The Police Newcastle City Hall 28 April 1980 9.15 (late) show
By 1980 The Police were one of the biggest bands in the world. In 1979 they had released their second album, Reggatta de Blanc, which topped the British charts for four weeks and included the UK number-one singles “Message in a Bottle” and “Walking on the Moon”. They headlined the first night of the Reading Festival in 1979, and, along with Thin Lizzy, were the highlight of the August Bank holiday weekend. So when Sting and Co returned to Newcastle in 1980 it was as triumphant heroes. They announced two shows at the City Hall, and early and late show on 28th April. Tickets went on sale by postal application only and the shows were massively over subscribed. 
I managed to get tickets for both shows, and Marie and I went along to the late show, having passed on the tickets to the earlier show to friends. We had great seats right down the front. Anticipation for the gigs was high, and The Police put on a great high energy show, to a rapturous reception from the home crowd. This was the last time I was to see The Police in a small venue. Other gigs from here on were massive outdoor shows at Milton Keynes Bowl and Gateshead Stadium.
Setlist: Next to You; So Lonely; Walking on the Moon; Hole in My Life; Truth Hits Everybody; Bring on the Night; Driven to Tears; The Bed’s Too Big Without You; Message in a Bottle; Roxanne; Can’t Stand Losing You
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Posted by Garry Shewan on May 25, 2013 at 6:56 pm
I too was at ths show which is immortalised on the classic bootleg ‘Crimewatch’. I didn’t manage to get a ticket but unusually I decided to hangout at the City Hall in the hope that I could buy one. I recall being out the front when Sting’s wife (Frances Tomalty?) returned some ‘hospitality’ tickets to the box office and me and my brother bought two. We found ourselves sat halfway back in the stalls next to Barbara Windsor and the Great Train Robber Ronnie Knight (who I recall sat down for the entire show). One of the strangest concert experiences of my life – but what a show!
Posted by vintagerock on May 25, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Hi Thanks for your memory. I recall seeing Frances Tomalty sitting on the stage watching the Police, but didn’t see Barbara Windsor!