Stewart Copeland, the legendary drummer of The Police, presented a novel and provocative show at the Teatro Gran Rex: Police Deranged for Orchestra. The concept of 'Deranged' (meaning deranged or unhinged) runs through the entire performance: it takes iconic songs, strips them of their original form, and rebuilds them in a constant dialogue between rock, contemporary music, and the orchestra. The stage featured singers Sarah Jane, Alta Gracia, and Rachel Melanie, along with the rhythm section of the band Eruca Sativa. Copeland, who joked about being a 'rock star' who is now a 'grandpa', was constantly humorous and communicative with an audience predominantly aged 50 to 60. He referred to some songs as 'diamonds that cannot be cut,' yet he delivered an almost unrecognizable version of 'Roxanne.' In one of the most celebrated moments, Copeland took the conductor's podium himself, while Lula Bertoldi delivered an intense guitar solo. The show combined the visceral pulse of rock, symphonic architecture, and a humor that decompressed any form of solemnity. The finale was a string of hits: 'Don’t Stand So Close to Me,' 'Message in a Bottle,' and 'Can’t Stand Losing You,' with the audience singing along to the choruses. In this way, Copeland confirmed that the real risk is not in deranging the classics, but in leaving them intact. Copeland opened with 'Demolition Man,' one of the band's least popular songs, a choice that served as a clear statement of principles. For the encore, Bertoldi performed a powerful version of 'Magoo' with Copeland on guitar.
