The Iconic Drumming Behind "Message In A Bottle" | The Police Song Breakdown

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thank you for bringing the soul of this song to life and sharing all these stories! | Ready to reach your drumming goals? 🔗 Try Drumeo FREE for 7 days: www.drumeo.com/trial-yt

[@DiegoRuiz1991]

I would've made him play some Spyro the Dragon songs, LoL

[@clayc8511]

Thank you guys for making such great drum videos!! Your channel is the best thing to happen to KZbin

[@TerêncioNunesAlcântara]

Big LCD for guests see your conserts and old shows better ok? 😊❤

[@j.frankparnell6195]

I would love to see his interpretation of Banquet or Helicopter by Bloc Party.

[@YouNoy]

Stewart Copeland, you rock dude! The world needs more of you. Charismatic guy and one hell of a drummer! I love MIAB and play along.. new appreciation for this song, always a favorite 🥁

[@Iceman259]

Only Stewart Copeland could show up to a Song Breakdown shoot, throw up his hands and say "I have no fucking idea, I played it differently every take", proceed to indeed play it differently once again, and still make a banger of a Drumeo video.

[@jasonlaviolette2964]

"I just start bangin' shit and whatever you get, you get." Yeah, this is why all of us that have ever played drums love Stewart Copeland.

[@max_blackened]

And you don't complain

[@gideonk123]

I’m sure it’s an exaggeration, since Stewart probably played this song hundreds of times in live show. In general, if it were another drummer, being a professional, it’s expected to be able to come up with a good performance for a song you know, even if it’s not from your band.

[@keipfar]

He is a jazz player...

[@ronmckee9019]

Don't forget he invited us over as long as we bring coffee. I'm leaving the shop now and I'm on my way over his house for a Stewart Copeland Drum lesson and Jam. It's on. I just called Roger to warm up the Jet, we're heading to Barcelona!

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

This man’s energy in his 70’s is absolutely unreal! Dude is incredibly youthful in a lot of ways. Seems like a genuinely nice guy in general!

[@brandonwood672]

It’s because real men play drums.

[@RandySeverino]

I love how he explains the runaway train speeding up, another band member can do that to a drummer and the drummer takes the fall. True!

[@donbrashsux]

Incredible skills 😮

[@DevonVanNote]

Stewart Copeland is the shit. Impossible to not smile when you watch / listen to him.

[@harbs_cantina]

Check out the video of The Police playing 'Synchronicity' live in 2008...incredible...all 3 of them :) Also....did you know Copeland wrote the theme music to the old 'Equalizer' tv series back in 1985? :)

[@adriantrusca1245]

Just shit. Not THE.

[@valdemar8337]

@@adriantrusca1245 boo hater

[@julesgiles]

Totally agree

[@benbrown6311]

💯

[@March1966]

I remember reading an interview with Neil Peart where he was asked if there were any drummers he admired. First name out of his mouth was Stewart Copeland. He went on to say that he not only admired him, he stole things from him. That’s a pretty damn good compliment!

[@kinatan968]

And both of them are masters on the hi-hat!

[@andykennard9458]

I was just thinking that he’s a lot like Neil Peart personality wise

[@deanwhite4143]

I was a budding drummer when they hit it big. Stewart turned drumming on it's head completely. All of a sudden, you'd hear guys like Peart playing 4 on the floor with the snare on 3.

[@EsDeib]

You can really tell how much of Stewart’s drumming became part of Neil’s vocab especially in those 80’s albums. Two of the greatest.

[@March1966]

@ when Stewart spoke at Neil’s memorial he cracked a pretty funny joke, “Neil’s the reason why people tell me I’m their second favorite drummer”. Great sense of humor to boot!

[@alfredneumann4332]

his kit always sounds so crisp and beautiful!

[@MrShoryuken1]

The best hats bar none.

[@MetaITurtle]

Haha he said playing drums for the Police is no place to get high

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

You can be sure there is a very competent drum tech hired by Copeland behind that sound. No way he tunes his drums himself at his level.

[@GregJonson]

Just like Stewart himself! What?

[@fabricewerner2428]

LOVE that snare sound. And those Paiste s wow

[@pandasarevicious]

I’m a drummer and I’m honestly floored watching this man. His feel is absolutely unmatched. It’s light and nuanced and he almost floats the sticks above the drums. Legend.

