I tried
Really, I tried. I wanted to see the Police perform on the Grammys tonight. Stewart Copeland is one of my idols.
But every time I would flip to that channel, within 15 seconds I would feel like throwing up. I guess I’m allergic to spectacle—there aren’t any awards shows I can stand to watch. But there is something about this smarmy and public mutual masturbation between the record industry and its most overblown artists (especially when the entire business model that enables them is in such crisis) that really, really creeps me out.
Comments
A disembodied voice said 'Welcome to the 49th Annual Grammy Awards', then Sting said 'We are The Police and we are back!'... after a rippin' good performance of Roxanne it was all downhill from there (as you might expect). Regarding the remainder of the program, I can totally understand why a professional musician would be nauseated by the whole sordid affair.
Posted by: Chris | February 12, 2007 12:05 AM
It was pretty cool. They did "Roxanne," which isn't exactly my favorite Police song, but...still...it was The Police -- together.
I'm sure it's on YouTube by now.
Posted by: Andrea | February 12, 2007 12:09 AM
Chris, so it was the first thing on the program? I didn't even think to start trying to figure out what channel it was on until it had been on half an hour at least. I kept checking back, hoping to see something about the Police coming up soon, with no luck.
Andrea, I'm sure you're right. I just wanted to see it on real TV, instead of crappy compressed YouTube video.
I still remember the first time I saw the Police on TV, playing "Can't Stand Losing You." I had heard "Roxanne," which didn't do a lot for me--but seeing Stewart Copeland play, I was completely transfixed. I had never seen anybody play drums like that before. Besides the fact he was fluid, aggressive, and endlessly inventive (all good qualities in a drummer), he had integrated reggae, punk, jazz, and who knows what else into one style. I've literally never looked at drums the same way since.
Posted by: pat | February 12, 2007 10:24 AM
Yea, I understand not wanting to watch on YouTube -- that's why I TiVoed the performace. I already deleted it, unfortunately. I wish I would have saved it because you're the second person who has told me they missed it and wanted to see it. Damn.
That's a really cool story about watching Copeland perform. It's inspiring.
And for only $225 (+ service charges + a trip to St Louis), you can see them play live this year! :-)
Posted by: Andrea | February 12, 2007 06:57 PM