Police watch: Witness Reports

LOCATION:
Whisky A Go Go, Los Angeles
TIME OF INCIDENT:
11am Pacific Time
WITNESSES:
Fan Club contest winners

Still on Cloud Nine!!

First of all, I would like to thank Tina, Wendy, and Dave for their hard work getting 20 tickets for the Sting.com members for the big announcement at the Whiskey a Go Go. (They do a wonderful job maintaining the website as well!) When I found out I was one of the lucky Golden Ticket winners, I was so overjoyed! I never win anything - except free small fries at McDonald's. I couldn't be any happier.

I really enjoy meeting fellow Sting.com members at the Backstage Café and watching the Grammy's. Everyone's enthusiasm was infectious! It was great to hear about either own personal stories. I met Maggie, Kathy, Kevin, and Kirsten for the first time, and saw Michelle again since our meeting at Tiger Jam last year. It was great to see their laughter and enjoyment.

Standing across the street from the Whiskey at 7 a.m. the next morning, the level of excitement was still very strong. I met Nicole and another Stewart Copeland website winner, as well as a radio station winner, Ted. They were equally happy to finally get to see The Police!! Kevin summed it up in a funny way. When he drove up to the line, he shouted out of his car, "Good Morning Fellow Stalkers!!"

Seeing Stewart, then Andy, and then Sting arriving made the excitement grow!! I couldn't believe it. I made it to L.A. from Oregon without any problems, and I get to see the band that I thought that I was never able to get to see.

When we were able to get in line in front of the Whiskey, I saw everything coming together such as the media interviewing fans, some famous people arriving, and everyone's ID checked thoroughly. The best part of waiting in line was listening to The Police sound check through the building. Some in line were just trying to guess which song they were playing, and others were putting their ear on the building to get the entire experience of the vibrations. (Including me!)

I went in and got my place right in front of Andy's microphone. I couldn't believe I was so close. They played an audio clip of Sting saying that he would be certified insane for a Police Tour. Seeing Stewart's smile while bounding down the stairs made me start to appalled, then Andy entered waving, and Sting entered and suggested if anyone wearing white coats to let them in.

The music was great!! I watched them played my favorite song, 'Message in a Bottle'. It was so good to see them together. Sting and Andy complimented each other musically. It was like a good conversation, both speaking with instruments. I watched their hands at work. It was as if the notes were effortless. Stewart's drumming was wonderful! I have even more admiration for him. He truly enjoys the moment. I stood there in awe the entire time!! I had eye contact with Andy and Stewart, and I had to look away out of embarrassment. I thought I had goofy, school girl look on my face. - Karen, Oregon

I am now a part of history!

Congratulations! You are one of the first twenty entrants to have your name drawn as one of the winners to attend "The Police Rehearsals" at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles on Monday, February 12.

It's 4:00 am on Friday, February 9th and I'm staring at the above introduction of the email I received from Tina, Dave & Wendy of Sting.com. The only words I utter are 'Oh My God' over and over and over. I can barely compose myself to hit the reply button to say YES I can definitely be there. I honestly had never seriously considered that I would win. I don't win things. I always get in the long line at the bank and get stuck in slow traffic. I accept these things, as they are a part of my life. Winning something so huge as this is unfathomable, a dream come true.

My weekend was laced with Police overtones and memories of all the times I have seen Sting. I discovered the Police as a teen in 1982. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to see them play together before they broke up. I did watch Mtv daily and they played 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic' constantly! This song became my anthem and subsequently the nickname ELTSDIM given to me by a former boyfriend. The nickname stayed with me throughout the remainder of high school and my adult life.

Monday morning came so fast. As I approached the corner of Sunset and San Vicente I noticed a small group of people at the corner awaiting the go ahead to start the line-up. I am quite shy, so initial contact with any of them was out of the question. Stewart arrived and everyone shouted and clapped. We were motioned over a few minutes after 9:00 am and the excitement from the other winners settled my anxiousness and prompted me to engage in conversation with a few of them. I am so glad I did. The fans were great. Standing next to me, was Julie from Agoura Hills and a radio contest winner with her mother. The radio contest winner's mother told us many entertaining stories during our wait. A few minutes after we filed in line we noticed a black sedan and Andy appeared from it. Sting arrived last. He acknowledged us with a big smile and a wave. Personally I thought that was very cool of him. The next forty five minutes or so was spent watching the KROQ van circle numerous times and the correspondent from FOX news interviewing several fans. We were now getting restless and anxious for the doors to open.