[@mahcem]

This guy is the embodiment of being in total peace and acceptance of one's own ADHD... I've never seen anyone else who gets bored of the moment they just lived so much and so fast that they have to immediately do something else. He is literally unable to play anything twice, yet everything he plays sounds just... awesome. What a guy. Forever a fan since 1985.

[@LBcustomdrums]

Spot on!

[@mk.5706]

Well spoken! Greg Bissonette seems to be member of that little club as well.

[@xBaphometHx]

I was also thinking about the way he improvises and ADHD when I saw a clip of this performance on Instagram. 😂

[@beetlejews]

Ok….. I see what you mean…… you made a valid point…..

[@PrzemekM25]

Chad Smith is alsow in ADHD club, like me too.

[@patrickdgarez86]

At 56 and a drummer for 3/4 of that time, Copeland is the only human that I have ever idolized. My love for the ghost notes, syncopated accents, ragga grooves have always had me prostrate. We had so little access to visuals in the old days. Everything I learned of his style was from playing each track over and over and over. I have lived a musical life of perpetual frustration whenever anyone asked me who my favorite drummer was/is. Without fail, the responses were always "no f'ing way...Neil Peart is the master". All respect to Mr. Peart but no one has ever been able to sway me. It is an absolute joy to have Mr. Copeland present all over social media and to finally feel vindicated with all of the comments I read praising the perfection of his artistry. I haven't played live in a number of years but my heads were always tuned extra tight in a vain attempt to mimic the perfection of his snare and toms. I never managed to get a set of Octobans! F###!!!!!! Amusingly, though, it wasn't until a few years ago that I learned that he used a lot of delay in his productions. Decades of trying to replicate the speed of his side-sticking and never being able to. I almost threw a stick into my computer screen when I discovered that little nugget. Life long musical love affair with this master of an instrument I love even more. Thank you for the years of incredible sonic pleasure and catastrophic frustration, Mr. Copeland. =)

[@m42037]

Carl Palmer is above Neil, deep in your soul you know it. Any overdubs I ignored and just improvised no way to play Copeland note for note, or Peart or of course Palmer

[@patrickdgarez86]

@@m42037 It sounds like it would probably be best not to get into a tug of war with you regarding who sits atop the mountain of greatest drummers. No question that Mr. Palmer requires the aid of oxygen given the altitude from which he sits. As of the last 10 years, this gentleman has moved Copeland down a tiny notch on my list: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKTYp2ajp8Z8ntk (I am not sure if one can get closer to perfection).

[@vividuous]

All respect to your taste, Copeland is amazing. My personal favorites are Christian Vander and Pierre Moerlen. Cheers.

[@richardgardiner6468]

U sound gay, dude🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I find his playing and his drum set so creative, musical and with so much feeling.

[@robertfoshizzle]

No one knows the art of writing a drum hook better than Stewart. His parts are so memorable and catchy despite the drum set not traditionally being a melodic instrument.

[@echo6echo419]

He also plays a plethora of other instruments very well....hugely talented.

[@JonSudano]

8:40 is my favorite Police moment in the history of Police moments, maybe ever.

[@jasonBGI]

😂😂😂😂 have mercy

[@alpineinc1]

Need to isolate that or make it a short

[@biorythmicshifter]

That snare sound is pure bliss. This guy is national treasure…

[@jpthedrummer4258]

Agreed. I love tight tuned snares.

[@exactsame]

A global treasure?!

[@l3eatalphal3eatalpha]

I once played a friend Duel by Propaganda and told him it was one of my favourite snare sounds along with Stewart Copeland, as well having great ride in the chorus, dynamic crashes and overall tightness. Well I was only a wiki search by the friend that it was indeed Stewart Copeland. I guess I had thought that because it was such a relatively straightforward part it was not him, but it bangs. Neil Peart obviously loved him and Copeland/Manu Katche inspired snares on Presto and Roll the Bones are great.

[@simonm2092]

"it seems I'm not alone in being alone." Genius lyric.

[@olivergallimore3490]

The "Stewart Copeland hears a band for the first time" video is going to be an all timer

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

three completely different takes followed by 'i don't fucking know what I just played!?'

[@lixoool]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@zummazummabaccala]

this sounds like it already

[@theworstisover11]

What do you even give a guy like this?

[@j.frankparnell6195]

@@theworstisover11 You know damn well at his age, he has probably heard it all and played it all.

