The Police is one of the best things that happened in this universe.
Stewart Copelands drumming helps to turn a 3 minute Police song into a 6 minute live masterpiece. Marley is always a great show starter ✌️🤘🇦🇺
RIP Taylor Hawkins 10:41
Telling Copeland how to drum is akin to teaching a great white how to eat.
Even a great white needs a diet from now and then
There's the Police, then all the other bands! The amount of emotion a Police song brings out in me is almost shocking. Love these guys, their music and their sense of humor. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't listen to one of their songs. In fact, I loved their music so much I taught myself to play bass, lead guitar and the drums....just so I could play their stuff. It's magical what they do!
Right on and well said! They are my favorite band above INXS and U2 (and many others)
They were flawless 👍🏻
Stewart Copeland - “We don’t have ego clashes in this group. People assumed we did...” riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight......
It's a laughable comment really. Andy is the only one who isn't a raging narcist.
I love Stewart! hahahaha! 10:42, Taylor was there! wow. this is gold
..... Stewart is my fave guy in the Police. His back & forth with Sting is priceless.
4:00 Stewart completely rushes the shit out of his lick and fucks it all up, but at 9:04 he pulls it off the same lick relatively cleanly in Message In A Bottle. Also love that guy having a moment at 9:29. Great band forever.
I think he fucked it up on purpose to piss of sting but idk
@@unit-0123 in rehearsal it was a mistake, but playing live he for sure snuck it in as a troll/flex to show he could make it work lol
I believe that is the purpose of a rehearsal.
I imagine Sting can be tough but I think Copeland tends to be argumentative.
Copeland saying they were over rehearsed and Sting saying they underrehearsed showing their differences.
Sting and Stewart volatile relationship creates masterpiece music that spans generations
Sting constantly making last minute changes to perfectly fine songs would have driven me insane.
True but the other both could say no i want it this and that, stingy is not the almighty.
Sting can't enjoy the ride unless he is the Captain. He could tolerate the ride when they let him dominate enough.
bloody love stewart copeland! great sense of humour and an unbelievable drummer
Thanks Andy. You were the melody. Everyone has their role in a 3 piece All as relevant as each other. What a fantastic time to have been listening too and seeing bands like The Police play to their people
If these guys compiled all the backstage, rehearsal, touring, and interview comedy, no doubt they'd have a World Wide hit Sitcom
Hilarious. The contrast between Sting & Andy's British sensibilities and Stewarts abrasive American is highly entertaining.
I saw them in Birmingham. I was blown away by Andy's improvs; something I hadn't twigged from their records - up there with the best of them IMO; Beck, Holdsworth et al.
Interesting that Sting is admittedly somewhat rigid in the face of Stewart's improvisation whilst Sting improvises the hell out of his vocal melody lines
lmao i was thinking the same damn thing. getting on him for his fills and telling him to play it like the studio version when he sounds like he's singing the star spangled banner before a baseball game
@@napatora And not in a good way.
...is there a good way?
sting's endless cheesy blues-ifying of his classic melodies is insufferable it ruins the reunion for me
@@dabu73 i also found stewarts drumming was not as exciting as the early days on this reunion tour. Very predictable
Daro B does that make it a “ruinion”?
This band is the best ever, Only three guys make all these sounds .
Rush>
Try Rush
Hey, there's this other 3 member group you should check out, despite the fact they no longer are: RUSH. Although completely different types of music, they both put out a wall of sound.
@@dedexyz8475 Green Day and Nirvana are also far better.
Don't deny Rush, The most cohesive Power Trio ever, 43 years one band.
Poor Andy...he's probably asking "Where's Robert Fripp when you need him?"
Still trying to get Bruford out of retirement....
From what Crimson members have said, I think Fripp was probably the most difficult musician to work with in the U.K., bar Mark E Smith of course
@@dannycheesums ....HHHmmmm,
he dealt with Stewart and Sting....Fripp is a WALK IN THE PARK
IKR?!
Oh, god, Taylor. I forgot he was in this. Such a tragedy.
What a glorious noise these three guys make
Met them at UH campus first time in Hawaii, because my Aunty was shacking up with the promoter, they did a line and rocked the place. They were brothers back then and loved the island playing tourist. Got to kick it with devo b52s the knack and joan jett such good bands and memories loved the 80s
29:04 Stewart's drumming on the chair just like in the music video. Love it!
Saw them at Twickenham in 2007. One of the finest bands ever, recorded and live!!
The psychological analysis of these 3 guys and how things work/don't work is a bottomless pit.
Legends all. ❤️
19:06 is that Kenny from South Park on Andy Summers’ guitar strap?? Sweet!
10:40 .. Taylor Hawkins Died about 2 months ago now as I watch this film.. So Sad.
Being "much more organised" as Sting says can actually be a bad thing (or rather, not as good). It kills spontaneity and being creative... I think audiences respond better to the "Craic" created by this creativity. Sting should just chill into it. They've played the songs to death, so they know the damn tunes... so allowing creativity is important. I think Sting as a band mate would drive me nuts too :) And having said all that I do realise it's 13 years old this LOL LOL :)
EXACTLY
Are you saying they weren't creative enough, and the audience was short changed as a result?
I have to say, they do seem to have a genuine love for each other , but as much as i thought the amount of lumens emitting from Sting's arse was considerable...Stewart is hard fucking work! There's an element of "day release patient on meth"" about Stewart! He's a fucking brilliant drummer, but He's also fucking hard work!
