'Police' were arresting...

The crowd was revved up and ready when the Police hit the stage. For three hours the 60,000 people packed into Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro yesterday had sat patiently in the late afternoon sun. They listened to The Fixx and a Flock Of Seagulls, two up-and-coming young English bands and watched MTV's rock video on the scoreboard screen when no one was performing. But they were saving their enthusiasm for the Police.

At 7:15pm, the number one pop band in the world dashed on stage and dug into their title cut from their number one album 'Synchronicity'. A machine gushed forth billows of smoke that clouded the stage, flanked on both sides by giant screens painted with the red, yellow and blue stripes of the 'Synchronicity' album cover.

Sting dressed in a white jacket and bright red pants, was an energetic front man, singing, playing bass, and bouncing about the stage. Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland, stayed in the background concentrating on the music.

Filling out the blonde trio's sound were three female back-up singers, swathed in black robes from head to toe. Taped instrumental parts were also used occasionally.After five more songs from 'Synchronicity' and six older tunes including 'Message In A Bottle' and 'Spirits In The Material World', it was dark enough for the bands computer light system to be turned on. Sting introduced 'Hole In My Life' "as a song played in the Rat Club in 1977". Then it was on to 'Invisible Sun', which was illustrated by a scene of desolation in Northern Ireland, flashed on the screen overhead.

The audience lit thousands of matches at the song's end, making for an unforgettable sight. After 'King Of Pain', the group left the stage, but they were never out of sight. A video camera followed them into their dressing room and everyone watched the Police don comical stovepipe hats, sip tea, and destroy a table setting. Then they ran right back on stage and launched into their current number-one single 'Every Breath You Take'.

Did the Police live up to their suddenly exalted reputation? Absolutely. They are three very fine musicians and Sting's songs demonstrate a sensitivity and intelligence rarely heard in pop music. Right now, the Police look like the band of the '80's.

© USA Today by Larry Katz

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