After a short 21-year break, The Police are touring again, and Thursday night they stopped at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the second of three Southern California dates.

Though there was no official split, Sting left the band all those years ago to pursue a solo career, but it’s safe to say that his creative output in the five years with the band meets (or exceeds) his 16-year output as a solo artist. Even at 56 years old, his voice still sounds smooth, especially considering that the band played Staples Center the night before.

The set list played like a greatest hits compilation with a few lesser-known songs – such as “Next to You” and “The Bed’s Too Big Without You” – sprinkled in for good measure. The highlight of the night was “So Lonely,” a Outlandos d’Amour single that was left off the band’s first (and most well known) compilation, Every Breath You Take: The Singles. Andy Summers’ guitar work was solid, even if the minute-long solos seem a little dated given the current musical trends. But drummer Stewart Copeland, the backbone of the band, played with so much passion and ferocity that it looked like he had been locked in his basement playing Police songs for the last two and a half decades. He is one of rock’s underrated drummers so it’s good to see him playing in front of big crowds once again.

As well as they work as a duo, the two guitarists don’t seem to actually enjoy playing together. Twice, as Summers worked on a solo, Sting came over to play with him and the resulting camaraderie seemed forced at best. There were a couple of rough transitions from one part of a song to the another, so it’s clear that the trio doesn’t have all the kinks worked out quite yet. These were noticeable, but not distracting.

Ticket prices are pretty steep, but given the set list, the show is a solid value. The truce seems fragile, so fans better act quickly.