Tape of the Police’s First Show at New York’s CBGB Soon to be Released

In 1978, the Police performed two sets at New York’s famous CBGB as the kick-off of their first-ever US tour. Thanks to a recent discovery of the historic show’s tape, fans will finally be able to hear the classic icon’s premiere show in the United States.

“This is brand new,” guitarist Andy Summers said about the recording in a recent interview. “It’s just sort of hot off the press, it just turned up. Somebody found that. I’ve heard it, and it’s very raw. It’s really in your face, not finessed at all.”

The recording doesn’t have an anticipated release date quite yet, but Summers’ words definitely make Police-lovers antsy to get their hands on the project. 

“It’s a real collector’s item if you’re into history and all of that, and CBGB was the mecca of punk. It was very important for us to play there,” he explained. “Because we were getting the official seal, the stamp of authenticity. Our punk credentials were dubious, but once you played at CBGB, it was, like, okay, you guys are the real thing.”

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