Finally, they motioned us forward and we all rushed in to find a spot inside. It was already pretty full, so the fans that were nearest Me in line ended up on the corner next to Andy. This was no consolation prize, this was still a primo spot. Not much time elapsed from our entry until we heard the recording of Sting saying they would have to certify him insane if he ever rejoined the Police. I tried as hard as I could to remember ever detail, every second of my experience. However, still being in shock from the whole event, much of it is a blur. The music was amazing. The excitement amongst the guys was obvious. As said by many others, the banter was great and showed their willingness to come together as a team, a much wiser and accomplished group of musicians.

For me the most exciting part was the question and answer portion with the media. When I heard the correspondent from Mtv state his name, the thoughts in my head were 'Oh my God, Mtv is here', then CNN announced their question, and I thought 'Oh my God, CNN is here', then the BBC announced their question and AGAIN I thought 'Oh my God, the BBC is here'. It was all so surreal. I felt like a little kid! I still smile so hard when I think about it all. It was over so fast. A few of the winners were able to acquire Sting's autograph. I envy them, but also applaud them. What an incredible part of history to be connected to. I am seriously still so excited as if I just got the news a few minutes ago.

There is no word to express the gratitude I have for being given this once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you Tina, Dave, Wendy, Sting, Andy, and Stewart! (and Shirley, my boss for allowing me the time off!) I'll see you in VEGAS! - Dannaj, California

I'm finally home from my spur-of-the-moment vacation to L.A.! I had a wonderful time, and of course THE highlight of the trip was to see the Police at the Whisky. I'll start with receiving my congratulations e-mail from Sting.com. I was at my parents' house, and they have horribly slow dial-up internet. I opened my e-mail program, and there was an email from Sting.com with the subject of CONGRATULATIONS! I clicked on it, and during the minute or two it took to load, (darn those slow connections!!), my stomach dropped and almost fell out my feet, I got very shaky, my heart was going a million miles an hour, and a million and one things went through my mind. It started with "Did I really win???" and then to "surely not, it's got to be something else." "but what?? That would be a horrible mean trick to play on someone." "they wouldn't do that, that means it's real!" Finally it loaded, and there, lo and behold, was the email telling me the wonderful news. I hollered at my parents that I had won, and immediately wrote back that I would be there. Whatever it took, dangit, I was going to be there!! The Police?? Really!?!?! Me?? I emailed everyone I knew that I thought would care (or even not). I was so excited. My heart was still going pitter-pat, and I could barely type. It took a long time to write such a short email to everyone. I will admit, I did cry a bit from the excitement. To explain my perspective a little more, let me back up. I have been a Police fan for ages. I fell in love with Every Breath You Take after borrowing my dad's Gold & Platinum cassette tape when I was maybe 10 years old. I had just barely started to listen to music and appreciate it. I bought my first Police tape, and the rest was history. The Police were already over, and Sting had put out his first solo album. I liked the Sting album, but absolutely loved everything Police.

Since I came along after the Police were already over, I had little, or really, NO, hopes of ever seeing them perform live. It was just a dream that could never happen. This seemed especially justified with all of Sting's constant comments of it never happening; it just seemed impossible. I was torn: I agreed with Sting in the fact that I didn't want to see them get back together and possibly not be all they used to be, just an old rock band still trying to relive their youth. I didn't really think this would be the case, but hey, it was possible. They've all changed immensely, therefore the music and atmosphere of everything would be changed as well. They were done, they'd had their Police days, now they were on to different things. But on the other hand, I wanted to see the Police myself, not just a dvd they I've watched over and over. (I have a few of those!) I've seen Sting in concert 5 times, and he's of course done a few Police songs, but it's just different. My dream (however impossible it is) is to be at the big Shea Stadium concert and the Police in all their glory. Ah if only I had a time machine...

