The Police were one of the most innovative power-trios on the planet during their all too brief, eight-year, five-album run throughout the late 70's and early 80's. They seamlessly managed to blend elements of punk, rock, reggae, jazz, and pop into their own unique sound, winning over the hearts and minds of fans from each genre. They also went on to sell over 50 million albums worldwide, score a handful of Grammys, and eventually take their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This year, more than 20 years after they went their separate ways, the Police reunited and announced a new world tour, which they kicked off with a lackluster performance of "Roxanne" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
For those of us not lucky (or rich) enough to attend their current tour, we can always turn to the band's Synchronicity Concert video, which was finally released on DVD back in 2005. The DVD, originally released on VHS in 1984, now boasts some excellent new DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mixes, as well as multi-angle performances of "Synchronicity II," "Roxanne," "Invisible Sun," and "Don't Stand So Close to Me," which were not included on the original release.
Synchronicity Concert was filmed at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia on the 2nd and 3rd of November 1983, during the band's final tour in support of their #1 album Synchronicity. This is the only officially released, full length, concert video of the Police, which makes it all the more special. Unfortunately, the results are not as special as they could have been, thanks to video directors Godley & Crème, of 10cc fame, who nearly ruined the thing with their excessive and ridiculous audience shots and special effects.
The setlist is an amazing trip down memory lane, and the band's performance this night was tight and spirited. The show begins with the band casually taking the stage, as strains of African-themed music fill the air, and the crowd greets them with wild applause. The stage is small, and simple, with no sides or backing to block the view from any vantage point in the arena. Sting is wearing an obnoxiously multi-colored jacket, made mostly of shredded strips of fabric, and completely open in the middle to expose his shirtless, ripped chest and abs. Contrastingly, his two bandmates are both dressed quite normal.
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