[@mathewthomason8397]

Being a drummer I always loved bluesy behind the beat grooves and that's what I learned to play. Stewart's drumming is different. It's like he's playing around empty space, and that creates a tension that I'm fascinated with. The snare hits and fills come exactly the opposite of when I expect them. My ear is always waiting for it to resolve into something more familiar and comfortable but it never does, and it always keeps me listening and interested. It's playing around the beat. Like a musical photo negative.

[@JCurcio]

Really true.

[@EthanRom]

It feels strange because the Police is Reggae influenced

[@The_KlaVra]

I just love how he just riffs on the drums, he has like specifical things that he does close to the original but then he riffs on top, and his creativity is top notch, many drummers can learn from him, his use of toms, cymbals and percussion is just next level.

[@Rob954ever]

I'm almost 58 years old. So, I literally grew up with The Police. Watching Stewart play this just reaffirms my love of his drumming. He IS my all time favorite drummer.

[@Djamoraya]

Copeland peart paice

[@sunblindX]

Copeland is the luckiest thing ever happened to Sting.

[@vodookchutlu1393]

Lol

[@waynem4791]

Probably the other way around. At least this way we get to know the brilliance of Copeland. If it wasn't for Sting's songcraft, Copeland would probably be still playing superb drums, only nobody would know.

[@andreybratanov9670]

And Vinnie Colaiuta is the second luckiest thing happened to Sting😂

[@shawnmcvey7789]

We're the lucky ones, we got the Police's incredible music

[@jeffreyhanc1711]

@@waynem4791and if sting’s wonderful songwriting abilities didn’t have Copeland and Summers, he too may be sitting in a room today - brilliant and unknown. The Police - particularly their earlier material - was a synergistic force to be reckoned with.

[@josefpollard6271]

The amplification sounds terrific! Thank you!

[@jeffreymorris5815]

Double bass in message in a bottle 😂 Someone stop this madman!!

[@JohnBradydoesstuff]

Excel did a cover of this back in the 90s. And yes. Double bass. It’s incredibly satisfying. 😂😂😂😂

[@mnemecast]

I think the obvious point of that was 20 bars in you can only ramp up the same outro loop so much with drums. That’s why he tells him to shut the fuck up because he’s already climaxed With no where left to go and it’s still fading out. Yeah, The only reason he’s even doing double bass is because he’s bored. Guess how I know?

[@patrickmckenna8660]

Dudes. I was never a fan of the Police. However watching this video has given me a respect for Stewart that I never thought I would have. Very incredible! He is amazing! I also love that green cymbal.

[@raulfigueroa588]

Why not a fan of the Police?…wait a tick, is this a trick question?

[@m42037]

Paiste is the best and yeah the colour cymbals are cool to have one or two..

[@michaelwills1926]

I felt that way about Rush for the longest time and then suddenly became aware of how massive the drum parts were, and then I noticed the rest of the band

[@chloesmith4065]

The octoban parts are so cool

[@Mr.Martini549]

@@michaelwills1926 Same. Too massive to simply ignore!

[@chrisvand2678]

As a teen taking drum lessons, my teacher always said to me, "Go listen to some of Copeland's drum playing, and then you'll understand what it means to make "love" with your drum kit..". I didn't understand what he meant by that, but after seeing this I completely understand what he was trying to tell me back then. Stewart is all about feel, and just takes it where it goes. I love it! I hope that you'll play "Walking on the Moon" on Drumeo one day. That's one of my favorite drum tunes from The Police. Thanks!

[@SpiritOfMontgomery]

Instructions unclear, am fucking bass drum

[@stefanbobby1346]

Insane how much understanding in terms of rhythm and groove he has... overwhelming!

[@carlosconesa]

Never plays a song the same way twice, what a creative and wild drummer.

[@mattmckeon1688]

In his interview with Rick Beato, Stewart recalls a conversation with Neil Peart about the legions of Rush fans that air drum every fill note for note and how he admired that. Neil replied along the lines of "well, for that you've got to play it the same way every time."

[@WoockerSocket2]

But when Lars Ulrich does that, it's the end of the world

[@carlosconesa]

@@WoockerSocket2 😂

[@18hot30]

@@WoockerSocket2 serious? or troll?

[@dazza3115]

It's a jazz thing, he can play it like it is on the album but once you have the skills you can improvise what you are doing and it still sounds amazing 🤩

[@saraboydstar]

This is fantastic and a real joy to watch Stewart Copeland play this song now and be interviewed and have a fun dialogue!! Stewart's an amazing iconic drummer!! Thanks Drum for doing this recording and interview!!