When I received my congratulations email, it was such a flood of emotions it was overwhelming. I was going to live my dream of seeing the Police perform! How unreal. The "special announcement" could only be one thing, even though it was hard to believe after all of Sting's comments against such a happening. And I was going to be there in person to witness it! Mom said she would go with me to L.A., she could get the time off from work on short notice and we'd make a fun week of it while we were there. I bought our plane tickets, reserved a motel and a car. And Sunday night before the Rehearsals, we were off. I missed the Grammy performance that night, I was on a plane while the Grammy's were on.

The morning of the rehearsals, I was up early. I'm not a morning person, but I couldn't sleep very well that night and couldn't sleep at all much after 5. We weren't supposed to be outside the Whisky until after 9, but what could I do until then? There's only so long you can pace around a motel room before going insane, so we headed down to the Whisky. Might as well pace the streets there instead! I choked down half a bagel on the way there, I needed the nourishment but don't eat well when I'm stressed. I was stressed! The prospect of what I was about to witness was monumental, and the thought of possibly meeting the guys and getting autographs was almost too much to handle. When we got down by the Whisky, it was about 8:30. Mom and I walked down the road past the Whisky a little ways, surveying the scene. There was media everywhere, vans and cars and cameras and news crews swarmed the area. Across the street was a small group of people that looked as impatient and anxious as I felt, so I wandered over to them and mom headed back to the motel. They were also winners from Sting.com, and I had a good time meeting several of them and chatting about our wonderful fortune. Soon we were let across the street to start lining up next to the Whisky. We stood in line waiting to go in for two hours, but it felt like an eternity. Shortly after we were in line, the guys arrived. First Stewart, then a few minutes later Andy, then a few minutes later Sting. Sting gave a quick wave to us all before he ducked inside. Later as we were all standing there, we could hear them warming up and doing the sound check. Ah the torture to hear them so very close, just on the other side of the wall, but not to be admitted yet!!

Several celebrities were milling about waiting to go in, I personally saw the group Ok-Go, and I believe I saw both Kevin Eubanks (from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno) and Tore Belleci (from Mythbusters) walk by a couple times. I'm not positive it was them, but if not they were very good look-alikes! I heard from the front of the line a few other names, such as Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters. Around 11:00, we heard that the media were going in, and that they were a very long line indeed. All of the celebrities were also being admitted now. Where would that leave us? Finally we were about to find out, and we were let in. As soon as I got inside the door someone directed us toward the stage, saying "contest winners get right up front." The wonderful magic words!! Directly in front of the stage was already occupied, so we went to the right hand side, right in front of where Andy always stands. No one was in front of us, so we expected a perfect unobstructed view. We were later disappointed by a camera man who kept bopping back in forth in front of us, but we did have pretty darn good spots nonetheless. I was 5 feet from Andy, maybe 10-15 feet from both Sting and Stewart. I was ecstatic. The Whisky is a very small venue, there were only about 200 people there I believe, and we were quite packed in. It made for a very personal feel, just wonderful.

The moment the Police took the stage was unreal. After all, it was the Police! They didn't exist any more, did they? Was I actually there witnessing this?? They started into Message in a Bottle first, and it was amazing. They were different than 25 years ago, but it definitely hadn't hurt anything. As Sting said later, "There's no reason why we shouldn't be 25 years better than we were then, and we were good then." The press conference was wonderful just to hear the three of them joking and arguing together just like old times, albeit with a bit less tension and anger involved. Andy looked directly at me at one point, and we made eye contact. Wonderful! The 45 minute press conference and five songs flew by far too quickly, and the guys were off the stage again. Everyone stood there for a few minutes, disbelieving it was over already. I heard one person ask "can we encore them?" and a reply of "I don't know, for a rehearsal??" Soon security guards started herding us towards the door, and I managed to grab a couple copies of the press release folder. Back outside everyone was still milling about, sad that it was over but happy at the prospect of the return of the Police and the upcoming tour, and the memory we had all just shared. It was wonderful to meet all of the other fans that were just as excited and overwhelmed about this experience as myself.

