We've took the kids to see Taj Mahal at Red Butte Gardens a couple of years ago, but this is Miles' first "rock concert." We subsidized his ticket, but he earned part of it by mowing lawns and weeding and other various tasks.
I really wanted to see The Police last year for their reunion tour, but they didn't come to Utah so I thought I had missed my chance. So when I heard they were coming this year I snatched up tickets as soon as they went on sale. Much to my surprise Elvis Costello was their opening act. I love Costello; I would have paid the whole price just to see him. Score!
He put on a great show, even without the elaborate lighting and set. He epitomizes the working class rock n' roller, even though his songs lean toward the cerebral and away from the all too common bombastic rock themes of parties, girls and drugs.
Between sets Miles and I ran into Melinda's cousin Jeremy and his wife Natalie. It was funny because the last big rock show we went to (Weezer in 2001) we saw them there as well.
The Wasatch mountains framed the stage, and we could see all the lights in the valley below. It was a beautiful summer night with a nice breeze.
The Police hit the stage at dusk and they were in fine form. It's amazing how much sound and energy they put out, being a trio. The audio was pristine and they rocked! They had an amazingly clear big screen that was great (especially for us clear out in the lawn section.) Their light show was spectacular as well.
Stuart Copeland has this incredible drum setup complete with a gong, a myriad of cymbals, marimbas, etc. He stood up and played just about everything for "Wrapped Around Your Finger." Amazing.
Andy Summers guitar playing was unsurpassed. No one else sounds like him. And what else can I say, Sting was Sting. They put on a great show.
Every time I go to a show it reminds me how much I love to hear live music, and how recordings, as great as they are, never quite capture the real thing.
It was a fun show, with people of all ages. Young kids, people our age, folks in their 50's and 60's. We even saw a few families there with their small children. Miles really had a good time and it was really fun to take him. I think I may have found a new concert buddy.