[@what_the_pug_with_coffee]

I really want to see playing 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' with his percussion kit in DRUMEO studio

[@Lotus.911]

That would be sooo fucking cool!!!

[@GuidedRhythm]

He said in a different video that it’s his least favorite song. Probably won’t see that one lmao, but it would be sick

[@shawnmcvey7789]

​@@GuidedRhythmThat's a shame, seeing him on the percussion kit during the reunion was a delight. So much fun to watch.

[@joaovictorazevedomatos7772]

@@shawnmcvey7789 He said that because Sting writing in that song has some dubious shade for the other two.

[@humblehombre9904]

At 4:25, that splash! It SNAPS, then shuts its face….beautiful sound.

[@Rockinroomsrob]

I love the fact he's just playing in the moment, having fun. He's always entertaining.

[@hrkarlhungus]

Watching Steward this past month has really lifted my spirits and encouraged me to lean back into who I am at my core. I'm a lefty drummer on a right kit without a drum set in 30 years and it feels like inner death. Grateful for this and Drumeo for producing these. At a pretty big bottom in many ways, and these vids are the best lift ever. Blessing to Steward. I listened to Arab music for years, had a roommate from Trinidad and listed to reggae. No wonder I love Steward's playing. Steward's flams lift my soul.

[@zachvobornik1404]

The creativity in this drumming is off the charts.

[@mafcarvalho]

Definitely one of the most iconic pieces of drumming and awesomeness in history! Stewart Copeland plays the coolest grooves so effortlessly that my mind gets blown.

[@Marbeary]

Sting stop singing!! Thank you uncle Stewart for the laughs. I love that you made him listen to his own drum recording and critique himself.

[@gheller2261]

My wife and I went to the very last Police concert at Madison Square Garden around 2004. The setup was such that there was a big screen showing Stewart. We both just watched him playing the entire night. He's just so good.

[@ChetWeeds]

The cracks on that snare when the outro starts then into the ride always blows me away

[@ericmills9839]

I know nothing about kits...is that a coating on the ride that has some effect?

[@JC-zw9vs]

Nope, I think it was a Paise Rude Ride. Heavy, very loud and pingy.

[@julesgiles]

I'm absolutely loving these recent videos of Stewart Copeland. He has to be considered as one of the greats on the drums.

[@dubukimmie]

He is simply a genius. It's the perfect mix of technicality and musicality. The drums stand out to be impressive, but it fits without being too much compared to the other instruments. Big love Steward

[@dontbakdown6015]

This guy is the essence of the Police...like all truly great masters of their craft he has stamped his style and quality over all their music. I doubt there is a more creative brilliant percussionist to rival this man. A legend. A great teacher and man what a drummer 😊

[@chiraggahlaut]

I've always been in awe of how Stewart Copeland plays the drums on any track by The Police. His drumming is so intricate and distinctive, adding an unmistakable character to their sound. Their music is already so unique, but Copeland's rhythm work takes it to a whole new level-it's almost mesmerizing to think about how he pulls it off.

[@ultramet]

Saw the Police in their heyday 27 times… including My Father’s Place in Roslyn, Long Island NY and the Capitol Theater in NJ. What a band. What a great time in my life. Thank you!

[@jtsjc1]

I was at the Capitol also in November 1980 great show.

[@ultramet]

@ that show was just so amazing. They were so tight as a band during that time. Still remember “The Bed’s Too Big Without You” live that night as if it were yesterday!

[@MichaelChiasson-y4o]

Simply amazing! I wonder if Stewart ever had a lesson in his life? Most of the greats never have.

[@realBrianCars]

I don't even drum, but in any interview, Copland does; I love to watch and learn how all these Police songs come together.

[@dalesanders7571]

SC has always been in my top 5 drummers. I love how he takes the songs to a different place every time.

[@dev0nd2thel36]

When the Copeland video came out all that time ago I thought ‘how could you not mention message in a bottle, it’s his greatest performance and their greatest as a group. Let alone one of the best pop songs ever written’ It turns out you were going to give an entire video just to my favourite song and favourite drummer🙏🏼

[@shadcovert1160]

I love how obvious it is that he's loving his visit to Drumeo. Its kindof like "finally i get mine!". He deserves it.