It was slightly disappointing to not have gotten to meet Sting Andy and Stewart, or to get an autograph. It was a thought in the back of all of our minds, and definitely a hope. It didn't happen, but it did not take away from the wonderful atmosphere of everything. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. This was my lottery winning!!! I don't care what other people may say about the Beatles, the Police are the greatest rock and roll band that ever happened, and I feel so amazingly lucky to have been there for such a momentous occasion. Thank you so much to Sting.com and the wonderful people there for making this dream a reality. I look forward to seeing the Police in concert; I bought my tickets for Denver yesterday morning. THE POLICE ARE BACK BABY!!!!! - Sheila, Colorado

"In a word? "UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE !!!!!!" Okay that may be three words. Without having to get into the details as other Police fans just covered in their brilliant ways, (and as you can watch on sting.com and thepolicetour.com.) I have to say that I was having a very, very roll-a-coaster kind of week. As soon as I found out that I was going I had my wife read me the e-mail twice, cause I was going nuts and had lost it. Every problem I was having just vanished. First of all, thank you Sting.com for picking me. Which I have to mention that, once entering the dark and fog filled Whiskey. There was a woman guiding the "Fans" to the front. I still had to snake my way up to the actual stage. But, I really did appreciate the fact that they respected the fans and gave them the best spots in the house. As we arrived the 2nd floor was already full of media, friends and family of the band. So, thanks to the staff as well for seeing the importance of what role we played in such an historical event.

All of the years of being a fan, I had never experienced The Police as I did at the Whiskey. Being a mere 3 feet from them was unreal. Guys like me aren't supposed to be here. Actually touching the stage! As I arrived I saw other Sting.com winners. They were all super excited. I arrived shortly after 9 and there were perhaps 10 to 15 people already in line. Although they started at 11:00, I didn't really care how long they made us wait. I knew I was in regardless. Once they began to hand out the bracelets, which I kept on all day long, I still couldn't believe that I was at this historical event about to take place. I also felt that I needed to represent all of those true Police and Sting fans who also have dreamt of this sort of thing. Like my high school friends Bryan and Lisa. True Police fans. I owed it to those loyal fans who have bought every single record and CD. Every video, every t-shirt, every pin (I have over 200+ pins). For those real, true fans who at times couldn't get tickets. For those real fans who only get the nose bleeds, but yet have the best time ever as if in the first row. I had to go and experience this for those fans. I've been a "nose bleed" fan for a very long time. Yes I've been very lucky to see Sting up close. But The Police? NEVER. The energy inside the Whiskey was awesome. To see all of the other winners around me having a blast was contagious. I have to say, everyone who won really deserved to be there. They truly were excited and very appreciative in being there and experiencing what was about to happen. We were all living in the moment. I was really happy for all of us. We all represented all of you, the real fans. And not one winning ticket was wasted.

It hit me how lucky I was when all three took the stage. To see them together again is a dream come true. I'm reliving the 70's and 80's all over again. Logging on to their website just doesn't seem real. What? They're back? I've been such a devoted Sting fan for so long (just ask my family and friends). This just can't be happening, I kept saying to myself. I really got emotional several times. Thanking God for this opportunity. Thanking those three guys on stage for giving me a sound track to my life. I would be someone else if I didn't have the Police music in my life. Each of them are so talented. As Sting mentioned, they're even better now. Stewart had to point out how tight they were playing together, and they hadn't even practiced prior to that day. I was just going crazy. I couldn't really talk after the press conference. My voice was shot. My hands were so numb from clapping so hard. I almost lost my car keys from jumping so much. The only thing that upset me was that I obeyed the camera rule. Everyoe had a camera. I didn't get a single picture. Can anyone share theirs... please??? I was so happy to hear them play together again. It was incredible. I never thought that I would be one of the very few in the world to see such a legendary band reunite and play together once again for the first time. This is a BIG FREAKIN DEAL PEOPLE!!! Many can't see the importance of this reunion. Many have taken Sting and The Police for granted. But watching The Police play together once again is just unreal. They have been so influential. I'm telling you now, buy your tickets. You will never forget this experience. They truly have some incredible work. I was happy that Sting mentioned that they would be sticking to just Police material. Keeping it simple with just the three of them. I think that respects the history much more. Going back to their roots, and playing because they love it and being true to themselves even after 21 years. It also shows the critics who have been unforgiving about their disagreements. It's always been about the music. As Stewart and Sting talked about. They all like and respect each other. I am happiest for Stewart. This is his band. As he said, "I'm just happy to be able to play my drums man..." He's willing to take Sting's lead. He too realizes what Sting means to the industry, and how influential they all have been. Something the industry has never really given them credit for. But the fans truly know what its about.

