Police conquer London...

This was the last of the Police's two nights at the Hammy Odeon, and a fitting finale to their sell out UK tour.

The band bounded onstage to ecstatic whoops and cheers, the audience immediately surged towards the front of the stage. It was going to be a special night.

The only sign of fatigue after their rigorous string of dates was a pair of flashy sunglasses to hide an eye infection, and a touch of 'flu that made those top notes just that little bit difficult to reach, both afflictions courtesy of Sting.

But eyerything else was perfect. Polished and tight the Police have honed their live act to a fluid, immensely enjoyable set.

They have such a strong roster of songs that they can afford to play blockbusters like 'Message In A Bottle' and 'Roxanne' in the middle of their set and still build the pitch up towards the encore.

Even the new numbers were greeted with rapturous cheers, especially deservedly so on 'Walking On The Moon' and 'The Bed's Too Big Without You'. The latter produced the finest live dub session I've ever witnessed, proving again how essential Copeland's excellent drumming is to the band.

Three encores before the audience would let them go, finishing with the odd 'Be My Girl' - still a strong crowd favourite.

Now they're off to conquer America, the cheers from the Odeon still ringing in their ears. Let's hope it's not too long before they're back.

© Superpop by Tony Dorkin (with thanks to Dietmar)

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