[@dferris7767]

Yep, Stewart never plays this song the same way twice. I've watched the Synchronicy live concert numerous times and his fills are all over the place and awesome. I love how he throws a ton of fills just in the intro in the "Certifiable" live DVD rehearsals too. Sting gets pissed at him for filling it up. But, us drummers love that. Thanks for this video! Stewart is always an inspiration.

[@paulbarnett5056]

I'm sure Copeland did it deliberately to piss off "Ole' Stingo" as much as he respects him he also can't help pushing his buttons, and I love both of them.

[@Mr.Martini549]

Keith Moon played the same way and it drove Townshend nuts! I imagine it grinded Stingo's gears a time or two. 😂

[@thecappy]

As a bass player I love Walking on the Moon high hats, it gets me every time.

[@tommynikon2283]

Once again, Drumeo and Brandon drop music history gold. Stewart was one of my heroes…his “world beats”, eclectic style- not to influence my own, but to APPRECIATE his own talent and contributions. The music lives on…and that’s the best validation.

[@jenndavin]

I saw The Police the first time they came to SLC, Utah way back when. I was playing in a local rock band, and we were mesmerized. Our drummer idolized Stewart Copeland from that day forth. The Police changed our musical lives.

[@CaseyMoo1]

Greatest high-hat player of all time. Even Neil Peart was openly heavily influenced by Copeland's high-hat sound. ( As evidenced by songs like The Weapon and New World Man). Hell, even Peter Gabriel had him play high-hat on the intro of Red Rain!

[@mattmckeon1688]

Vital Signs is very Police-ish.

[@CaseyMoo1]

@@mattmckeon1688 absolutely! (I love that Rush openly owns the Police influence)

[@Mialamorena1]

NEW WORLD MAN!!! I got into Rush BECAUSE of the Police!!

[@jckhammer]

I idolized Copeland in my younger drum years, still love his hi hat playing , but also listen to Carlton Barret as Bob Marley's drummer. A complete equal in hi hat work. Good drummers know this

[@bricecooper7903]

Digital man is Neal’s take on Stewart’s hi hat part. Legit it’s as if Pert got challenged and simply said..game on.

[@svgitana2499]

Amazing drummer!! His sound is absolutely what made the Police stand out!!! There’s only one Stewart Copeland!! And I loved their dancing, that’s what was in at the time, it’s what made them unique! It’s part of what attracted me to their music. They had this aura of……..crazy, unique, cool, band!! Oh the memories!! 🫶🏻

[@divinitymode9364]

One of my top ten drumming performances of all time. Man’s a genius and no one can even begin to play this right apart from him.

[@maeu59]

Vinny can do it.

[@philodur_offical1552]

This guy is so unbelievably brilliant. The way he plays is so varied, the elements he uses and everything with technical perfection and always on point. You can only bow to him. 😎✌️

[@mikerussotourmanager]

With all that freedom and fluidity, Stewart still knows EXACTLY when to drop that perfect snare hit at 7:48 in the outro to launch the ending into the stratosphere

[@frednorthupjr-seattle]

The reason I got a drum set 40 years ago! And still so inspiring. Thanks, Drumeo. ❤

[@martinlawrence8427]

Superb…love Stuart, his amazing energy (at 72, imagine what he was like at 22) relentless ribbing of “stingo” and of course incredible chops!

[@jumpinjojo]

*Stewart

[@SebastianLenehan-gw3fn]

He's so God damm musical. The way he incorporates the tom's. His fineness yet very powerful playing and creativity is astounding. Love this, thank you!

[@felixweber6593]

This guy is a monster and a pure genius of the drums... That sound, that f*****g groove and feel... come on... that's insane 🤯

[@Random-kq4pz]

He plays just what the song needs, and nothing more. Brilliant!

[@TheMrMused]

Stewart is one-of-kind. So much talent, humility, humor, creativity. He's so hard to cover really well if you're not sufficiently familiar with the tune because he's always slightly leading the beat. You've got to have absolute mastery of time.

[@n8barnhart]

The King. I started playing drums at 5 years old in 1981 and this is the man that taught me everything I needed to know about. Be creative and just be you. Love You Stewart.

[@kidbonesonline]

My favorite Police song ever ❤

[@DaniloMarrone]

Maestro Copeland’s groove and pocket are second to none! Pure mastery and joy.

