The Police's Macau, China concert

February 7, 2008

Review by Angelo Tsibogiannis.

Although the Venetian Arena was perhaps only 60% full, the crowd was upbeat and enjoyed a great show. The sound quality was good throughout, although in some parts Andy Summers guitar solos drowned out Sting's bass in the mix. The covered most of their massive hits, as expected although the inclusion of album tracks like regatta de blanc (as part of a medley) and hole in my life ( redone as a loping, jazzier version) were still good. Each member was an essential part of the band then and now. Stuart Copeland used a large selection of percussion and bells (situated next to the massive gong on the riser behind his drums) on several tracks, and Andy Summers was given a relatively free rein to produce some explosive and typically virtuoso guitar solos throughout the night. Sting's voice sounded fantastic, although more mature (and perhaps a little tired after the long tour so far). His banter with the crowd was good- at the start of the show he wished the crowd happy Chinese new year in Cantonese (reading from a note paper). When introducing the band (not bothering to include himself), he described Summers as 'the legendary Andy Summers', and Copeland as 'the equally legendary Stuart Copeland'. And right near the end of the song, he changed the lyric 'welcome to this one night show' to 'welcome to the Stuart Copeland show. In all, a wonderful show with highlights galore.