The Police's Stewart Copeland: 'Sting was a golden shaft of light' | Gold

The Police drummer ‪@StewartCopelandOfficial‬ talks to Gold's James Bassam about his new album, working with old sparring partner Sting, and his love of Ringo Starr.
#ThePolice #StewartCopeland #Sting #1980s #1980smusic #interview

[@JohnMoran]

I met Stewart years ago, and didn't know who he was. I went on and on about myself, as a composer. He listened to my work, talked about my ideas. And never once said 'Do you know who I am?' Later, when I learned who he was, I was shocked at his humility and patience with an arrogant young guy like myself.

[@DoctorJezz]

That's seriously cool and the measure of a man - says more than anything - thanks for posting that 👍 👍

[@gmar7836]

Awwww

[@censored7881]

@@DoctorJezz I agree; OP is a douche.

[@elbettto]

Wooow! I would know from the first second who he is... Cause I am a big fan of him! Thanks for sharing that story!

[@fridaylong2812]

I bet he loved being able to talk with you, someone who DIDN'T know who he was. Someone who just wanted to talk music.

[@John-xh9ul]

Stewart is clearly one of the coolest guys on the planet... Smart, funny, talented, humble. Loved this

[@JimBobsonJones007]

Klark Kent is just as cool.

[@dawnpaap7704]

I had the biggest crush on him when I was a teen.

[@edp3202]

The Police would never had had their success without Andy and Stewart. They were invaluable to the Police's jazz/reggae/ska/rock sound that Sting has never IMO risen above as a solo artist. Stewart is such a great musician/composer/arranger/producer.

[@poliziagrammaticale9430]

*would have never had Without Sting's songs nobody now would know who Copeland and Summers are. Songwriting is everything. Forget about a single musician's virtuosity (which most people don't even appreciate). Nobody cares about the sophisticated Dm9 in Walking on the moon. People love it because it's a damn good song, and it's Sting's, like all the other ones.@@edp3202

[@bonzoleum]

Absolutely. A living legend. I remember watching The Police Around The World many years ago where Stewart says “I’m an arrogant twat!” I think it was at the Zenyatta photo shoot.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

The thing I love most about Stewart is just how *REAL* and unpretentious he is. In that way, he was always the perfect foil to Sting’s loftiness. I mean let’s face it… Sting could get a bit ostentatious at times, but then there’s Stewart, bringing it all back down to earth and keeping things grounded. He looks great for a 71 year old, and he’s still sharp as a tack and can still pound those skins like few others can. One of the top drummers of all time. Just a wonderful, talented, interesting and intelligent person. May he live to 100 or more.

[@markmisiti8772]

What a great guy!

[@billjones3720]

Here, here.

[@andrewmair7371]

Fair points… & I’m not the BIGGEST Sting fan, but he DID write the stuff 🤷🏻‍♂️ Anyone can practice X amount of hours per day & play… the real artistry is in its creation imho -☝️😆🤣

[@huntermcmurray9326]

​@@andrewmair7371Stewart wrote quite a few of the songs as well

[@groovytrev]

​@@andrewmair7371each of them were very good at improvising and using their different tastes/experiences in music to combine and produce their sound. Sting was certainly the stand out songwriter however it was the combination of him with Stewart and Andy that made The Police what they were.

[@user-ks3ol3lw3b]

I've never heard Stewart speak before - what an intelligent, pleasant man. I could listen to him all day.

[@user-qr8ki8ue4i]

He's super-frenetic. I doubt you could listen to him all day. :) Maybe an hour or two?

[@crBudgetWatches]

First time for me too. I don't know why I pictured him as arrogant but he is as humble and enjoyable to listen to.

[@louissanderson719]

There are loads of videos of him. Go down the Stewart rabbit hole

[@ZENmud]

Aaron's son...

[@ArtHoward]

He was good friends with Neil Peart of Rush. Listening to him, I'm not surprised. Like Neil, a very bright and engaging guy with a great speaking voice.

[@marymiller8769]

Amazing- a rocker who doesn’t look like death, can still speak and shows interest in others. A revelation!

