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