The Genesee Theatre Waukegan Illinois 5/19/23 by Jim Snyder
I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to photograph and review this show. Being a big fan of The Police, I had seen them twice before – once during the Ghost in the Machine tour in 1982 and again during the Synchronicity tour in 1984. I felt really disappointed when they decided to go their separate ways in ’85. Afterward, I followed Stewart in Animal Logic, as no one can produce the sound of a drum kit quite like him.
It was my first night out of the season with my Honda S2000, driving up to Waukegan with the top down and music blasting down the highway. When I arrived at The Genesee Theatre, I picked up my pass and was escorted to my seat. The theater was a beautiful old venue with excellent acoustics and a highly supportive staff.
The show began with Stewart’s first arrangement, “Demolition Man,” accompanied by a remarkable 20-piece orchestra. Next, we were treated to the song “King of Pain,” which featured three incredibly distinct voices: Ashley Tamar, Carmel Helene, and Amy Keys. If you’ve never seen Stewart perform, you’ve missed out on witnessing one of the greatest rock drummers. Even at the age of 71, he still possesses an incredible amount of energy, engaging with the audience and constantly wearing a huge smile. It’s evident that he genuinely loves what he does.
One of my favorite Police songs, “Murder by Numbers,” was flawlessly executed. Bassist Armanb Sabal-Lecco and guitarist Rusty Anderson brought everything together and pushed the boundaries of the song. Another favorite of mine, “Walking on the Moon,” transported me back to my youth 40 years ago.
Every song, from “Every Breath You Take” to “The Bed’s Too Big Without You” and “Can’t Stand Losing You,” to “Reggatta de Blanc,” showcased the band’s incredible tightness. It felt as though they had been touring these songs for years. If Stewart happens to perform near you, I highly recommend you go and see the show. You’ll find yourself smiling from ear to ear, just like I did, along with the majority of the audience at The Genesee Theatre. I believe my pictures will truly capture the immense fun of this show.
A full gallery of photos from this night is available here.
A full gallery of photos from this night is available here.
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