Well, in the process of watching the video that Mitch posted, quite funny btw, I noticed one of the related ones along the side and decided to watch it.  A short interview, from the Synchronicity tour and Sting is asked a question close to about the 1 minute mark in the video about their success and he responds, referencing Elton John and his success and how Elton John will go forever.  Then Sting adds, and this is what I find the most interesting part, "I hope we will too".  Man, what the hell changed?!  I just don't get how he could say something like that in an interview, and here we are, some 20 years later, having experienced the break-up and all those years of them doing their own things, wondering what the next album would have sounded like.  If only he had really believed that himself I guess.  Might have just been the thing to say, the thing that everybody would expect to hear from a member of one of the most successful bands.....   By the way, the audio is a little off from the video, so his lips aren't synched with what he's sayin....
 
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_0TFjlFQ5GM
 


Mitch Darby <mitch@harashick.com> wrote:
RE: final shows, critical reception, petitions, gifts, etc.

Yep, I'm playing catch-up.

Firstly, my thought on the final show is that each and every show is the
final show. When The Police played their last date as a 4 piece, it was the
final show. When they played the last date on the Zenyatta Mondatta tour,
it was the final show. When they played at Shea Stadium, it was the final
show. Every night on the 1986 Conspiracy Of Hope Tour was the final show.
When they played at String's wedding, it was the final show. When they
played at the RNR Hall of Fame, it was the final show. When I saw them
reunited in Seattle in June, it was the final show. When (if) you see them
on the final leg, it will be the final show (until you see another).

If there is one thing I've learned from popular music, it's that there is
*never* a forever thing (even with AC/DC) and *every* show is the final
show. The setlist, despite appearances, is susceptible to change. The
solos, despite the sound of the instruments, do have subtle differences from
night to night. Though the idea persists that the show is the same from
night to night, it isn't. Differences of venue, season, etc. will always
conspire to create unique moments. Time will conspire to take the band in
different directions. The career of The Police proves this. No two albums
are the same. Every tour is a farewell tour. Every show is the last. I
believe this to be the case with every band. Even U2. See 'em while you
can.

RE: String has ruined his credibility
I don't think so. Despite all of the lute jokes, that album was
exceptionally well made and even won an award or two. I still like Sting.
He may not be singing from my stereo as much as he used to, but his music is
still relevant to me and likely always will be.

RE: Sting hasn't written any decent albums/songs since THE SOUL CAGES
I don't think so. TEN SUMMONER'S TALES was a fine album (well written, well
performed, and well recorded). As was BRAND NEW DAY. MERCURY FALLING,
while perhaps not a fan favorite, is quite strong thematically. I'd argue
that it's even stronger as a "concept album" than THE SOUL CAGES - but I
will admit that TSC has some stronger individual songs and is much easier to
listen to.

RE: sign the petition for the Police to continue touring
Here's the thing, they really don't owe fans *anything* (insert lower ticket
price joke here). A new album, while rumored, was never promised. Same
goes for a new song or two. They really don't need to keep going. Their
place in music history is more than secure and so are they financially.
They only owe it to themselves to keep going if A) they enjoy it and B) they
can get something out of it creatively.

I don't really owe any of yous anything either, but since Ross was giving
gifts, here's one from me: http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_C4ztoJq-o

I do enjoy watching Sting step outside of his occasionally stuffy and
highbrow persona - especially when it's not by his own hand. :D

Mitch


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