But, as a band, when they go off on one and jam out and improvise, they got fucking perfect chemistry! They got that intuition thats almost like a 6th sense with each other! And its a joy to get off with them when watching and listening!
Rock 'n' Roll Recovery
I think they have love for one another in the same way that you have love for the wife you divorced after years of fighting but still miss, somehow.
Absolutely awesome. The Police Rock!!! Many Thanks. I loved The Police since I was a kid when I found one of their albums that belonged to my big sister. I played it all the time. All three, Sting, Andy, Stewart, are musical brilliance and effin funny. I wish you never stop.
Tengo este DVD, es increíble, es un honor que se haya llevado a cabo en mi ciudad natal (Buenos Aires) y haber estado ahí en el recital, adelante de todo, es una experiencia hermosa que nunca voy a olvidar. Gracias Andy, Stewart y Sting por tantas alegrías.
Only got into the police over the last year or two, such ashame that I will never be able to see them live.
RyaanS Music you never know.
Me too man
I always liked the singles but only just got into the albums as well in the last few weeks. Didn't quite realise what great musicians they are as well
never say never...
I saw them at Shea Stadium.
This is absolutely incredible. I had no idea this documentary existed. I cannot believe they had so much access. To watch these geniuses argue over details is fascinating.
3 great artists with such strong personnality ! Difficult to play together again... No ? I really love Steward Copeland ❣🎼🎵🎶🎸🥁🥁🥁🖐♥️
They are always spirit to mess around; even years later, it is brilliant; they have an incredible complicity!!!!
Damn seeing taylor hawkins so happy in that crowd was awesome. Rip king
15:48 this why one cannot work with this knuckle.
Absolutely amazing drummer. Entertaining guy.
Absolute pain in the ass though. Impossible to work with except you follow him no matter what.
I attended the Montreal concert at the Bell center in july 2007 ...a dream came true, what an experience for a teenager in the seventies who listened for the first time The Police (do do do da da da ) , im 54 years old amd still a big fan.
Having seen The Police on Saturday Night Live I became an instant fan! Sadly, after 27 years I think Sting is more impressed with himself than anybody is impressed by him. I still love the band and give the other guys credit for making it through rehearsals without wanting to beat him with his ego stick. Did he have them to Tuscany to save money on a space, because that is beautiful country or so they could see his massive wall of STING memorabilia and gold CDs?!?
Best film I've seen on the best band of all time. Captures the energy & anticipation of The Police getting back together again. From the gig/presser at the Whisky A Go Go to the lights out moment of opening night in Vancouver with the screaming audience palpable. Great film by Stewart's son Jordan. Was lucky enough to see The Police several times on this tour and the memories come flooding back. Even Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up thru' the p.a. pre-show - just like back in '83 at Wembley Arena on the Synchronicity tour. This is a must watch for all Police fans.
It just makes me want to scream out in pain to see the damage COVID-19 has done to live music concerts. The roar of the audience cheering for their favourite band is something we will never see again in the future!!
Thank you for uploading this transcendental magical video. It truly is "Better than Therapy!"
The guy head bopping @ 45:00 just shows how f**king amazing it was and still is!! 💖💖
You mean the hysterical response to Covid-19.
Watching Sting & Stewart arguing is fucking hilarious
Them :*finishes a great punk rock song*
Sting afterwards: "it is tea time in 5 minutes"
The first time i heard Roxanne was in 1978 when the world was great, when i look at the comments slanging of Sting, this reflects their own problems What a band!
ah Stuart, you play a 4/4, I play a 4/4. I sound like no one, you sound like Stuart Copeland! Fantastic stuff!!!
I loved these 3 personalities together. As I heard I think it was Stewart who said we all make music for different reasons and it works so well together. In finding this documentary I see that for them and it did work. I totally love their work in and outside of the band. Love Stewart’s energy and enthusiasm and Andy’s evenness as with Stings semi OCD ways. Lmao It works and glad to have enjoyed them as a band and solo artists. Amazing musicians
I was fortunate to have seen the "Ghost in the Machine" and "Synchronicity" tours when I was in High School. I traded an once of swag for great sets for the Synchronicity show. Great band to see live and in relativity small venues compared to their final 2007 tour. The cost for tickets in 2007 was outrageous as well.
When I was a kid I loved Stewart Copeland and now I love Stewart Copeland more!
I have a new respect for Stewart Copelamd for giving it to Sting @4:09🔥
The group dynamic between these guys is as entertaining as their music is. The entire documentary is also brilliantly edited to make it as funny as possible.
That must have been so difficult.
When you write something, a song, a play, a poem, it’s your baby. It takes a lot of restraint to paint something then for someone else to come along and paint their own colours all over it and be happy.
Perhaps if they’d shared the songwriting a bit more then there would have been more harmony.
The whiskey. A legendary bar. The doors. Morrison. Guess what? I was there in 2010 during the day. The guy said I couldn't take pictures. This was my eyes opened to the corporatization of American ideals values cultural hotspots and everything we all hold near and dear. That's when the death knell rang for America.
Stewart's shirt says "we are all resistance" in arabic, most probably tribute to a graffiti of the same phrase in Palestine
Stewart’s self awareness about banging shit is quite refreshing to hear. Much respect for the talent and the man, thank you for sharing.