The biggest impression of that great day is that they were human at the Whiskey. That small little room wasn't too small for giants like The Police. They weren't taking them selves so seriously. They knew that this was and is a big deal for the music world. But, they were relaxed and just being themselves. They truly are humble, music loving folk. I keep telling people that this really isn't your typical Rock band getting back together because they need the money. What, Sting need more success? Boy, oh boy. That man has succeeded in everything he touches. The Police just have some unfinished business to take care of. I am SOOOO Freak'n happy about this reunion. I AM THE HAPPIEST POLICE FAN IN THE WORLD!!!! YO!!" - Jerry, Pasadena

"I just entered on a whim, never dreaming there'd be a chance to see my favorite band of all time once again. The Synchronicity tour in Cleveland in '83 was a very fond, but distant, memory.The Police made great music, and their music was always SO much fun!! I saw the congratulatory e-mail early Fri. morning. Ten minutes of complete euphoria was suddenly replaced by 'How in the hell am I gonna do this!!??' Well, I found a way, and it was the most amazing event I've ever attended!!!! I left Cleveland very early Sunday morning and at 4 degrees, with a strange urge to tip the plane de-icer man. We were off and on time with Delta!!!! After sipping some free water(!), I met the guy sitting across the empty middle seat to my right and soon learned that he was heading to L.A. for the Grammies! He was a music prof. at Syracuse who was nominated for....Best New Chamber music!!!!! Um...I was sound asleep in 10 minutes and landed in L.A. well-rested and ready to rock! (seriously, he was a good guy and I hope he won but never checked.)

The blindfolded dart throw of Priceline landed me at the Hollywood Hyatt on the Strip, right next to the Comedy Store, and about a half mile from the
Whisky. Knowing there was a winners' get-together at Ian's bar in Beverly Hills to watch the Grammies, I was fortunate to have the phone number of another winner. She was staying with or near a few more winners and soon we were all sharing a cab to the Backstage Cafe. I think about 8 or so from Sting.com and a few from Stewart's site were there. What a great group of people to meet,and in such a great atmosphere! Truly deserving winners they were, and the enthusiasm pegging the meter. After watching the greatest band ever open the Grammies, we stayed and drank a bit while some kind of comedy(okaaaay?) show was happening across the bar. Even bad comedy couldn't dampen our excitement! At one point, the emcee of the show goaded us into some kind of pep-rally, show-your-spirit type of screaming contest with the Police fans versus a group of 25 or 30 au pairs from East Bum. He called it about even, but there were only 7 or 8 of us left, so pound-for-pound, we shredded them.

Jet-lag came in very handy on Monday morning, as I was already showered and slamming coffee when my wake-up call came. After a quick breakfast at Mel's Diner (that Flo is still a hoot!), I drove up to the Whisky and was 13th to arrive, evidenced by the jersey sized number etched in permanent marker on my hand. I met a few more very friendly winners inline and was even lucky enough to have a 10 second or so sound byte of my interview with Fox broadcast on the Fox News Channel. My kids saw it and called me, so now I'm like the coolest Dad ever! As for the show, if you are reading this you probably saw it and/or heard about it through the very well written accounts of the winners who can type! Good job everyone in painting a true picture of how it all happened. Kathy, you can really write!!! Outstanding! The highlight for me had to be "Cant Stand Losing You", my all time co-favorite w/"So Lonely". It was mentioned on the Broken Music Tour DVD that Sting never liked the song, but what song it is. I got the chills when I heard it begin, and they did a great job with it, except when some of the lyrics were read like a 5th grade book report for a line or two. That was quickly forgiven though and the event was electric! The fifty or so minutes flew by and soon, after the exit of the greatest band ever, we were quickly herded toward the exit by a persistent security staff, drunk with authority. At the door, 3 of us took a quick right toward the bar which was empty, but serving. Two beers and a Whisky A Go-Go T-shirt later, they finally pried us out of there.