[@crapple009]

Refreshingly tattoo-free as well. A true individual and unabashedly so.

[@hugorojas1452]

Oh, wow, so perfectly said!!

[@martinbladelvan1949]

You will probably like Rory Gallagher too🙂

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

He is beyond a rocker. One can call him a scientific drummer, as when playing in Tokyo, Japan in 2008.

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

Stewart is a genuine, down to Earth legend.

[@hkdaredevil2463]

One of the greatest drummers of all time, Stewart Copeland. Living legend.

[@cc92103]

I became a fan when I saw Rumble Fish with Mickey Rourke/Matt Dillon. Stewart wrote the amazing music.

[@0oo00]

Dumbest comment ever. Name his contenders.

[@lorenzoblum868]

​@@cc92103 the only legitimate existence about the comment section : learning new things. Thank you. I will check it out.

[@lorenzoblum868]

​@@drdalewisely definitely not among Police afficionados...

[@femcel4life]

His autobiography is the height of pomposity and frivolous self-referential masturbation.

[@IvanRx76]

The guy is a genius, killer drummer. He's been a massive influence for me, and I'm a bassist. His drumming with the police, is a superb work!!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I’m also a bassist who was heavily influenced by Stewart. Bass players should be paying attention to the drums. We’re one half of the rhythm section after all.

[@franticj67]

Same. I'm a bassist and stewie is my hero.

He's not a drummer. He's a musician, who plays percussion. But I know what u mean...lol

[@carmenelmo8650]

No doubt ....👍👍👍

[@Doubleoseven502]

I could watch and listen to him all day.

[@peterbigblock]

The Police were a revelation for me. As a kid, I was mesmerized by Zeppelin, Van Halen, Hendrix, the Beatles, etc. But it was the Police that just shot through me like a lightning bolt. They still do. Stewart, Andy, and Sting are musical touchstones for me 40-some years later. Absolute genius.

[@LzCoda]

I love Stewart's intelligence, humor, and humility.

[@alfching2499]

Yer he seems a good bloke.

[@dieseldust27]

Very intelligent

[@rowanbirch5391]

The last word to describe Stewart would be humble. He is intelligent and funny though.

[@justinafuchs2619]

@@rowanbirch5391You’re absolutely right. Stewart Copeland is intelligent, funny and a great drummer. But he sure as hell isn’t humble. Sometimes it seems people just repeat the same attributes over and over - let’s go, I heard them before and some may even fit ..

[@UKMikey]

@@nicksterj "If you don't like my arrogance, you can suck my socks!" -- "Don't Care"

[@coolcat23]

I'm glad Stewart gave Andy the recognition he deserves. He is sometimes a bit overlooked between the brilliance of the drummer and the "bass playing element", but he was incredibly important to what "The Police" were. What a miracle trio they were.

[@thewomble1509]

Yes. Summers always struck me as the most interesting and grounded of the three. I'm sure he can be as egotistical and arsey as anyone else when he feels like it but he never seemed to chase the limelight like Sting and Copeland did. He also (imo) wrote the best of the three memoirs (One Train Later) which is a really engaging read. Great musician too.

[@misterghee1]

His solo albums😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉

[@alukuhito]

That's weird. I've never overlooked Andy Summers. Back in 1982 or something, when I was totally into the Police, I knew that Andy was a really important element, and the most established, wanted musician when the Police started.

[@billium99]

I feel like they and Rush put the power in Power Trio.

[@Repomidnight]

Andy’s guitar part is the foundation for “Every Breath”, which is their most famous song. Sting’s lyrics were great and Stewart brilliant as always, but Andy always underrated, and this is just one example.

[@sailingrumrunner]

Just watched Rick Beato's interview with Andy Summers. Phenomenal musician. Both Andy and Stewart redefined how rock was played in the 70's. Both had the freshest idea of how to play their instruments differently than any other at the time. Stewart's high hat works were phenomenal and Andy never played bar chords. Sting was amazing at playing syncopated bass lines while singing totally different melody. One of the best bands of all time.