[@Fight4Freedom1911]

This song took me 3 years to get!!! And yess I play traditional now thanks to Mr.Copeland lol..the left Dom to right hand finished fills has been a game changer for sure your a genius man!!!! And the way he tweaked the rhythm from reggae style to classic rock what a masterpiece!!!! It's still my most played song next to walking on the moon!!!😅

[@rainersauerbier]

Amazing!!! If you see his drumkit, it says so much about him. This drive and groove with such high technical ability, without brute force and a great sound. Stew is one of the best of all time and a wonderful guy...

[@BruceBonebrake]

These drum parts are so original and interesting, what a legend. I can't watch this guy without being inspired and not to mention completely entertained. I think I enjoy listening to him talk almost as much as I love his drumming, he's such a character.

[@jimmoore8951]

Yup

[@ivygenesisluvsu]

never would’ve thought this song was so complicated to play on the drums (I’m new to the Police) but holyyyy shit fascinating stuff I love watching these breakdowns so much whenever I get into an artist or band

[@Ticonderous1]

Mind Blown , As usual when Stewart plays .....

[@DameTremonti]

Incredible talent. There will never be another like him. God Bless Stewart Copeland.

[@aleksandarradovanovic8496]

Ted Danson is killin it in both music and tv

[@bbj7383]

Be cool if he got together with Mark Walberg and did a clinic

[@bbj7383]

Thomas Lang if your wondering

[@blakerbnsn]

Got me with that one, Alek! LMFAO!

[@coreyw5981]

Funny you should say that. I was watching this video and my gf asked if I'm watching Ted Danson. haha and she just heard him speak. I didn't make the voice similarities at first but i had to show her they look the same too

[@MamasGotADonkey]

you literally only think that because of their hair color and glasses. they don’t actually look similar at all lol

[@RichardRemedios]

Not only superb drummer but incredible musician, one of the few who can play with that intensity but the finesse is still there, Sting’s tunes went up levels because of this man’s plus Andy’s playing, great song to come through a very hard punk like era in English music, my Brother was at the Hatfield Poly Gig too, you can hear him plus his mates chanting at the start of the clip, he came home saying he’d just seen this amazing band at College called The Police, as they say, the rest is history…

[@michealcarney853]

I don't think I've ever heard him play a single measure of this song the same way twice over all the years, still amazing either way 😂

[@stefanschneider3681]

This version of Stewart just shows how much of an INSTRUMENT the drums are!! Beautiful!!

[@IanLeoMusic]

He is truly a drumming genius. Everything he plays is just instinct, and boy what an instinct he has

[@dlux703]

Thanks for the joyful presence of Stewart Copeland, an admirable player. I've played in bands that never did a song the same twice, like the Police, and also in bands that were SO over-rehearsed that each member could perform their parts for any song in the set lists, SOLO. I mean instrumentally and vocally, alone. We could all double track our parts if called upon, without mistakes. Although the sheer focus of the latter had it's own self-confidence, the former was always more fun and rewarding.

[@brian_wooley]

I love that he immediately cops to "I was making it up on the spot" and "on anther take it would sound completely different" in terms of his now-iconic playing on these songs... and I deeply respect that he makes no attempt to recreate the original fills and such here. He truly plays what he feels in the moment-and it's always dynamic and captivating.

[@BobberRider]

Saw them at Stafford Bingley Hall same tour I think. 1978/9? I was 15 got the train from Rugby and missed the one back. Chilled in the train station and got the early one back. Can't believe I was doing all that at that age now! Good times.

[@nikolaypolyushkin5904]

that is why we love drumeo)))

[@bodhi9464]

I still remember hearing this when I was in high school and thinking wow, who is this drummer and forever after ~ trying (emphasis on trying) to emulate his playing! One of my all time favs; such a great bloke too. 🇦🇺🥁

[@kev_r5819]

This is still my jam! My son is actually learning “Message” as his current piece for drums. 🙏🏿💙🤘🏿

[@DriveForShow]

Stewart is truly amazing… Was lucky enough to see The Police perform Message In a Bottle years ago. I still remember that concert… Stewart is one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen or heard. Plus, he’s a cool dude. Keep drumming, Stewart. You’re a legend.

[@williamgriffith6061]

Man Stewart is actually a wizard.

[@douglasdog1]

Wow, that is a drummer. So many elements in there that give the song so much expression. To hear it is one thing, seeing it takes it to another level.

