Reader comments: Police thrill with long-awaited return
18 comments | Read story
Angry parker | 12:45 a.m. July 20, 2008
The evening was spoiled by the complete lack of parking control at the end of the concert. Where was WVC's finest? We watched two or three fights breakout in the "Premium Parking" area while concert goers had to resort to directing traffic themselves. We didn't make it out of the parking lot until well after mid-night. West Valley City officials should be ashamed and lucky know one go hurt in the skirmishes.
Greg | 9:15 a.m. July 20, 2008
First trip to Usana. Spent $100+ a ticket. Great place to listen. Couldn't see a darn thing. There was a percussion set? Shame on Usana for selling these seats at the price point they did. I expect to be able to SEE a concert when I spend that much money. Selling seats where the big screen is obstructed should be noted at the time of purchase. What a disaster. After being to some wonderful amphitheaters (The Gorge on the Columbia, Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater) and some mediocre ones (Verizon, Glen Ellen) I have to say that this site is one of the worst settings (lack of shade, premier parking where you get stuck behind everyone leaving the amphitheater ($20). These comments were echoed through my section. After this season, au revoir, won't be back.
short=changed | 12:55 p.m. July 20, 2008
Copeland is the founder of the band and we get one shot of him in a compilation? I like the other two band members, but really, how about more exposure for the man?
USANA has not been a great venue. I've enjoyed the concerts I've attended there because of the performers, definitely not due to the site. It leaves much to be desired.
USANA has not been a great venue. I've enjoyed the concerts I've attended there because of the performers, definitely not due to the site. It leaves much to be desired.
Comments continue below
pauleymon | 1:31 p.m. July 20, 2008
Freaking awsome concert, and Sting dropped the F bomb twice, it was the only time the couple next to us with their seven kids showed a modicum of reaction. Note to people with kids under the age of say 30 if the bands heyday was in 60's, 70's or 80's save your money for Hanna Montana and the Back Street Boys.
TBone | 2:01 p.m. July 20, 2008
Overall a wonderful show. Let's not forget legend Elvis Costello was there too! As for the crowd, were they "vocal?" They sure seemed quiet to me, for the most part. Despite the relatively short length of the show, and the fact that Usana leaves much to be desired (we actually left as the second "encore" was starting since we knew what a pain it was to get out) it was a fantastic evening; one I had waited 25 years to see.
Sarah | 2:47 p.m. July 20, 2008
Elvis Costello was excellent, one of the highlights of the evening. The Police were great, but yes, some songs dragged on far too long, and some arrangements didn't work, and instead of singing all their biggest hits, they added several songs that nobody really seemed to know or like very much. And it was indeed far too short, especially for the ticket price. It was a pretty good show all in all, but it wasn't spectacular.
And the evening was marred by a drunk couple that wouldn't stop harassing me because they didn't think I was dancing hard enough.
As per parking, I got to the venue early, and ended up right in the very front row of parking just in front of the gates, but I managed to get to my car and get out to 5400 S. by 10:50. I was home by 11:10. The police were there and were directing traffic right from the start.
And the evening was marred by a drunk couple that wouldn't stop harassing me because they didn't think I was dancing hard enough.
As per parking, I got to the venue early, and ended up right in the very front row of parking just in front of the gates, but I managed to get to my car and get out to 5400 S. by 10:50. I was home by 11:10. The police were there and were directing traffic right from the start.
Lizardo | 5:30 p.m. July 20, 2008
This is one of the absolutely best shows I have ever seen. 100 minutes at $2 minute - worth every penny! These guys were tight, still at the top of their game. Stewart Copeland is just unbelievable. I feel so fortunate to have had this once in a lifetime experience (since my parents wouldn't let me go last time they played here!).
Costanza | 6:34 p.m. July 20, 2008
Hey, TBone ... you should change your name to Coco the Monkey. You crack me up. You call out fans for not being vocal enough -- then tell everybody you left at the start of the second encore. What a joke!
How was the crowd in that parking lot during the second encore? Were they vocal enough for you?
Oh, and you are such a fan that you waited 25 years to see this show -- and then you left early???? I hope that 15 minutes you saved was worth it. That last song was the most rocking song of the night!!!
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but people who leave early are not real fans. Thanks to you and all the other leave-early lemmings for distracting and getting in the way of all the real fans who are trying to watch the show and don't appreciate a bunch of clueless morons filing past them.
How was the crowd in that parking lot during the second encore? Were they vocal enough for you?
Oh, and you are such a fan that you waited 25 years to see this show -- and then you left early???? I hope that 15 minutes you saved was worth it. That last song was the most rocking song of the night!!!
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but people who leave early are not real fans. Thanks to you and all the other leave-early lemmings for distracting and getting in the way of all the real fans who are trying to watch the show and don't appreciate a bunch of clueless morons filing past them.