[@eelko-jan]

Summers is one of my favourite guitarists, but as a guitarists myself I do have to say that he actually did play bar chords 😀. Not many but the chorus of Message in a Bottle comes to mind

[@curcumin417]

Beato just posted his Stewart Copeland interview!

[@andparfitt1564]

'Never played bar chords' - Have you ever played his songs. Try playing eg Message in a bottle chorus

[@Nichi-Ji]

Also check out the chords in “When the world is running down” it’s just a straight bar across 5 strings going up in whole steps

[@craigeyerick8198]

Sting owns a huge debt of gratitude to Eric Clapton

[@s.sommerauer898]

Copeland's comment about Sting and the shaft of golden light is 100% spot on! I saw someone crossing the street once, someone glowing.... . "Who IS that?" I asked myself - "Look, it's Sting!" someone near me commented, and I thought... "Oh, no wonder!" Charisma! Light! Never saw anything like that again!

[@FDupp-og1mi]

They're are entities in this world that do not die. They often choose to be rock/movie stars, as they love to be worshipped.

[@rogacien666]

2 things that never get old : the police music and hearing Stewart in interview...

[@anndavis2920]

Yes indeed!

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Stewart Copeland, one amazing, original, totally unique drummer. Praise him, praise him.

[@janb.281]

Fully agree! He made The Police!!!

[@rubberbiscuit99]

Protect him at all costs.

[@0oo00]

Wow, just no standards, huh?

[@gmar7836]

Yes, but stop using the word amazing

[@exclamationpointman3852]

GOD bless him. May he play before the LORD.

[@sirgalahad3574]

This guy has "chops". Great tenor to his voice, positive attitude, respect for art and respect for his elders. Very impressed.

[@spooge33]

Saw The Police in a club in 1978. Still listening today at age 62.

[@peterturnball8310]

What a fantastic bloke Stewart Copeland is. Witty, down to earth, charismatic, and full of humility.

[@DJCoachCookie68]

Gotta get rid of that Transatlantic accent tho lol! 🤭

[@JimBobsonJones007]

He did live in England, so I guess he is a bloke.

[@exclamationpointman3852]

Yes.

[@lws7394]

@@DJCoachCookie68 What accent would you like him to speak, then ?! His mother is from Edinburgh, His father from Atlanta, but he grew up in the Middle East (As his old man was CIA) .

[@Shikta-poobah67]

@@DJCoachCookie68But he’s literally the product of a transatlantic upbringing. Why would he want to change his accent?

[@surfwriter8461]

I'm very impressed with how humble, intelligent and down-to-earth Copeland is, and how congenial and articulate he is in the interview.

[@achenarmyst2156]

I remember hearing Regatta de Blanc for the first time being blown away by that drumming part, the energy, the precision, the inventiveness. Stewart is a legend and a blessing.

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

There are certain drummers one knows their sound as soon as one hears it Stuart is definitely one of those drummers

[@revwillyg6450]

Yes, when you see old live performances of the Police, Stewart is always very busy on that kit

[@Shikta-poobah67]

For me, the drums have always been the standout feature in The Police’s overall sound. That’s what really drew me in to their music in the beginning, and it’s still the part that moves me most. No disrespect to Andy and Sting’s abilities. I just think Stewart is the real star of the show.

[@mikepastor.k6233]

​​@@Shikta-poobah67Andy's guitar is also unique. Very minimalist and angular approach. Even Sting's bass is great combined with all the other instruments.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

@@mikepastor.k6233 As I said, no disrespect to the other members. My point was it was the drums that caught my attention first and foremost.

[@brianlutz7813]

what a well-spoken and down to earth dude

[@NoCanDu]

I miss The Police. Five albums aren’t enough! ❤ I could listen to Stewart talk for hours.

[@fgoindarkg]

And so could he.

[@mightyV444]

But at least one can say about *any* of their albums that it's among their Top 5 Police albums! 😁

[@hippiecolleen1352]

Blame Gordy

[@robbiemichael9386]

totally agree that they should have recorded more albums - even Andy Summers says the same. It was all down to Stingo I think. But hey we should be glad we got what we got.

