Caught the show in Toronto in November and Sting & Co, put on a fine performance.
Considering the fact that Andy Summers turned 65 in January, they showed a lot of youth and enthusiasm in performing their back catalog of music.
Sting of course hasn't aged a day since the late 80's and proved to be the driving force throughout the entire event.
I was quite surprised to hear him hit the high notes that I figured were surely gone from the man's repertoire and he knew just when to play his cards right throughout the nights event.
I found the sound to be off to a degree and somewhat muddled on some of the songs though, yet I managed to decipher most of the night's performance without being disappointed to any degree. Also, what I have said before about Stewart Copeland being an underrated drummer...well, he is, but, let's just put it this way... I think the studio has been kind to the man over the years. Nuff said!
Best way to sum it up is that comparing what Mick Fleetwood did at the same venue compared to Stew...Mick blew him away for technique and sound all the way in a live setting!
The tickets were $125.00 and we were also delighted to have our seats upgraded as it was the 2nd nights performance and had available seating for those not sold out. (that might tell ya something)?
Keep in mind however that they also played 2 nights at the same venue back in July and had a great turnout from what I understand. Reviews were rave, and it's most likely due to their reception and performance then that solidified yet another 2 shows in November at the ACC in Toronto.
Would I go see them again? Most likely not. Maybe a smaller venue perhaps, provided that they had a better handle on their sound. The set was good and provided enough variety for any fan level...playing some of the earlier tracks from Outlandos D'Amour and Regatta De Blanc that were not actual hits...yet they were performed in fine fashion.
Anyone that is a fan of the group to any degree, should at least consider taking in the show, conscious of course of the price tag.
I don't blame anyone for not wanting to pay big bucks for this, unless of course, you are a fan of the group.
From all reports, this will be their last tour and it only makes sense
that Mr. Summers is most likely looking forward to calling
it a career considering that he didn't really hit the big time until he was well into his late 30's when The Police ruled their beat in the late 70's.
I'm 48 and I have a hard time playing "air guitar" to this stuff...you can imagine what 65 year old Andy's dealing with?
Thanks
Kim
