Sting’s song “I Hung My Head” is fantastic, and has a 7/8 time signature that keeps you on your toes. In the American Recordings years, Johnny Cash covered it nicely.
The Police were a great band, great drummer My fave song by the police sending out an SOS.Never listened to Stings solo stuff. I never knew Stevie Ray played for Bowie History class.Ray W. Hubbard is one of the kings of Country and Western music right now I love his work and we cover 2 of his songs in the Red Rose Hillbillies dig your work Otis.
Sting's upper register voice grabbed people's attention (not to mention his looks), the reggae feel and the pop style songs with serious non-pop lyrics not to mention Andy's cool guitar tones and unique style all made them stand out.I believe they are one of the greatest pop bands ever.
I saw The Police once and Sting solo many times. Every single concert was great. I love so many songs from Sting’s solo albums - “Sister Moon”, “Englishman In New York”, “Fortress Around Your Heart”, and “Fragile” are just a few.
Got to meet Stevie at Deer Creek. This was right after he chose to live sober. He was riding an electric skateboard in the backstage parking lot. I did not bother him other than saying "hello." I have talked to Jimmy several times and have a great story of seeing him in Bloomington Indiana. Honestly, Jimmy requires a cube of sugar or two!
Glad to see you on Patreon. Stewart was a huge part of me becoming a drummer. I love all their stuff. From the hammering ‘Dead End Job’ to the timeless ‘King of Pain’. Nothing sounds like them. One of my favorites.
Happy birthday Otis! Thanks for what you do. I will miss Pig Robbins. He played on so many songs from my childhood. An absolute legend! I’ve known about the SRV Bowie connection since the China girl album. Stevie said his decision to not join Bowie was really based upon having his own band and releasing the “Texas flood” album, that he owed it to his band to continue what they had worked hard at creating. My favorite SRV song is “Tin pan alley” (AKA Roughest place in town) also, funny you mentioned “Invisible sun” by The Police being one of your favorites, Invisible sun is my favorite Police song, As for stings solo stuff, his first solo album The dream of the blue turtles is a classic album, with the song “Russians” being my favorite song from his solo stuff. Have a great birthday weekend Otis! 🎂🎶🎂
Otis the best bio of Stevie Ray Vaughn, in my opinion, is "Texas Flood." A great insiders read its available on Amazon. Did you see the Austin City Limits where he and Jimmy Vaughn both played a double neck guitar at the same time. Thanks for deep in the heart of Texas. Keep up the good work!
What caught my ear with the Police was the way that the guitar and bass seemed to switch traditional roles… really effective sound..! Love all your videos Otis.. Thanks 👍🏼… -One thing that I need to mention about watching your show..is that,probably like alot of other people.. I have to keep pausing it..in order to Google something that you’ve mentioned..like an artist,a song,a bar or club… but it’s totally cool.. because then your show becomes a whole montage’ of music and counterculture experiences..!! Love it man..!❤️
Saw the Police at the old Austin Coliseum right before the became huge. Even at that point you could see the tension that existed within the band. The energy was chaotic, as it felt like they were trying the trip each other all throughout the night. That kind of competitive anarchy was amazing to experience. An all time favorite concert for me.
Yep I love the Musicians Hall of Fame & I watch the YT!!!! So good!!!! Love SRV ……… what a great Guitar 🎸 player & fellow Texan🔥🔥 Just love all this ✌️✌️ Thanks
Happy birthday! Love your channel. I remember The Police played at a little bar called Uncle Earl’s here in Baton Rouge about 40 something years ago. I didn’t go because it wasn’t the Allman Brothers or Marshall Tucker Band, but I always regretted that after a few years of listening to them on the radio. I’ve enjoyed Sting’s solo career. Maybe because he’s mellowed out like me. Stevie Ray Vaughn! His music and spirit are over the top. His story is deep. He was taken from us too soon. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your conversations.
Happy Birthday!! I don't know the name of my favorite Sting or Police song. But what I love about them is their jazzy bluesy vibe! I don't own any music of theirs but would never turn it off. R.I.P. Pig Robbins. My folks played his music alot.
I’m shocked! I always imagined Charlie Rich playing that piano on “Behind Closed Doors”. Wow. Pig Robbins. You are right. That intro is one to give you the shivers, it’s so cool. My introduction to Pig was on the Marty Stuart Show. Once again, OG enriches the musical lives of us lucky fans out here. Thanks, OG. Have a beautiful birthday. Much love to YOU.
I saw the Police on the Synchronicity tour when I was in high school. I had a friend in school named Roxanne and I took her with me. I thought Stewart Copeland wasn't stiff at all. He wasn't as free wheeling as someone like Keith Moon (who I never got to see), but I wouldn't describe him as stiff. Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. PS. Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Police, David Bowie, and SRV are all artists that I have in my music library. I love your stories.
Happy Birthday Otis, hope you enjoyed your day! I enjoy listening to these stories you share here. Some I’ve heard before, and some I haven’t, but it’s great to learn something new about these artists. I wasn’t a big Police fan, but I did like a couple songs they did…and the drummer I felt, was more of a jazzy kind of player…as for Stevie Ray, I liked his playing. So soulful and powerful! I like Change It, and Life By The Drop a lot! Lenny, is another one of my favorites. I’m a struggling wanna be guitar player. I keep picking it up when I can…if only just for me…to play the songs I like. As for the MHOF, Joe Chambers does a really good job with the Museum, and the stories he shares. That on my list of places to see. And I’ve heard a lot about Pig Robins….another one of the great session players. May he Rest In Peace. Keep doing what you’re doing Otis. And thanks!
