The Police w/ Fictionplane

Charlotte Bobcats Arena

Nov. 15, 2007

The Deal: The Police return to Charlotte for the first time since 1982 (and second time ever) with Sting's son's band in tow.

The Good: Fictionplane singer Joe Sumner may sound and look a lot like his dad, but their energy was infectious and a good start to the show. The Police hit the stage to high anticipation around 8:45 p.m. and kicked off their hour-and-45-minute set with "Message in a Bottle." If there were any worries that Sting was still suffering from the flu that caused the cancellation of the previous night's show in Philadelphia, they were quickly forgotten. Sting's vocals were solid and he capped off the song with his signature jump in the air. It was a big night for singalongs as the band rifled through a hit-heavy set including, "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Walking on the Moon," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" and "De Do Do Do De Da Da Da." Like their set at Bonnaroo there were few moments of "jamming" and Stewart Copeland appeared to have the most fun. Copeland also found the time to show off his expertise on percussion during "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "Walking In Your Footsteps." Sting cracked a few smiles during the night, especially when he led "Truth Hits Everybody" into a brief cover of Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack."

The Bad: Why build a big stage if you're not gonna use it? Sting made his way up the side of the back ramps of the stage only twice during the show. Sure, he wound up standing on top of the speakers, but they had a huge circular stage, yet contained themselves up front. Let's face it - Sting isn't the best lyricist and some of the songs just sound goofy. Sure, they're fun to sing along to, but at times I almost had to laugh.

The Verdict: A fine comeback performance - especially after being sidelined by the flu. Fans are still hoping for a new album.

SETLIST

Message in a Bottle

Synchronicity II

Walking On The Moon

Voices Inside My Head

When The World Is Running Down

Don't Stand So Close To Me

Driven To Tears

Truth Hits Everybody > Hit the Road Jack

Hole In My Life

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Wrapped Around Your Finger

De Do Do Do De Da Da Da

Invisible Sun

Walking In Your Footsteps

Can't Stand Losing You

Encore

Roxanne

King Of Pain

So Lonely

Every Breath You Take

Next To You