[@doubled5383]

I hate myself for never seeing them live. Hate myself. Ugh.

[@moseyalong1]

Stewart Copeland is one of the most interesting interviews, ever. Totally humble !

[@ccrider8483]

And very well spoken.

[@martinheath5947]

His father was CIA

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeah he has said numerous times his dad was CIA

[@alessandrodecarli2462]

Indeed!!! He’s like “the simple, humble and brilliant LEGEND who live next to you”!…😂😂😂😂😂

[@GeoffBosco]

​@brainswashedthisways Not only CIA, but kind of a big deal/founder when it became the CIA, or something like that iirc.

[@cherylb2008]

Stewart has ALWAYS been so intelligent He is well spoken Good humor

[@r3ddirtr8r28]

Stewart Copeland is awesome! So modest yet he’s one of the most influential drummers of our day

[@Shikta-poobah67]

He’s also very self-deprecating. A trait that is sorely lacking with a lot of big time hyper-talented musicians. A lot of these guys get so accustomed to sycophants constantly stroking their egos and telling them how god-like they are, 24-7, that they can’t help but have overinflated opinions of themselves. It’s literally a struggle for them to stay grounded and humble, but Stew does it effortlessly. One of the many reasons he’s one of my heroes.

[@hoisin75]

Have always loved Stewart’s energy and at 70 he still has it in spades

[@IvyMay-qn2ys]

Looks better than I did at 35!

[@MrBjorn6]

He does look incredible good white don't crack 😜

[@rd264]

hes got the health of a man under 50 .... its ridiculous.

[@andyroid5028]

*Yeah, he looks as if he is perhaps in his mid 50s, at most. Hard to believe he is actually 70 years old!* *He definitely looks and sounds **_WAY_** healthier than most folks entering their 7th decade of life. I bet he lives to (at least)100. And one last request: Stewart, please come to Atlanta sometime soon! You should allow Atlanta resident (and popular music-focused KZbin creator) Rick Beato... to interview you.* *_Well, just grateful to have seen this interview... and thanks very much to those of you who have read thus far. : )_*

[@AF-dn2bz]

it was a great interview, but how come he no longer has an English accent?

[@dwm1156]

One of the best drummers to grace modern stage and studios, same for his band, and a very interesting person.

[@SlumberSource]

He Is the greatest drummer that ever lived other than Neil Peart

[@billcompeau4835]

@@SlumberSource Neil was a big fan of Stew

[@SlumberSource]

@@billcompeau4835 yes he was.

[@floyd7146]

2 of the best! Copeland is an Intelligent musician, but very down to 🌎

[@sully2350]

Hope you don't mind me adding Neal Peart (of Rush fame) cited Stewart Copeland as one of his favorite drummers of all time.

[@mickthemerciless9694]

Not many musicians have such an identity in their style that they stand out and influence others and are instantly recognisable. Stuart is one of those generational gems.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Yep. Exactly. When I first got into the Police, it was the drums that immediately got my attention. It still is, well after 40 years later. Stewart has always been the star of the show for me, no matter how much Sting has been in the headlines. I mean they were all great, Andy too… but the drumming is what put them over the top for me. Killer stuff.

[@JeffBostick222]

Someone who knows their place in the universe. Humility is a quality we all could use more of. Happy he mentioned Mitch Mitchell! Both he and Noel Redding helped define Hendrix's sound.

[@doctorbuga4302]

LOL, have you ever wondered what's wrong in your head to write these kind of comments? Introspection.

[@JeffBostick222]

@@doctorbuga4302 Uhhh ????

[@doctorbuga4302]

@@JeffBostick222 sorry Jeff, not to you, I sent to the dude above me who now doesn't have a comment and now i look like an imbecile.

[@JeffBostick222]

@@doctorbuga4302 copy

[@IrnBruNYC]

Sting is a genius. But Stewart is the one would want to have dinner with. This is a fantastic interview.

