Hard Rock Calling 2008: Review, live tracks and and photos
It isn't every day that a festival goer has the opportunity to witness the final live performance of any band, let alone a band who are revered the world over.
Today,
Hard Rock Calling 2008 was closed with an absolute bang, as The Police played what was to be their last live appearance as a band. And we could not have expected a better finale.
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Being eased into the set with one of many familiar sounds, the crowd seemed ecstatic for the start of 'SOS'. Everyone seemed to be determined to truly enjoy and take in each song for their own
individuality and brilliance, not just because it was a legendary band playing, but because these were legendary songs, being played live in all their glory for the final time.
Sting himself was amazing to watch, pushing the vocals as far as they would go, and smiling shyly and appreciatively throughout 'Walking On The Moon', 'Don't Stand So Close To Me', and 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'. He treated each song with fondness and dedication, as though making sure he did them all proud as he signed them off.
As an onlooker, you couldn't have asked for more at the closing of a music festival. This finale for The Police will be remembered as a fantastic end to a truly legendary chapter in music. What's more, they look as good now as they did when they were big the first time around, although they might have gained a few gray hairs.
The hype in the crowd, all of whom are on their feet and dancing, continues for 'I Can't Stand Losing', which ends with a pause that is filled with a deafening roar from the thousands crowded in front of the stage. The band picks up again with 'Roxanne', and the reaction is incredible.
There's also 'So Lonely' and the much-loved well-known 'Every Breath You Take', after which there is a brief but expected departure of the stage before the encore. Before leaving the stage for the very last time, Sting says his farewell with a simple 'Goodnight London!' and the band are gone, but you can guarantee they wont be forgotten.
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