The Joe Nick Patoski SRV bio is great! I read it probably 10-15 years ago, but some of those stories are incredible. My favorite is when Eric Clapton was trying to play with him and he (Clapton) just sat his guitar down on the stand and walked out. He couldn't keep up. SRV played with a ton of great players. The book goes into a lot of it. It's probably the most in-depth of the SRV bios.
SRV has been a rabbit hole for me lately. Scuttlebuttin’ is ridiculously great. As for Bowie, I literally just watched this clip yesterday. Stevie was asked and he said he was asked to play in Bowie’s band, but he only agreed to do it because Bowie told him Double Trouble could open the shows. Turned out Bowie had no intention of bringing Double Trouble. He just wanted Stevie in his band. Once Stevie figured that out, he split
I love The Police, all of them are great musicians and the songs are super interesting. My band covers Message in a Bottle, and it’s tough. Always fun to play.
The story about SRV I heard was he was offered the tour gig, but he wanted to do his own thing with his band and they was on the verge of breaking, and he didn’t want to leave Tommy and Chris.
Otis, what you described about Bowie and SRV being “two completely different animals” on China Girl is *exactly* what I loved about The Police, who I saw multiple times live. The unique ways each of them brought something from outside rock into their contributions to rock ‘n’ roll Police style gave them their distinctive sound. Stewart Copeland’s driving polyrhythms and slinky syncopation pitched against Sting’s deceptively simple bass motifs were a brilliant foundation for Andy Summers’ jazz chops layered over the skeletons of elaborated three-chord grooves. Yes, I liked a lot of Sting’s post-Police records, though it seems weird to think of it as “solo” work, since he brought so many mega-talented players in to work with him. Re your seeing Joan Jett on the way to the Police show they opened: I had the same experience with SRV on a gig in New Haven, CT, when I took my father to see Stevie at Toad’s Place. As we walked past the club on the way to dinner before the show, Stevie exited his tour bus and strode into Toad’s for sound check. Hat, boa, overcoat, boots, attitude… awesome! Keep loving it, man!
I first remember seeing the Police on TV...I was 10 and blown away! Loved all the records really...early stuff for sure. Ghost in the Machine is my favorite! Just a different sound that was going on at that time.
Morning and Happy Birthday Ottis..enjoy your day..so the deal with Bowie and Stevie was the Bowie promissed to include Stevie and Double Trouble as the opening act on a short European tour after Lets Dance was released. Keep in mind the was 1983 and Texas Flood was either released or was going to be released around the same time as Lets dance..Stevie was literally waiting on the side walk in New York for the Limo to show upto go on the European tour when he was told David changed his mind about letting Double Trouble open his shows..Staying true to his band and Texas roots Stevie walked out on David Bowie and flew back to Texas and to Tommy and Chris..Earl Slick replaced Stevie and the rest is history..I was incredibly blessed to have seen Stevie 10 times in my life before the helicopter went down..Stevie blessed us all and never forgot his roots..he always included as nany blues guys as he could for his shows..I got to see him wirh Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Joe Elly, Lonny Mack , Duke Rubelord, Jimmy Vaughan and on one shoe st the Greek Theater in Los angeles stevie had Mitch Mitchell come out and play drums on Freddy Kings " hide away...enough of my rambling..
Glad to know there’s others who take their playlists seriously. Around our house our playlists are epic and the ultimate expression. Build those playlists!
I’m surprised you talked about The Police, but I’m glad u did. I met a retired fireman last Thanksgiving that moonlighted as a local driver for rockstars to take them to venues. He said he hauled the Police around on their reunion tour, and he even showed me where he appears in a documentary with them. They were actually in a van. And acting like kids in the old days. Copeland (he’s not stiff btw, he’s precise) was busting Sting’s balls like he was famous for- - he always kept Sting grounded. And Andy reprised his role as the middle man.
in NO particular order- wrapped around my finger every little thing she's does is magic when the world is running down dont stand so close to me standing in the rain message in the bottle walking on the moon next to you can't stand losing you Roxanne synchronicity 1&2 tea in the Sahara walking in your foot steps king of pain what a perfect trio of fantastic musicianship and songwriting
Happy un-birthday to you! I'm a channel turner when it comes to Sting/The Police. I'm sure he's a lovely bloke an' all but his voice goes right through my like finger nails on a blackboard. My broke arse is grateful that you set your patreon up in that way. You're a good egg.
I stumbled across Sting doing a fantastic song, called “ I Hung My Head”. When he was honoured at the Kennedy awards, Bruce Springsteen sang it to him. It’s a sort of western/ Americana song.
Fellow Hoosier musician here (currently diasporaed in Baltimore), LOVE your content; and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Perhaps you could do some youtube livestreams; time frames vary, and I've noticed a lot of super polished content producers doing it more lately. They are probably tired of all the editing/post production, but still want to connect and share. It also seems to be open to more direct connections like IMs and guest connections.