Big time? | 6:48 p.m. July 20, 2008
This show was far too short -- no question about it. When you're charging top dollar ($206.00 for the front section) and you have the history of The Police AND it is billed as an absolute farewell tour, then you owe it to your fans to play for AT LEAST two hours.
I could not believe it when they left the stage the first time after playing for barely over 1 hour. Now, if they had been running and jumping all over the stage -- at their advanced age -- then I would cut them a little slack. But Sting and Summers barely did any moving around at all. They could have played several more hours and not elevated their heart rate to more than an elementary school kid doing a set of 25 junping jacks.
Now, Copeland was a dynamo. He was unbelievable. He earned himself a break.
Still, though, the short set was shortchanging the fans. And it looks like they have been playing this length of set for a while. That's embarassing.
My criticism has nothing to do with the music -- the music sounded great. Just disappointed in the quantity -- not the quality.
I could not believe it when they left the stage the first time after playing for barely over 1 hour. Now, if they had been running and jumping all over the stage -- at their advanced age -- then I would cut them a little slack. But Sting and Summers barely did any moving around at all. They could have played several more hours and not elevated their heart rate to more than an elementary school kid doing a set of 25 junping jacks.
Now, Copeland was a dynamo. He was unbelievable. He earned himself a break.
Still, though, the short set was shortchanging the fans. And it looks like they have been playing this length of set for a while. That's embarassing.
My criticism has nothing to do with the music -- the music sounded great. Just disappointed in the quantity -- not the quality.
Traffic Cop | 6:53 p.m. July 20, 2008
Traffic at USANA is a complete and utter nightmare. I, too, got there early, but instead of getting a good location near an exit, the parking lot attendants stuck me clear at the back end of a front row -- which is one of the worst possible places to park. USANA needs to let the early arrivers pick up some of the good getaway spots as an incentive for arriving early.
Even knowing that I would be more than 45 minutes getting out of the parking lot at the end -- at least I did not embarrass myself by leaving the concert early. Ushers should hand out red noses to everyone leaving the show early -- those people are clowns.
Even knowing that I would be more than 45 minutes getting out of the parking lot at the end -- at least I did not embarrass myself by leaving the concert early. Ushers should hand out red noses to everyone leaving the show early -- those people are clowns.
Ghost in the Machine | 9:27 p.m. July 20, 2008
Yes, the set was a bit too short, but it was WAY TOO LOUD. I'm a musician myself, and my body could hardly handle the volume. Maybe it was because I was there for Costello's entire set. I was at Journey last week and it was not as loud.
So yes I was bummed that the set was too short, but my head was blasted. The musicianship was incredible.
The parking situation is beyond ridiculous. I grew up in a LA going to concerts al the time and USANA just blows my mind.
So yes I was bummed that the set was too short, but my head was blasted. The musicianship was incredible.
The parking situation is beyond ridiculous. I grew up in a LA going to concerts al the time and USANA just blows my mind.
Sarah | 10:57 p.m. July 20, 2008
The show would have been better if they played more of their "non-hits". Only a dunce wants to hear only the hits.
SoonerCougarJr. | 8:35 a.m. July 21, 2008
Awesome show! Costello didn't get quite the reception he deserved, but I loved his set, esp. "Alison" with Sting providing backing vocals.
I agree with Ghost about the loudness. Yes, I know it is a rock show, but the highs and mids were turned up a little too much. The lows could have been a little louder. Overall, too much treble, especially from Sting's mic.
Great setlist, though I would have loved to hear "Fall Out," "Canary in a Coal Mine," and "Synchronicity II."
Parking was a mess, to be sure, but it didn't take us but 30 minutes to get out of the carpool lot. Didn't see any fights, but did get to watch a drunk lady roll down a hillside.
Glad to have been able to see this show, less than 1 month before the Police disband forever.
I just hope Elvis Costello will make his way back here again.
I agree with Ghost about the loudness. Yes, I know it is a rock show, but the highs and mids were turned up a little too much. The lows could have been a little louder. Overall, too much treble, especially from Sting's mic.
Great setlist, though I would have loved to hear "Fall Out," "Canary in a Coal Mine," and "Synchronicity II."
Parking was a mess, to be sure, but it didn't take us but 30 minutes to get out of the carpool lot. Didn't see any fights, but did get to watch a drunk lady roll down a hillside.
Glad to have been able to see this show, less than 1 month before the Police disband forever.
I just hope Elvis Costello will make his way back here again.
Clown | 10:03 a.m. July 21, 2008
My wife and I left early mostly because by the end of the set, we were sick! We loved the musicianship; the show was amazing. The speakers were just too loud and the smoke was more than I wanted to deal with (and please, no F-words).
I would love to see Police play again. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I would love to see Police play again. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
DaveNat | 10:23 a.m. July 21, 2008
I've seen the Police three times before (twice in '83, and once last year in LA) and this show was a fitting cap to over 25 years of following the band for me.
