Police fans out in force

The modern hippies were out in force to welcome back their noo wave heroes, The Police. Big in America, hit single and album: over here; it looks like The Police are set to become the next pretty boy rock stars.

Their set was a predictable run through of old favourites. The crowd went mad over every familiar chorus line. Pogoing along with the fast bits and swaying to the reggae interludes. When I danced I enjoyed myself, but when I stood still and listened, well! The Police turn out a thin, uninspiring sound.

Good points included Sting's amazingly varied black man's voice. But as for personality and warmth all the band seemed content on going through the usual good time poses. Songs like 'So Lonely' and 'I Can't Stand Losing You' stood out as classy tunes. The Ponce throw in the odd lightweight reggae beat to add variety to what is essentially a flat set. But really, all that stretching out of songs, including the magic 'Roxanne', made many of the numbers tediously over the top. The Police are a competent, easy listening rock band. I can see why the Americans like them.

While I'm insulting Yanks I may as well tell you about The Cramps, from New York City. They are a run of the mill outrage band, There's a dopey lead singer, a zombie like drummer, a blonde half - asleep girl guitarist, and best of all another guitarist with one of those Kings Road punk hairstyles; his grey fringe fallIng over one side of his face. My mate thought they were the worst band he's ever seen. Well apart from being plastic poseurs their music is an interesting, scratchy form of rockabilly. Like I said interesting, but nothing more.

Bobby Henry was first on the bill and played a collection of his average modern rock 'n' roll songs. At times exciting, very rarely compelling, Henry's songs seem to lack that spark needed to gain him eye opening attention.

© Sounds by Philip Hall

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