Hi Otis, thick green here, just wanted to say howdy to you and let you know I really appreciate and enjoy your channel. My favorite police song has to be Roxann, just the syncopation of that little ditti just floors me every I hear it. Keep your powder dry you old hoot.
Love the Police from the start. Message in the Bottle is a standout. Actually all the songs from Regatta de Blanc (1979), e.g., Bed’s Too Big Without You, Walking on the Moon. Sting was with the Police only until 1983; he’s had solo career for 4 decades. He’s written so much, collaborated with so many, won tons of awards. I liked his first album and I think an Englishman in New York is on the second, maybe ‘87. Love that song. Love Sting. Enjoy your special day, Otis!
Really liked The Police early on. Andy Summers definitely had his own sound. "Roxanne" is my favorite. "Every breath you take, I'll be watching you" is downright creepy. Don't ever bring that one up if you're at a Sexual Harassment conference full of women! Happy Birthday young man!!
Earl Slick played for David Bowie, too! Saw Bowie’s 2nd U.S. Tour at Market Square Arena with Mick Ronson and Luther VanDross as one of his Back Ground Singer! That Was 1973 I Believe! Drove over from Columbus, Ohio to see that Concert with My Older Brother David & Friends! In The Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper in 1971 after The Music Critic Wrote on Bowie’s Spiders From Mars Tour, wrote, “There Was More Velvet Than Blue Jeans There” last night! I never forgot that write up!
I'm about the same on the police, but SRV, that's a whole other conversation. SRV was a legend before we all knew it. He was one of those musicians that was touched or struck by lightning. Blues music run out of his pores. I always felt like he laid his soul out every time he strapped that fender on. What a loss
There is a spectacular video of them at a college in England in 77. They were incredibly tight before they were well known and their groove was spectacular with Copeland and Sting. Stings first solo album Dream of the Blue Turtles is fantastic. Jazz infused but rocking.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gibbs! I appreciate your work.(and Thanks for the tip on Mother Blues; Great story, and Ray Wiley Hubbard is terrific!) I like your Betty White impression! Now I'm going to check out Pig Robbins and the Musicians HOF.
I saw the Police when I was a teen, in a stadium in Pittsburg at the height of their fame, they were great. Soon after Spirits In The Material World came out. Sting and I think Summers also were playing synths with their feet, while playing their instruments and singing (probably got the idea from Rush). ...not just bass stuff but melodies here and there, with their feet. I was impressed. I THINK Summers was using a Jazz Chorus amp for his clean sound, not a pedal. The opening band was Bow Wow Wow, who I'd never heard and really liked.
Happy Birthday. Love your stories. I loved China Girl before I even knew who SRV was. What an incredible talent. I like to follow music backwards and find out where classic rock tunes originated. I don’t like when artists dis their early stuff as Sting and Bono have done, but as a photographer I completely understand it. Why did I print that image? I believe you have to own your work, warts and all.
My favorite Police tune is every little thing she does because I loved the seeing them all dance it's just fun. I am a fan. I loved Stings solo stuff too especially the soul cages and the 10 Summoners tales. Its visual.
Happy Birthday. Great videos. Earl Slick plays lead for Bowie on Bowie 73 (live), Suffragette City - kicks ass! Police - give me the reggae influenced tunes, i.e. Beds Too Big Without You.
I'm not a fan of The Police but I seen Joan Jett in concert. The line up was Cheap Trick, Joan Jett and Heart. Joan Jett blew me away with how hard she works for her fans.
I wore out my cassette of Zenyatta Mondatta. Loved that album. If I had to pick one it would "Man in a suitcase ." " When the world is running down" is a close second.
As a guitarist, I love Andy Summers. Such a unique sound, style, and approach. I love the feel and overall vibe of “Don’t Stand so Close to Me” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.” “Wrapped Around Your Finger” is a great song with some of the most literary lyrics I’ve ever heard (of course, Sting was an English teacher): deal with Mephistopheles, between Scylla and Charybdis equaling Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Alabaster = white. Deep stuff.
Happy Belated Birthday Otis hope it was a blessed day for you…I’d say my favorite Police tune is Message In A Bottle…not a big solo guy but I really love Shape of My Heart
Watching this made me think of the police and when I did I got these overwhelming feelings and I could set myself in the past. Thier music evokes a real specific kind of feeling. That's the sign of a very powerful band. Don't stand so close to me is the first song I heard. Stings got great solo songs. Love is stronger than justice is a real weird take on a country song. And even Johnny cash covered I hung my head.
Walking on the moon is my favorite Police song. Andy Summers used an Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger for a lot of his chorus sounds. His autobiography “One Train Later” is a good read!
I remember reading, probably in Rolling Stone in the 70's, about Hargus "Pig" Robbins and his Cadillac. He was a success and had bought his first Caddy, the aspirational ride of country music stars.......back then, anyway. Pig, being blind, couldn't drive it, but wanted too, of course. And, he did. He drove, supposedly, a carful of his pals in and around Nashville, as one of them gave him verbal cues and directions. Alcohol may have been involved. Hope it's true. Enjoy you. Thanks. Happy Birthday from Austin!