[@benjaminjohnspencer1864]

What a legend. Had no idea he started the Police. From soundtracks to writing to his incredible precision and unique cymbal work, by far one of the most influential musicians still alive

[@andyhayes7828]

Cymbal work for sure, love that last verse ( 'Woke up this morning, don't believe what I saw" ,etc ) in 'Message In a bottle', his cymbal work was great there 🤘

[@jean-marcphelippeau5858]

He started the band, that's even why it is called The Police (because it's the Cops - Land)...

[@yepyep9113]

Cool comment, and I'd like to learn more, please. Non-drummer here, just a scrappy guitar player. Would it be posible to put into words what makes his cymbal work unique? And/or great? With the purpose of teaching me how to listen to drumming better. Thanks! And P.S. Anything more you or others would like to add about Stewart Copeland's drumming and how it fits into The Police's music would be most welcome. Cheers.

[@ShannonRamos]

​@@yepyep9113 "Unique cymbal work" I think translates to non-western rhythms, accents, and amazing hi-hat work. Stewart is a left handed drummer playing on a right handed kit, grew up among the mid eastern music of Egypt and Lebanon, his Dad made him learn correct rudiments and wanted him to be a jazz musician while his mom was listening to Stravinsky and Ravel. The Baladi rhythm is similar to Reggae and the music of the West Indies which is a clear influence. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHOvqoSOfrWsrsk&ab_channel=Drumeo

[@almahperditae]

The Police was Copeland band. Sting was the Singer and composer, so it was his band. And Andy was the best musician and it was because of him that they took off. Só it was his band. All 3 of them saw the Police as their band. That's why they fight all the time. Very funny band. They get along just fine, it's clear they like each other, but they just keep fighting all the time, because they all think it's their band. And they all right. And to be true, i do believe that's what make them amazing. The fighting was what make them good. If they get along on the band, as they get along outside of her, the band just wasn't that good. It was the fighting and that mentality of "fuck you all, i'm better than you all" that make them great

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

Copeland is probably my favorite drummer, so tasteful, rhythmic and on point. Plus he’s such a regular dude.

[@johnqpublic2013]

He sends shivers up and down my spine, what a treasure. His energy is infectious. I love you Stewart!

[@Revelator2025]

Driven to Tears, Spirits in the Material World, One World, Roxanne…legendary drum parts. The inimitable Stewart Copeland.

[@joestefanoni5263]

Love his work on Walking on the Moon

[@TedJamesLytle790]

I hope I look that cool and energized in 11-years when I am 70. He is amazing! One of the best interviews I have heard.

[@shovington67]

Copeland was such a huge hero during that New Wave explosion of the late 70's and early 80's. Most New Wave acts barely knew their instruments, and here comes a drummer with serious chops who is a drumming sponge , and learning everything he can about music from around the world. I first saw Copeland play at Police Picnic 1982 in Toronto. It was an incredible experience for a 14 year old me.

[@exclamationpointman3852]

Interesting

[@immortal2u]

“Most New Wave acts barely knew their instruments..” I think you confusing New Wave with Punk.. In any event, I wouldn’t say “most”, it seems pretty anecdotal that so many of these bands met in art school and weren’t quite as inept as you make them out to be.

[@adderon7476]

Neil Peart was probably at that gig if he wasn't touring with Rush

[@Shikta-poobah67]

@@immortal2u Well to be fair, there were also plenty of competent and talented musicians in punk as well as in new wave, as much as revisionists like Malcolm McLaren would have us believe otherwise, so… I dunno. Old myths and old stereotypes die hard, I suppose.

[@Afawk1987]

Crazy too when you remember that Andy Summers was older than George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, basically every legendary sixties guitarist. And he shows up pushing the envelope.

[@orourkedamusic]

I could listen to him all day. He should have been given a lifetime achievement award for Regatta De Blanc alone and that's just one song.

