Outlandos d'Amour: 1977/79

Fans arrested by Police...

The Police arrested hundreds of fans at a concert at Manchester's Free Trade Hall on Friday. And none of them resisted, because the boys in blonde were giving them the treatment they'd been waiting for.

It's taken some time, surprisingly, for this band to reach the limelight in this country - but their reception last week confirmed my suspicions that they won't be in the shadows any longer. 

They bounced onto the stage and into the pounding 'Can't Stand Losing You' Their act cozed enthusiasm. 

Musically, The Police don't fit snugly into any particular cell. They're in the rock-and-roll boat, on the crest of the new wave, but carried by a strong breeze from Jamaica in their sails.

A blonde reggae band? The extended versions of 'So Lonely' and the Top Twenty 'Roxanne' gave vent to this leaning, and the new number 'Message in the Bottle' left no doubts. 

But the real hallmark of the trio is the unmistakable and unusual voice of bassist 'Sting' the fair cop with the fresh face appeal and soaring voice (though you could be excused for thinking of Andy Fairweather Lowe at times!). 

'Sting' (a childhood nickname) is an ex-school teacher with an iron in the acting fire. 

Guitarist Andy Summers' past includes 'Soft Machine', Kevin Coyne and Kevin Ayers. A Northerner, he delivered his party piece in the form of the Cooper-Clarke style recitation dedicated to the inflatable 'Sally' on 'Be My Girl'. 

Last, but by no means least, in the line-up is Stewart Copeland - as athletic on his drum kit as his satin shorts and ankle socks promise the American drummer who instigated the band, back in '77.

An excellent and enervating  concert - they bounced off as they started, with another burst of the suicidal 'Can't Stand Losing'.

Compelling stuff. Police force. Every time 'Outlandos d'Amour' is on my turntable (it's rarely off), I'm handcuffed to my stereo.

(c) Wilmslow, Alderley & Knutsford_Advertiser by Annette Kennerle