I think you're missing Carlos Alomar, Earl Slick and Reeves Gabriel. (Reeves' story about meeting Bowie is great.) I think Nile Rodgers was all in on "Let's Dance" as well, doing that rhythm part. I respect that SRV got clean, and respect as much that he called Ray Wylie Hubbard, but when I go back to Stevie, I go back to Texas Flood and Couldn't Stand The Weather, as the later stuff does nothing for me. I always dig SRV in non-blues situations. I know three: "Let's Dance", "Pipeline" with Dick Dale for the Beach to the Beach movie, and "First We Take Manhattan" from Jennifer Warnes' Famous Blue Raincoat album.
I felt the same way about the Police. I enjoyed older music. I'm 56. I saw them June 1982 at the Philadelphia race track. The go go's and oingo bongo or whatever. I was anti pop. They came out with voices in my head. I didn't like the crowd and only went in for the Police. It started at 10 am. I was impressed. I thought Andy and Stuart were one of kind combo. My 2 pals were given acid without knowing. They did ok and the bus ride home they laughed so hard. I saw Stevie several times. He opened for the Moody Blues in October 1983. I had first row. I heard nothing about him. I was recording it. Before it started I went to the boys room. Stupidity led me to smoke with a stranger. Now what was strange it was PCP. This ruined the tape.My big mouth was woo hooing. I literally thought he was amazing. Sorry to mention drugs. It's the 80s in Philly. I don't condone the use.
I couldn't figure how to tape until 1984. First how to get my gear in. Second not being wasted and remember to fill my 120 minute tape. Unfortunately I had a learning curve. Example tape a Tower theater show.... Put your gear in the balcony where the films where showed from. By the nineties I was had body recorders with another in the balcony. This was a learning process. I was never caught.
Then I became a guard for the tower, spectrum, Leigh University . The Veterans Stadium, JFK stadium, TLA. During the 90s an example would be any David Byrne show on TH-cam from Philly to North Carolina or Massachusetts is mine. I never did any edits. Other folks have cleaned them up I'm a simple man. I just gave away my stolen sound. I just did it to hear what I thought I heard
@@gta_philadelphian4215 thanks to folks like you many gems were captured that otherwise would have just gone up in thin air. Nowadays EVERYONE is recording with thier phones. You OG tapers had to go through a lot. I want to express my thanks. I love hearing old audience-recorded tapes. Feels like a time capsule. Audiences reacted differently then, I find it very interesting to hear…
Happy Birthday Otis. My favorite Police song is “So Lonely”. RIP Pig Robbins. He played on some of Neil Young’s stuff from the era Otis mentioned in last week’s video.
I did get to see Ray Wilie Hubbard at Americana in Nashville, Mercy Lounge maybe a decade ago and even took as decent pic. Invisible Sun, straight up deep track. I bought that album on cassette in Venezuela in 82. Same with Synchronicity later in 83. I didn't leave Venezuela till October. Favorite Police track, Walking On The Moon.
Thank you for helping make this channel possible.
www.patreon.com/otisgibbs
Otis, have you heard about the Cars?
Otis do you have any Ronnie Milsap stories?
The Police were fantastic musicians so the fact that they were a super successful pop band was a great thing for music at the time
absolutely
Walking On The Moon on Regatta de Blanc is a standout for me.
Robert Fripp on Bowies Hero's album.
Love the Police. Invisible Sun, king of pain, walking on moon and the groove on de do do da is great. SRV. !!! Happy birthday. Thanks Otis
Sting’s song “I Hung My Head” is fantastic, and has a 7/8 time signature that keeps you on your toes. In the American Recordings years, Johnny Cash covered it nicely.
The Police were a great band, great drummer My fave song by the police sending out an SOS.Never listened to Stings solo stuff. I never knew Stevie Ray played for Bowie History class.Ray W. Hubbard is one of the kings of Country and Western music right now I love his work and we cover 2 of his songs in the Red Rose Hillbillies dig your work Otis.
Bowie wanted just Stevie, not the rest of the band. God bless Ray Hubbard, Stevie was one of the best! Got to see him his last day, I could still cry!
That would be "Message in a Bottle", not sending out an SOS..
Thanks@@simonvanderheijden432
Sting's upper register voice grabbed people's attention (not to mention his looks), the reggae feel and the pop style songs with serious non-pop lyrics not to mention Andy's cool guitar tones and unique style all made them stand out.I believe they are one of the greatest pop bands ever.
I saw The Police once and Sting solo many times. Every single concert was great. I love so many songs from Sting’s solo albums - “Sister Moon”, “Englishman In New York”, “Fortress Around Your Heart”, and “Fragile” are just a few.
Got to meet Stevie at Deer Creek. This was right after he chose to live sober. He was riding an electric skateboard in the backstage parking lot. I did not bother him other than saying "hello." I have talked to Jimmy several times and have a great story of seeing him in Bloomington Indiana. Honestly, Jimmy requires a cube of sugar or two!
The Police were great. They were a part of my youth.
Did you mention Earl Slick?
Giants steps are what you take.......walking on the moon. Killer tune
Glad to see you on Patreon. Stewart was a huge part of me becoming a drummer. I love all their stuff. From the hammering ‘Dead End Job’ to the timeless ‘King of Pain’. Nothing sounds like them. One of my favorites.