Some of us met back at the Backstage Cafe again for lunch, drinks, and to gush about the event. I really want to thank the other fans I met, for it would have been much less of a trip without them. Kathy, Michelle, Maggie, Bob, Nicole, Kirsten, Julie, Lee, Shiela, Jean, Karen, Conroy(who came from D.C. without a ticket, but hoped to get in. Sorry man, you deserved one) and all others who made the trip more interesting: THANKS!!!! And thank you to Mother Nature, who extended my trip in L.A. an extra day by canceling my snowbound Wednesday flight. I hope none of you got caught up in that mess!!! So, Thursday night I arrived home to very excited 7 and 10 year old daughters, who wanted to sleep in their new Zenyatta Mondatta T-shirts I found on Melrose. After all, this was not a California trip. It was a POLICE trip, and I'll never forget it. Thank you, Sting.com!!!!!!! - Kevin, Cleveland

The early morning light peeks through a crack in the faded curtains. It's enough to draw me out from my bed. I stumble about bewildered in my hotel room, which is located directly between the tourist and seedy parts of Hollywood. In hindsight I really should have stayed somewhere else, but there simply wasn't much time to plan. As the light changes from grey to warm yellow I start to think about the bitter cold I left behind in Chicago. They are predicting zero temperatures and heavy snow there later today. I'm happy to be away from that mess, even if it is only for a few more hours. Although I've just told my boss that I'm not feeling well, truth be told, today is a great day. Today I feel fantastic.

I quickly stuff my belongings back into my suitcase. Down the stairs and out the door, soon I'm driving towards the famous Sunset Strip. I'm hours ahead of schedule but I don't want to take any chances. My mind races thought the infinite possibilities of relatively minor events that in any combination would certainly delay my arrival. I've waited too long and come to far to blow this at the last moment.The strip is unassuming in the daylight. It feels more like a financial district than a legendary rock capitol. The clubs are all painted with a flat black paint covering up decade's grime and lifetimes of stories. As I approach the 'Whiskey A Go Go' I start to see the first signs of activity. Something big is happening. This is why I've come, but I am not alone.

As one of the chosen 20, I assume my place at number 11. Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, New York, etc. We all share the same story. At a moments notice we've all dropped everything in our lives just to be here. Without any assurances of what that might actually be. All riding on a hunch, and clinging to a dream. Hours pass by and soon we are inside... and that dream becomes real. STING, ANDY, STEWART: THE POLICE!

To some, all this excitement might seem incidental. After all Sting has kept this music alive, repeatedly dipping into the catalog of Police hits on each successive tour. However successful those experiments were, I've always regretted not seeing the originators, who disbanded when I was just 13. Building upon Stings brilliant song writing, the trio created a signature sound that still resonates 30 years later. The unique backhanded drumming style of Stewart Copeland; which is just as much about sticks and rims, as it is skins and cymbals. Andy Summers' reggae inspired riffs or long harmonic chords that defy the 3-chord rock standard. And Sting's sparse syncopated bass filling in the low end while his voice soars high above. There was a raw energy to that sound that drifted indiscriminately somewhere between punk and jazz and rock and reggae. Today before my eyes, ears, and soul, it has returned. One unforgettable hour and 5 songs later. Just as they had done 23 years before, they disappear and as they say, "leave them wanting more". - Lee, Chicago

"I've been giddy as a school girl since first hearing the rumors of a possible Police reunion and tour on New Year's Eve and was thrilled and honored to be chosen to attend the Police Rehearsals and tour announcement in Los Angeles on February 12, 2007. Michelle and I arranged our travel plans together shortly after learning we were both among the lucky winners. We met at the airport Sunday afternoon and shared a rental car and hotel room. We and a group of Police fans decided Sunday night after watching the Grammy's at the Backstage Caf and raising a toast to the memory of Ian Copeland that arriving early for the big event would be the best way to secure a great view of the performance. Although our invitations advised us not to arrive before 9 a.m., we were all much too excited and anxious to wait that long.

Michelle and I arrived at the Whisky a Go Go shortly before 7 a.m. at approximately the same time as two other fans. Security and news trucks were already out in force, and we arranged our own waiting line and began marking hands with a permanent marker to se