My encounter with The Police

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th

Flashback: Blast to the Past!

It was Fall 1979 and I was a teen living in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  My boyfriend at the time wanted to take me to Disneyworld on a music night since I never planned to participate in Grad Night. I was actually 16 years old, a freshman in college, and editor of the college newspaper at the time. I figured that going to the music night at Disneyworld would provide fodder for at least a music review. Typically, Disneyworld features various bands at pavilions or areas throughout the park, so one can wander and get a taste throughout the evening.  I remember seeing Spyro Gyra (although I am not a big fan of jazz). The band I really wanted to see was The Police. Yes, they had just come out with “Outlandos D’Amour” and I favored a punk band over a jazz band any day of the week. I had the album and knew every song on it. At the time the single “Roxanne” was just being released.

Low and behold I entered Tomorrowland Terrace, the burger joint at the space-themed area of the park. Police was setting up their equipment on a stage which was about three feet high. The place was empty except for a handful of park-purveyors milling around the room. They seemed more interested in eating burger and fries than listening to the music. I was totally into the music and was pogo dancing about three feet from the stage. I could have reached out to touch Sting’s feet. What a site to see! Who would have thought they would be one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and beyond!

 

Chyrisse Tabone, Ph.D.
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Forest Live Festival – UK

Forest Live Festival – UK