Message In A Bottle, Canary In A Coal Mine. 🕺
Otis, I really enjoy hearing your stories. Live long and prosper!
Happy birthday Otis!
Thanks for what you do.
I will miss Pig Robbins.
He played on so many songs from my childhood. An absolute legend!
I’ve known about the SRV Bowie connection since the China girl album. Stevie said his decision to not join Bowie was really based upon having his own band and releasing the “Texas flood” album, that he owed it to his band to continue what they had worked hard at creating. My favorite SRV song is “Tin pan alley” (AKA Roughest place in town) also, funny you mentioned “Invisible sun” by The Police being one of your favorites, Invisible sun is my favorite Police song, As for stings solo stuff, his first solo album The dream of the blue turtles is a classic album, with the song “Russians” being my favorite song from his solo stuff. Have a great birthday weekend Otis! 🎂🎶🎂
favorite SRV songs..."cold shot" and "couldnt stand the weather"
Happy Birthday Otis!!!
Andy Summers very underrated guitar player, Synchronicity ll
Happy happy Birthday birthday… Some of my Police faves - Next To You -On Any Other Day -Cant Stand losing you❣️
Yes!!! Ray Wylie Hubbard - Brilliant - I just watched the live video of “Mother Blues” - it’s wonderful. Many thanks for the heads up.
Otis the best bio of Stevie Ray Vaughn, in my opinion, is "Texas Flood." A great insiders read its available on Amazon. Did you see the Austin City Limits where he and Jimmy Vaughn both played a double neck guitar at the same time. Thanks for deep in the heart of Texas. Keep up the good work!
What caught my ear with the Police was the way that the guitar and bass seemed to switch traditional roles… really effective sound..!
Love all your videos Otis.. Thanks 👍🏼…
-One thing that I need to mention about watching your show..is that,probably like alot of other people.. I have to keep pausing it..in order to Google something that you’ve mentioned..like an artist,a song,a bar or club… but it’s totally cool.. because then your show becomes a whole montage’ of music and counterculture experiences..!!
Love it man..!❤️
Saw the Police at the old Austin Coliseum right before the became huge. Even at that point you could see the tension that existed within the band. The energy was chaotic, as it felt like they were trying the trip each other all throughout the night. That kind of competitive anarchy was amazing to experience. An all time favorite concert for me.
Yep I love the Musicians Hall of Fame & I watch the YT!!!! So good!!!! Love SRV ……… what a great Guitar 🎸 player & fellow Texan🔥🔥 Just love all this ✌️✌️ Thanks
Happy birthday! Love your channel. I remember The Police played at a little bar called Uncle Earl’s here in Baton Rouge about 40 something years ago. I didn’t go because it wasn’t the Allman Brothers or Marshall Tucker Band, but I always regretted that after a few years of listening to them on the radio. I’ve enjoyed Sting’s solo career. Maybe because he’s mellowed out like me.
Stevie Ray Vaughn! His music and spirit are over the top. His story is deep. He was taken from us too soon.
Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your conversations.
Thank you, Otis. Happy birthday. ✌️❤️
Happy Birthday!! I don't know the name of my favorite Sting or Police song. But what I love about them is their jazzy bluesy vibe! I don't own any music of theirs but would never turn it off.
R.I.P. Pig Robbins. My folks played his music alot.
Happy Belated Birthday Mr.Gibbs!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Otis! Hope it's a great one.
I’m shocked! I always imagined Charlie Rich playing that piano on “Behind Closed Doors”. Wow. Pig Robbins. You are right. That intro is one to give you the shivers, it’s so cool. My introduction to Pig was on the Marty Stuart Show.
Once again, OG enriches the musical lives of us lucky fans out here.
Thanks, OG. Have a beautiful birthday. Much love to YOU.
I saw the Police on the Synchronicity tour when I was in high school. I had a friend in school named Roxanne and I took her with me. I thought Stewart Copeland wasn't stiff at all. He wasn't as free wheeling as someone like Keith Moon (who I never got to see), but I wouldn't describe him as stiff. Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. PS. Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Police, David Bowie, and SRV are all artists that I have in my music library. I love your stories.
Happy Birthday Otis, hope you enjoyed your day! I enjoy listening to these stories you share here. Some I’ve heard before, and some I haven’t, but it’s great to learn something new about these artists. I wasn’t a big Police fan, but I did like a couple songs they did…and the drummer I felt, was more of a jazzy kind of player…as for Stevie Ray, I liked his playing. So soulful and powerful! I like Change It, and Life By The Drop a lot! Lenny, is another one of my favorites. I’m a struggling wanna be guitar player. I keep picking it up when I can…if only just for me…to play the songs I like. As for the MHOF, Joe Chambers does a really good job with the Museum, and the stories he shares. That on my list of places to see. And I’ve heard a lot about Pig Robins….another one of the great session players. May he Rest In Peace. Keep doing what you’re doing Otis. And thanks!
The Joe Nick Patoski SRV bio is great! I read it probably 10-15 years ago, but some of those stories are incredible. My favorite is when Eric Clapton was trying to play with him and he (Clapton) just sat his guitar down on the stand and walked out. He couldn't keep up. SRV played with a ton of great players. The book goes into a lot of it. It's probably the most in-depth of the SRV bios.