[@sully2350]

What a different time period that was. Flying by the seat of our pants while listening to amazing bands like The Police. There was so much phenomenal talent in the music industry back then you just believed thats the way it is. Wasnt until the mid 90s when I realized those 30 years between 1960 and 1990 were not normal. They were pretty epic as far as music was concerned. This was just ONE band of many truly amazing bands we took for granted back then. God bless them. What talent and showmanship. Incredible.

[@phoenixzappa7366]

Now we have Lizzo 😢

[@29memyselfandi]

The Police, XTC, New Order, The Smiths, The Cure, Talk Talk, Talking Heads- the whole punk movement, New Wave, Indie.... just a brilliant time. Now there’s Ed Sheeran and yeah, Lizzo 😢

[@sully2350]

@@29memyselfandi Phenomenal list thank you! for sharing it. All epic artists. Groundbreaking. And the tip of the iceberg. Truly Amazing time period for music.

[@versnellingspookie]

All of you in this comment thread do know that there's more than top-40 and 'popular' music? I know someone that saw U2, Echo &The Bunnymen, Joy Divison and more bands of that caliber when they were underground, still performing in front of 150 people, sometimes less. What i'm trying to say is that there's more amazing music out there than you all know, all you have to do to discover it is go see shows, visit record shops, read blogs and magazines, and talk to people. I could probably list more than 300 bands and artists that i've seen, heard and adored since i fell in love with music but that wouldnt prove my point. There's no lack of talent of musicianship, anyone who complains about not having good music served up to them is simply lazy and has gotten old and complacent. Go out there and explore the sounds while you still can

[@29memyselfandi]

@@versnellingspookie I go to see smaller bands all the time. The point we are making is that there was a time when brilliant music flooded the airwaves and topped the charts. Doesn’t happen anymore. Of course there are still a multitude of great original acts- they’re just never on the radio. That’s what we’re talking about.

[@adambradley3284]

I will never tire of listening to this man talk (or play drums).

[@keetmadu1054]

I was not a big Police fan back when they were active. But now I love the band. I guess my ears matured and appreciate how amazingly talented they are.

[@hilohaw]

I wasn't a fan when they were first hot, either. It took me a few years to learn to appreciate their music. It might've even been several years.

[@PeterAndersons]

Stewart Copeland is wonderful, such talent and personality.

[@grumblekin]

The best part about Mr. Copeland is that, even if you don't like the kind of music he plays, you can very easily like him for just being himself.

[@danieljulian4676]

He composed "Miss Gradenko". That alone makes him immortal. Plus, he plays rather well, and is the consummate raconteur!

[@gutgolf74]

That's not even his best Police song...

[@achenarmyst2156]

He plays rather well.............😂

[@waynefoote3781]

To me...this remains the most special 3 man group EVER! The songwriting, playing and chemistry remains UNTOUCHABLE!@

[@andygolborne5747]

Them and Rush and THE great 3 piece bands. But lightning in a bottle for The Police, definitely. Amazing.

[@alexandermills382]

Earlier on, Cream!

[@annaforehan7784]

Yes, the Cream win hands down in my opinion, closely followed by The JH Experience. And then there was The Jam.

[@waynefoote3781]

i just wonder if they had more hits than the Police?@@annaforehan7784

[@Blessedbeyondmeasur88]

Absolutely…favorite group of ALL time!

[@lilaccilla]

You were always Amazing on stage , I went to 3 Police concerts in Seattle and Tacoma wash in the 1980 s . I had all your albums at a time when I jumped rope for my workout . I thank you for helping me go the distance daily in my workouts to your music . Awesome Drummer 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🫶🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌🏼✌🏼 So glad you all had immense egos that pushed all of you to do what you did and do !

[@thanksfernuthin]

Thanks for holding the band together as long as you did, Stewart! That music really is brilliant and I'm very happy to have it in my life.

[@BazzerObama]

What a nice guy Stewart Copeland is and he has a great respect for other very talented musicians without perhaps appreciating that people respect him and his drumming in the same way that he respects Ringo Starr.

[@TheMichaelBeck]

The Police are one of my all time favorite bands and Stewart is a big reason why. Growing up in the 80s, listening to them, it was amazing.