They were on their game throughout the whole set, particularly Andy, who really nailed his performance. Stewart is a legendary drummer, and had an amazing energy level throughout the night. Sting only used one bass during the entire show, (vs the typical 4 he used in the old days) but didn't need to switch instruments to vary his style as the song dictated - and I think he is a better bass player now than he was in the 80's.
I wholeheartedly agree that the only issue was the length, in my view it was just long enough to be reasonable, but really should have been about 20 minutes longer to be ideal.
Elvis Costello was great, and I give him credit for having every bit of vocal range and intensity as he had years ago. I'll be looking to see him again.
And the parking was as bad as everyone said, for sure. And real fans do not leave early.
They were on their game throughout the whole set, particularly Andy, who really nailed his performance. Stewart is a legendary drummer, and had an amazing energy level throughout the night. Sting only used one bass during the entire show, (vs the typical 4 he used in the old days) but didn't need to switch instruments to vary his style as the song dictated - and I think he is a better bass player now than he was in the 80's.
I wholeheartedly agree that the only issue was the length, in my view it was just long enough to be reasonable, but really should have been about 20 minutes longer to be ideal.
Elvis Costello was great, and I give him credit for having every bit of vocal range and intensity as he had years ago. I'll be looking to see him again.
And the parking was as bad as everyone said, for sure. And real fans do not leave early.
Jasper | 11:08 a.m. July 21, 2008
The concert was really enjoyable. The whole crowd was up and dancing. I agree that the concert was a bit short, especially when most shows go until 11:00 at USANA.
As far as the parking, quit complaining. You're quickly parked and walking to the gate. How do you expect to exit quickly? They can't exit by rows because people don't get to their cars at the same time.
As far as the parking, quit complaining. You're quickly parked and walking to the gate. How do you expect to exit quickly? They can't exit by rows because people don't get to their cars at the same time.
Jasper's Evil Twin | 11:33 a.m. July 21, 2008
Jasper, did you really write that "you're quickly parked and headed to the gate?" Excuise me? Baking Powder?
You must work at USANA and need to arrive a couple hours before the show starts.
Your assessment reminds of that great scene from the movie "Fletch."
Paraphrasing ...
Doctor: It's so sad about his wife.
Fletch: Yes, it was so sudden.
Doctor: Sudden? She had cancer. It took her years to die.
Fletch: Yes, but right there at the end, that was real sudden.
So, looking at it that way, I guess you're right, Jasper. It may take more than an hour (and that assessment is often generous) to get up the last stretches of 54th or 47th, and to wend your way into one of the parking lots, and to be directed to your site. But, boy, the actual parking of your car can be done rather quickly. And the next thing you know you're walking to the gate. Yes, never mind that you're still 3/4 of a mile away from the gate -- at least you're walking there.
USANA's traffic problem isn't the parking. It's the poor planning based on limited street entry to the venue.
You must work at USANA and need to arrive a couple hours before the show starts.
Your assessment reminds of that great scene from the movie "Fletch."
Paraphrasing ...
Doctor: It's so sad about his wife.
Fletch: Yes, it was so sudden.
Doctor: Sudden? She had cancer. It took her years to die.
Fletch: Yes, but right there at the end, that was real sudden.
So, looking at it that way, I guess you're right, Jasper. It may take more than an hour (and that assessment is often generous) to get up the last stretches of 54th or 47th, and to wend your way into one of the parking lots, and to be directed to your site. But, boy, the actual parking of your car can be done rather quickly. And the next thing you know you're walking to the gate. Yes, never mind that you're still 3/4 of a mile away from the gate -- at least you're walking there.
USANA's traffic problem isn't the parking. It's the poor planning based on limited street entry to the venue.
Bozo | 3:36 p.m. July 21, 2008
Clown, am I understanding you correctly? You state that you would love to see The Police play again because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity -- but then you admit leaving this show early?
Bwa-ha-ha! (TBone, is this you hiding in Clown's clothing?)
I hope your large red, floppy shoes did not step on the feet of your aisle-mates during your sprint to the parking lot!
Clown-dude, there will be no other chance to see the Police. There are only 12 shows left. You left early. End of story. End of opportunity.
And the speakers were too loud???
Bwa-ha-ha!
Were you trying to buy tickets for the Policeman's Ball at Abravanel Hall and mistakenly ended up at a USANA rock concert?
Please do us all a favor and don't go anywhere near the upcoming Cruefest show!
Bwa-ha-ha! (TBone, is this you hiding in Clown's clothing?)
I hope your large red, floppy shoes did not step on the feet of your aisle-mates during your sprint to the parking lot!
Clown-dude, there will be no other chance to see the Police. There are only 12 shows left. You left early. End of story. End of opportunity.
And the speakers were too loud???
Bwa-ha-ha!
Were you trying to buy tickets for the Policeman's Ball at Abravanel Hall and mistakenly ended up at a USANA rock concert?
Please do us all a favor and don't go anywhere near the upcoming Cruefest show!
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