New and fairly interesting Police story

[Jaimoe]

This is from today's New York Post:

February 18, 2007 -- IT was Sting's brilliant idea to bring The Police back together for their 30th anniversary, sources say, despite interviews he and band members Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers gave suggesting it was a mutual idea.

One music-industry heavyweight tells Page Six: "Sting worked on Stewart and Andy for six months trying to get them to agree to tour. They didn't really want to at first. It's not like they need the money. They're set for life off of the royalties alone.

"But for some reason, Sting was insistent, telling them how much money they all could make," the source said.

To sweeten the deal, Sting "assured his former bandmates they could not only pick the song list for the tour, but that the three would share equally in profits - whereas in the past, Sting always got a higher percentage because he was the frontman.

"They finally agreed," our source said, and the group decided to kick off their reunion tour with an opening performance at the Grammys of "Roxanne."

But Copeland and Summers apparently didn't realize what they had signed on for. "Andy and Stew thought they would just do the old rock version of 'Roxanne,' " our insider said, "but when they showed up for sound check, Sting had created this weird, jazz-blues version of the song, and they kind of freaked out."

Sting insisted that his version was better and sang the unexpected rendition of the 1978 hit at the Grammys - to almost everyone's dismay.

"It was hideous," said one music executive. "Lets hope the whole rest of the song sets for the tour aren't like that."

The worldwide Police tour will net the group $175 million.

A rep for Sting referred us to interviews the band has given about their tour.

In Variety last week, Sting said: "We fought because we cared passionately about the music. We're still fighting, but . . . we're a bit more wise."

Copeland added in the same interview: "I just like playing my drums and following Sting's lead. We don't have an agenda now."

[Hartamophone]

But Copeland and Summers apparently didn't realize what they had signed on for. "Andy and Stew thought they would just do the old rock version of 'Roxanne,' " our insider said, "but when they showed up for sound check, Sting had created this weird, jazz-blues version of the song, and they kind of freaked out."

I'm not doubting the fact that the re-working of the tune was Sting's idea, but given the amount they'd been rehearsing in Vancouver of late, I find it hard to believe that he sprung that on them at sound check. Possible, but not likely in my opinion.

[NewRider]

I liked the version they played on the Grammy's. I'm not sure why people think it's so horrible. If I wanted to hear the version they recorded in 1978 I'd go listen to the fucking album.

[Kanada Kev]

I agree with you NewRider ... mix it up a little.

[MarcO]

I thought it was just fine. I didn't really expect them to be raging like the old days.

[Jaimoe]

I thought they were pretty good at the Grammy's. They certainly looked good and healthy and genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves.

[YearsAlongTheSea]

I thought it was a little watered down to be honest. Not suprised, but, it could have been much better. Copeland was still raging it though.