Invisible Sun

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Invisible Sun" by The Police from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. This track, released as a single in the UK, hit No. 2 on the charts but was banned by the BBC due to its music video featuring stark footage of the Northern Ireland conflict. Sting, the band’s frontman, wrote the song in Ireland during the 1981 Belfast hunger strikes, inspired by the resilience of people in war-torn areas like Belfast and Beirut, where drummer Stewart Copeland grew up. As Sting shared in a 2000 Revolver interview, he aimed to show “some light at the end of the tunnel,” reflecting hope amidst despair. The song’s dark, synth-driven sound and haunting lyrics, referencing the ArmaLite rifle used by the IRA, carry an uplifting message, making it a powerful anthem of human spirit.

Another cool tidbit: Bono joined Sting for duets of “Invisible Sun” during shared U2 and Police gigs, including a 1982 festival in Gateshead, England, and the final two shows of Amnesty International’s 1986 A Conspiracy of Hope Tour. The song’s video, directed by Derek Burbidge, got heavy MTV airplay despite not being a U.S. single, thanks to The Police’s massive popularity. In 1998, Sting teamed up with British reggae group Aswad for a brighter, horn-heavy version of the song, showing its versatility. Fans on X voted it an underrated track in 2022, with @ThePoliceBand highlighting its 40th anniversary in 2021, noting its role as the first glimpse into the sonic shift of Ghost in the Machine.

The Police, formed in London in 1977, were Sting (vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums). Their origin story kicks off when Copeland, a drummer with prog-rock band Curved Air, met Sting, then playing in jazz-rock outfit Last Exit, in Newcastle. Sensing Sting’s charisma, Copeland convinced him to form a punk-inspired trio. They roped in guitarist Henry Padovani, but after Summers, a seasoned player from The Animals and Soft Machine, joined, Padovani left, solidifying the classic lineup. Initially posing as punks to ride the late ’70s wave, they blended reggae, jazz, and rock, creating a fresh New Wave sound. Their debut single, “Roxanne,” from 1978’s Outlandos d’Amour, became a global hit, launching them to stardom.

By the late ’70s, The Police were a global force, with albums like Reggatta de Blanc and Zenyatta Mondatta showcasing their knack for catchy yet complex tunes. Ghost in the Machine marked a shift to a fuller, synth-heavy sound, reflecting their evolution. The band split in 1986 after Synchronicity but reunited for a 2007-2008 world tour. You can dive deeper into their world on their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like PoliceWiki for detailed lore and in Facebook groups like The Police Official Fan Club to share their love for the band’s timeless grooves.