[@blacklinkker5679]

Stewart makes me so happy because I could never figure out how to play the police songs, glad to know that the Man Himself always freestyles it

[@HIWATTSteve]

The Hatfield Polytechnic gig on 21.2.79 is memorable for many Police firsts as Stewart mentioned. For me, the biggest was done by Andy Summers. He changed the bride on his infamous '61 Telecaster to solid brass & saddles. He made this change in late Jan early Feb of '79. Hatfield being it's first live performance. IMHO this changed & softened their sound & made "Message in a Bottle", "Bring on the Night" & everything that was to follow unique and opened the door for Andy to unleash his incredible magic.

[@unclemick-synths]

Such an unforgettable gig. Would have loved to have been there but even on TV it was special.

[@Cayoalbuquerque]

Listen to that kit! My goodness! Those drums sound as close to perfection as one could hope.

[@Dan-hc1ow]

Ever notice how each new kit he gets sounds sweeter than the previous one?

[@dmac8247]

This is hands down one of the best songs of all time. The drumming in this song is just fucking stellar- so many awesome grooves and subtle little hit-hat and ride change ups. I was in a hardcore band in the early 90’s and Stewart Copeland was a MAJOR influence in my drumming style and progression, trying to add some creative grooves into our music back in the day. Absolutely love his drumming and there’s nobody else like him.

[@faizalntd]

message and roxanne are my two favorite Police songs. The drums are some of the best ever.

[@oliviermonge6377]

Il n'y a pas beaucoup de batteurs qui ne sont pas interchangeables. SC fait de la batterie plus qu'un instrument rythmique. Sa fantaisie,son sens du placement,de la mélodie lui font varier son jeu à chaque fois. Mais c'est toujours incroyable !! Il est toujours au feu !! Et après tant d'années et de fois à avoir joué ce morceau,la manière de se concentrer encore et encore pour donner le meilleur de lui pour servir le morceau est folle!! Bravo et en plus il est drôle !!

[@jonhmonsalve]

I'm very glad that Stewart Copeland mention Vinnie Colaiuta, I know he appreciate the post Police versions of his drumming by Vinnie !!

[@commonman317]

I always wondered what Stewart might think of Sting's other drummers and the solo work.

[@jonhmonsalve]

@@commonman317 would be interesting if the interviewr would´ve asked him

[@gabrielenriquemartinez]

One of my top-10 favorite rock songs of all time. Isn't it just incredible that after decades playing, he still innovatives and creates over it? The man is a gift!

[@dis-springs]

Takes me right back to high school -- and at 88 miles per hour!!!

[@Watchoutforsnakez]

THAT concert at Hatfield Polytechnic was the first time I saw The Police. I was about 12 in 1980 and it was ON!❤

[@rodolforocha2829]

I started to listen to Police when Neil Peart said that he was a fan. That’s the ok to me going and find how fantastic this band was.

[@michaelcallisto]

Which is crazy cuz Neil is super consistent and planned out while Stewart is spontaneous.

[@ch4ndemic]

@@michaelcallisto interesting Stewart also mentioned about overdubs and not worrying about recreating it live, whereas Rush were incredibly meticulous with what they recorded in the studio and ensuring they could reproduce all the layers in a live setting. Highly contrasting approaches; both brilliant trios.

[@IAmInfinitus208]

​​@@ch4ndemicJust makes me wish we still had Neil here do a Drumeo session! 😭

[@edford3115]

The magic of his playing i believe is he captures the emotion of being rescued....Using that kit in a dramatic way he did was magic...

[@rottenparts]

One of the best of all time.

[@AeroRanger100]

There's just something about Stewart's snares that are instantly recognizable. What a beautiful sound. 🥰

[@IsaacSchwartz]

5:20 his tom hits in sync with "my note" are so tasteful

[@stevejohnson3630]

So perfect

[@babetopaz]

guitar player and frustrated drummer here, old enough to remember this incredible song first time around, although the guitar riff is totally killer, the drumming is f**king incredible, thanks a million Stew.

[@dahhmlife]

He certainly knows he's playing this for drum heads. 🔥

[@drumcrazycrary]

I used to go to the drum Store in Phoenix . 1980s, And...what did you see? Stuart & Peart displays .... Both the best 80s drummers ever. I also loved Jeff.. you know.... Incredible!!!!🥁🎶🥁🎶👍

[@psterud]

His inability to take anything seriously would have driven me crazy, to tears, even.

[@DjmMik]

I see what you did there 😂