SRV has been a rabbit hole for me
lately. Scuttlebuttin’ is ridiculously great. As for Bowie, I literally just watched this clip yesterday. Stevie was asked and he said he was asked to play in Bowie’s band, but he only agreed to do it because Bowie told him Double Trouble could open the shows. Turned out Bowie had no intention of bringing Double Trouble. He just wanted Stevie in his band. Once Stevie figured that out, he split
Happy Birthday Otis... Many happy returns!
I love The Police, all of them are great musicians and the songs are super interesting. My band covers Message in a Bottle, and it’s tough. Always fun to play.
The story about SRV I heard was he was offered the tour gig, but he wanted to do his own thing with his band and they was on the verge of breaking, and he didn’t want to leave Tommy and Chris.
Otis, what you described about Bowie and SRV being “two completely different animals” on China Girl is *exactly* what I loved about The Police, who I saw multiple times live. The unique ways each of them brought something from outside rock into their contributions to rock ‘n’ roll Police style gave them their distinctive sound. Stewart Copeland’s driving polyrhythms and slinky syncopation pitched against Sting’s deceptively simple bass motifs were a brilliant foundation for Andy Summers’ jazz chops layered over the skeletons of elaborated three-chord grooves. Yes, I liked a lot of Sting’s post-Police records, though it seems weird to think of it as “solo” work, since he brought so many mega-talented players in to work with him.
Re your seeing Joan Jett on the way to the Police show they opened: I had the same experience with SRV on a gig in New Haven, CT, when I took my father to see Stevie at Toad’s Place. As we walked past the club on the way to dinner before the show, Stevie exited his tour bus and strode into Toad’s for sound check. Hat, boa, overcoat, boots, attitude… awesome!
Keep loving it, man!
I first remember seeing the Police on TV...I was 10 and blown away! Loved all the records really...early stuff for sure. Ghost in the Machine is my favorite! Just a different sound that was going on at that time.
Morning and Happy Birthday Ottis..enjoy your day..so the deal with Bowie and Stevie was the Bowie promissed to include Stevie and Double Trouble as the opening act on a short European tour after Lets Dance was released. Keep in mind the was 1983 and Texas Flood was either released or was going to be released around the same time as Lets dance..Stevie was literally waiting on the side walk in New York for the Limo to show upto go on the European tour when he was told David changed his mind about letting Double Trouble open his shows..Staying true to his band and Texas roots Stevie walked out on David Bowie and flew back to Texas and to Tommy and Chris..Earl Slick replaced Stevie and the rest is history..I was incredibly blessed to have seen Stevie 10 times in my life before the helicopter went down..Stevie blessed us all and never forgot his roots..he always included as nany blues guys as he could for his shows..I got to see him wirh Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Joe Elly, Lonny Mack , Duke Rubelord, Jimmy Vaughan and on one shoe st the Greek Theater in Los angeles stevie had Mitch Mitchell come out and play drums on Freddy Kings " hide away...enough of my rambling..
Very Cool. "So Lonely" probably my favorite Police Song. All the best from Australia. Cheers
I saw SRV at Deer creek 2 mths before the crash, freaking great show!!! Duke Tomato opened Stray Cats in the middle 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Happy Birthday Otis!
I'm obliged to support Sting as he's a Geordie like me Dad. 🇬🇧 Love to you Otis dear.❤⚘
(More into the Police tbh 🌞)
Also - i teach yoga and played SRV's version of Little Wing in class ...🤠
Glad to know there’s others who take their playlists seriously. Around our house our playlists are epic and the ultimate expression. Build those playlists!
I’m surprised you talked about The Police, but I’m glad u did. I met a retired fireman last Thanksgiving that moonlighted as a local driver for rockstars to take them to venues. He said he hauled the Police around on their reunion tour, and he even showed me where he appears in a documentary with them. They were actually in a van. And acting like kids in the old days. Copeland (he’s not stiff btw, he’s precise) was busting Sting’s balls like he was famous for- - he always kept Sting grounded. And Andy reprised his role as the middle man.
saw The Police at a bar in Baton Rouge in May of '79....wow!
in NO particular order-
wrapped around my finger
every little thing she's does is magic
when the world is running down
dont stand so close to me
standing in the rain
message in the bottle
walking on the moon
next to you
can't stand losing you
Roxanne
synchronicity 1&2
tea in the Sahara
walking in your foot steps
king of pain
what a perfect trio of fantastic musicianship and songwriting
Happy un-birthday to you!
I'm a channel turner when it comes to Sting/The Police. I'm sure he's a lovely bloke an' all but his voice goes right through my like finger nails on a blackboard.
My broke arse is grateful that you set your patreon up in that way. You're a good egg.
I stumbled across Sting doing a fantastic song, called “ I Hung My Head”. When he was honoured at the Kennedy awards, Bruce Springsteen sang it to him. It’s a sort of western/ Americana song.
Happy birthday and God bless!
