Back on the beat and just as arresting...

If you were to list, in true Nick Hornby style, the top five bands most people would like to see reform, up there with the likes of Pink Floyd, The Jam, and The Stone Roses, you'd always find The Police.

Well, while world waits for those others to kiss and make-up, Messrs Sumner, Copeland and Summers have done just that.

That's no mean feat for a trio that imploded in the mid-80s - after just five studio albums - but as many number one singles.

At the time there were few bands as big.

Unsurprising thenm that tickets for their UK tour - which kicked off last night at a packed NIA - were snapped up quicker than you can say De Do Do Do De Da Da Da.

Even when some were £85 a pop. Along with Prince's 21 show residency at the O2 Arena, The Police are this summer's hot ticket.

Stewart Copeland's a little greyer and Sting a little more muscular, Andy Summers hardly looks any different from when they split two decades ago.

"It's good to be back in the Midlands," said Sting. "Last time was back in '83 I think. I had a broken hand and Andy had a akidney stone - this time we are in better shape."

He was right, the songs were every bit as good too - 'Message In A Bottle', 'Walking On The Moon', 'Can't Stand Losing You', 'Roxanne' - all classics that have stood the test of time.

As with his Purpleness, The Police gave the crowd that they wanted - greatest hits - along with a good smattering of some of their catchy album tracks - 'Voices Inside My Head', 'Driven To Tears', two worthy to mention.

The setlist may have carried few surprises, but few would have have wanted many. If all reunions were this enjoyable, the Friends Reunited website would be in meltdown.

The Police play the NIA again tonight.

© The Birmingham Post by Jon Perks

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