Larry.org

Many people that knew me in High School, especially my senior year, identify me with my enthusiasm for the music of The Police. They are still a band I enjoy today. I firmly believe that they are the best pop band that has ever existed.

I saw the Police live only once. By the time I became a fan they were quite popular, and I was only old enough to go to the concert by myself on the Synchronicity tour in 1983. A friend of mine Eric and I waited in line for two days to get the tickets. We ended up in the 13th row pretty much right in front of Sting's third of the stage.

You'll notice the Ticket cost $13.50. That's right. $13.50. An equivalent ticket to the upcoming police concert will likely cost you $325.00 (because you pretty much have to buy a membership in the "Police Fan Club" whatever that is) to get a shot at a seat this close.

Over the last two weeks I've received numerous emails from friends and family asking me about The Police Reunion Tour and if I'm excited. Frankly I'm a bit ashamed of what they are doing to the idea of The Police.

There's not much to say about how this Reunion Tour is at odds with what The Police were than to look at the ticket price.

$13.50 at their creative apex. $325 for all you kids today that wish you had a chance to see them 24 years ago.

I really enjoyed how they would tour Latin America when no other rock bands would go. I liked that, even if it ends up being "empty gestures" from a famous bunch of guys, they would try to cast attention onto the plight of the worlds poor in a constructive way. "One World, Not Three". I really dug that they were everyone one of them fantastic at their respective talents.

I can easily imagine seeing them on this tour. I would attend in ernest and forgive them the passage of time. Returned to his lead vocals and bass role, would in my mind instantly erase my sadness at the ridiculous turn Sting took his solo career in. My admiration for Andy Summers creativity, adventurousness and flat out courage as a guitar player would be more congenial when I would inevitably compare my own extra pounds with Andy Summers' aging frame. Probably the most amusing part about my imaginary attendance would be my discussing with anyone who would listen, that of all the band members, the girls we attended with were unanimous in their assessment that Stewart was the hottest member of the band.

Yet, the price of the ticket, such a simple thing.. makes it impossible for me to imagine any of that occuring. I can certainly afford to buy something that costs $325, but the exorbitant price devalues the show I saw and the Band I remember in a fundamental way.

I wish them all the best tour, and I'm sure a generation of fans that never got the chance to see them will have a great time. I'm certainly not going to resent that new fans can see such a great live band, and they will be great. Nor will I claim the band I saw was "better" because bands change and grow and it's just never the same river twice.

I guess the reason I'm not going to see the police is it would feel like buying a new memory to replace a very dear memory, and especially at the price, it's just not worth it.