Happy birthday Otis 👍🏻👍🏻🎉🎉🎊
Fellow Hoosier musician here (currently diasporaed in Baltimore), LOVE your content; and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Perhaps you could do some youtube livestreams; time frames vary, and I've noticed a lot of super polished content producers doing it more lately. They are probably tired of all the editing/post production, but still want to connect and share. It also seems to be open to more direct connections like IMs and guest connections.
All The Best Have a Awesome Year keep on Rocking !
Hi Otis, thick green here, just wanted to say howdy to you and let you know I really appreciate and enjoy your channel. My favorite police song has to be Roxann, just the syncopation of that little ditti just floors me every I hear it. Keep your powder dry you old hoot.
Love the Police from the start. Message in the Bottle is a standout. Actually all the songs from Regatta de Blanc (1979), e.g., Bed’s Too Big Without You, Walking on the Moon. Sting was with the Police only until 1983; he’s had solo career for 4 decades. He’s written so much, collaborated with so many, won tons of awards. I liked his first album and I think an Englishman in New York is on the second, maybe ‘87. Love that song. Love Sting. Enjoy your special day, Otis!
Really liked The Police early on. Andy Summers definitely had his own sound. "Roxanne" is my favorite. "Every breath you take, I'll be watching you" is downright creepy. Don't ever bring that one up if you're at a Sexual Harassment conference full of women!
Happy Birthday young man!!
Earl Slick played for David Bowie, too!
Saw Bowie’s 2nd U.S. Tour at Market Square Arena with Mick Ronson and Luther VanDross as one of his Back Ground Singer! That Was 1973 I Believe! Drove over from Columbus, Ohio to see that Concert with My Older Brother David & Friends!
In The Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper in 1971 after The Music Critic Wrote on Bowie’s Spiders From Mars Tour, wrote, “There Was More Velvet Than Blue Jeans There” last night! I never forgot that write up!
love and enjoy you channel your down to earth. appreciated.
I'm about the same on the police, but SRV, that's a whole other conversation. SRV was a legend before we all knew it. He was one of those musicians that was touched or struck by lightning. Blues music run out of his pores. I always felt like he laid his soul out every time he strapped that fender on. What a loss
There is a spectacular video of them at a college in England in 77. They were incredibly tight before they were well known and their groove was spectacular with Copeland and Sting. Stings first solo album Dream of the Blue Turtles is fantastic. Jazz infused but rocking.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gibbs! I appreciate your work.(and Thanks for the tip on Mother Blues; Great story, and Ray Wiley Hubbard is terrific!) I like your Betty White impression! Now I'm going to check out Pig Robbins and the Musicians HOF.
Hi greetings from Chicago Illinois- great great videos thanks wonderful stories-✌🏼
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Otis!
I saw the Police when I was a teen, in a stadium in Pittsburg at the height of their fame, they were great. Soon after Spirits In The Material World came out. Sting and I think Summers also were playing synths with their feet, while playing their instruments and singing (probably got the idea from Rush). ...not just bass stuff but melodies here and there, with their feet. I was impressed. I THINK Summers was using a Jazz Chorus amp for his clean sound, not a pedal. The opening band was Bow Wow Wow, who I'd never heard and really liked.
Happy Birthday! Always good stuff!
Happy Birthday. Love your stories. I loved China Girl before I even knew who SRV was. What an incredible talent. I like to follow music backwards and find out where classic rock tunes originated. I don’t like when artists dis their early stuff as Sting and Bono have done, but as a photographer I completely understand it. Why did I print that image? I believe you have to own your work, warts and all.
My band opened for them in VaBeach on their 2nd tour. Andy and Sting were really nice and shared a good amount of time with us
My favorite Police tune is every little thing she does because I loved the seeing them all dance it's just fun. I am a fan. I loved Stings solo stuff too especially the soul cages and the 10 Summoners tales. Its visual.
Happy Birthday. Great videos. Earl Slick plays lead for Bowie on Bowie 73 (live), Suffragette City - kicks ass! Police - give me the reggae influenced tunes, i.e. Beds Too Big Without You.
Happy Birthday Otis!!!!
HBD! Greetings from Nevada City Ca.!
Happy Birthday Otis ✌️😎
I love Fields of Gold, so many great renditions of that Sting song.
For anyone who has not yet seen it, Sting and his band backing Stevie Wonder on Sting's song 'Fragile' is an absolute must watch!
I'm not a fan of The Police but I seen Joan Jett in concert. The line up was Cheap Trick, Joan Jett and Heart. Joan Jett blew me away with how hard she works for her fans.
I wore out my cassette of Zenyatta Mondatta. Loved that album. If I had to pick one it would "Man in a suitcase ." " When the world is running down" is a close second.
Happy belated Birthday
Happy birthday Otis. I once had a dog named Otis, after Otis Campbell
As a guitarist, I love Andy Summers. Such a unique sound, style, and approach.
I love the feel and overall vibe of “Don’t Stand so Close to Me” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.” “Wrapped Around Your Finger” is a great song with some of the most literary lyrics I’ve ever heard (of course, Sting was an English teacher): deal with Mephistopheles, between Scylla and Charybdis equaling Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Alabaster = white. Deep stuff.
Happy Belated Birthday Otis hope it was a blessed day for you…I’d say my favorite Police tune is Message In A Bottle…not a big solo guy but I really love Shape of My Heart
Happy Birthday Otis. Have a great weekend 👿
Happy Birthday Otis! Best channel!
Thank you, Jack!
BTW, Happy Birthday 🎂. The Police influenced a lot of aspiring musicians. Mana being one. Great music.
Happy belated Birthday!
Watching this made me think of the police and when I did I got these overwhelming feelings and I could set myself in the past. Thier music evokes a real specific kind of feeling. That's the sign of a very powerful band. Don't stand so close to me is the first song I heard. Stings got great solo songs. Love is stronger than justice is a real weird take on a country song. And even Johnny cash covered I hung my head.
Happy Birthday Otis today is my birthday also. You have a good one my friend.
Happy birthday Dude!! Hope you've carved out a little time to make some music.
Walking on the moon is my favorite Police song. Andy Summers used an Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger for a lot of his chorus sounds. His autobiography “One Train Later” is a good read!
I remember reading, probably in Rolling Stone in the 70's, about Hargus "Pig" Robbins and his Cadillac. He was a success and had bought his first Caddy, the aspirational ride of country music stars.......back then, anyway. Pig, being blind, couldn't drive it, but wanted too, of course.
And, he did. He drove, supposedly, a carful of his pals in and around Nashville, as one of them gave him verbal cues and directions. Alcohol may have been involved. Hope it's true.
Enjoy you. Thanks. Happy Birthday from Austin!
I think you're missing Carlos Alomar, Earl Slick and Reeves Gabriel. (Reeves' story about meeting Bowie is great.) I think Nile Rodgers was all in on "Let's Dance" as well, doing that rhythm part.
I respect that SRV got clean, and respect as much that he called Ray Wylie Hubbard, but when I go back to Stevie, I go back to Texas Flood and Couldn't Stand The Weather, as the later stuff does nothing for me.
I always dig SRV in non-blues situations. I know three: "Let's Dance", "Pipeline" with Dick Dale for the Beach to the Beach movie, and "First We Take Manhattan" from Jennifer Warnes' Famous Blue Raincoat album.
Carlos Alomar is amazing. There is a great interview with him th-cam.com/video/B28CZF6he4o/w-d-xo.html its long but his vibe is great.
Thanks Otis for another great video my Friend! Happy Birthday,🎂. Your lookin good baby✌️ Love, Lori, Alabama
Happy Birthday Otis ✌
I had never noticed the slowed down video. Can see it right away now though... thanks for that
It's 5 am in Washington state coffee with Otis 👍
That's a great title for his show, Coffee With Otis,or Coffee Time With Otis 😃✌️🤘🎸
Happy Birthday!!!
I felt the same way about the Police. I enjoyed older music. I'm 56. I saw them June 1982 at the Philadelphia race track. The go go's and oingo bongo or whatever. I was anti pop. They came out with voices in my head. I didn't like the crowd and only went in for the Police. It started at 10 am. I was impressed. I thought Andy and Stuart were one of kind combo. My 2 pals were given acid without knowing. They did ok and the bus ride home they laughed so hard.
I saw Stevie several times. He opened for the Moody Blues in October 1983. I had first row. I heard nothing about him. I was recording it. Before it started I went to the boys room. Stupidity led me to smoke with a stranger. Now what was strange it was PCP. This ruined the tape.My big mouth was woo hooing. I literally thought he was amazing. Sorry to mention drugs. It's the 80s in Philly. I don't condone the use.
Sure would love to hear more about your taping exploits…
@@Zepster77 I taped every show since I was 14. They're on TH-cam without my name in credits. No bragging just a hobby.
I couldn't figure how to tape until 1984. First how to get my gear in. Second not being wasted and remember to fill my 120 minute tape. Unfortunately I had a learning curve. Example tape a Tower theater show.... Put your gear in the balcony where the films where showed from. By the nineties I was had body recorders with another in the balcony. This was a learning process. I was never caught.
Then I became a guard for the tower, spectrum, Leigh University . The Veterans Stadium, JFK stadium, TLA. During the 90s an example would be any David Byrne show on TH-cam from Philly to North Carolina or Massachusetts is mine. I never did any edits. Other folks have cleaned them up I'm a simple man. I just gave away my stolen sound. I just did it to hear what I thought I heard
@@gta_philadelphian4215 thanks to folks like you many gems were captured that otherwise would have just gone up in thin air. Nowadays EVERYONE is recording with thier phones. You OG tapers had to go through a lot. I want to express my thanks. I love hearing old audience-recorded tapes. Feels like a time capsule. Audiences reacted differently then, I find it very interesting to hear…
Happy Birthday Otis.
My favorite Police song is “So Lonely”.
RIP Pig Robbins. He played on some of Neil Young’s stuff from the era Otis mentioned in last week’s video.
I did get to see Ray Wilie Hubbard at Americana in Nashville, Mercy Lounge maybe a decade ago and even took as decent pic. Invisible Sun, straight up deep track. I bought that album on cassette in Venezuela in 82. Same with Synchronicity later in 83. I didn't leave Venezuela till October. Favorite Police track, Walking On The Moon.
HBD Mr. Ottis 👍
Happy birthday, Sting, Desert Rose is my favorite
Otis, my favorite singer is Jim Reeves. Pig Robbins played on many of Jim's records and did a fantastic job.