[@teleespantoso]

Stewart Copeland is one of the most intriguing people to listen to. Never a dull moment. Epicness!

[@CaseyMoo1]

The greatest hi-hat player EVER. NOBODY plays the hi-hat like Copeland. Great interviewee

[@feloniousmonk3049]

"Walking on the Moon" Andy's fills, one of a kind.

[@joelaurino1448]

Buddy Rich, Steve Smith, pretty good on that thing too, let me tell ya!

[@RJasonKlein]

In addition to being one of the finest drummers in rock history, Stewart Copeland is a truly delightful man - thoroughly enjoyable!

[@lefkytheshin]

...in music history.

[@DavidStephensondr]

The Police thru my headphones got me through uni. All three members " were part of the rhythm section ". The guitarist played percussive splashes of colour, the drummer meddled your mind using polyrhythms, and the bass player provided space between the riffs, with gravel and lilt in his voice. It was Magic.

[@Beckola44]

Mr. Copeland is so passionate about music and is an incredible musician and producer. I did not know he played so many instruments and sang too. I still have a Curved Air record. I'm 71 and I am a huge Police fan. Thank you and Stewart Copeland for this great interview.

[@MakeYourOwnDamnMusic]

Hands down my favorite Police member. Wrote “Does Everyone Stare”, and “Darkness”… two of my favorite cuts. Brilliant musician, beautiful person.

[@dancarter482]

I think _Contact_ is one of his too - one of my favorites.

[@Berley_1234]

nah... how could you not love all 3 equally

[@farmerjoefink]

Those ARE my favorite Police songs. Interlocking chords, sort of jerky jerk, quirky rhythm, very catchy very Copeland.

[@chrisb4331]

“On Any Other Day” ❤

[@dancarter482]

@@chrisb4331 _Yup_ !

[@liamg2271]

Copeland is simply masterclass. There are many great musicians in bands, orchestras, etc, but few that are so good you notice their talent immediately.

[@tellitlikeitis5856]

It's not talent. It's earned skills and abilities from lots of hard work ...hours, days, weeks, and years........

[@spindriftdrinker]

Thank you Stewart for the shout out to Mitch Mitchell. As a small kid in 1970, listening to my parents' Jimi Hendrix record - I remember being blown away by the drumming on "Fire". The guy was obviously phenomenal and a clear cut above most of the drummers I was hearing on other rock records. He does usually get overlooked in discussions of rock drummers though.

[@recabitejehonadab2654]

Stewart has such an incredible personality. That voice!

[@bacchuslax7967]

One of the few drummers that when you hear a song, you know it’s him

[@Gr8Layks]

Neal Peart

[@playnicechannel]

@@Gr8LayksWord, Neal an absolute wizard zen master behind the kit … RIP.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

Very generous interview - one of those people who could tell stories for hours.

[@JS-hu7pv]

I just saw Sting in concert, now watching Mr. Copeland in this video. These guys look and sound incredible for being in their 70s. These types of musicians are so fun to get to know in these interviews.

[@TheJonathanc82]

Stewart is an amazing dude. Impresses me every time I hear him play, speak, do interviews, etc. an all around cool human being.

[@lindarenaud2907]

Definetly one of the best drummers in the last 50 years.

[@jumpinjojo]

*Definitely

[@zimriel]

he's competing against Fleetwood and Collins and Carpenter and Grohl and Moon UPDATE: Adler, and Colbert [from Ride]

[@paul_domici]

It's crazy that they are all alive and not touring as the Police!!! I would love to see them live again!!!

[@svenjansen2134]

Egos.

[@georgeorr1042]

Andy is 80. Not a priority now.

[@manchesterunitedno7]

They just can't. Stewart and Sting get along and buddy buddy, off-band. But they just can't stand each other whenever they are in the band. Then there's Andy, who simply fed up and retired at this point with his age.

[@joergzabbee3921]

I had the pleasure to hear and see them all together at their reunion tour a few years ago. I was blown away by the fact how only 3 people on stage were able to produce such music and sound.

[@jenniebarber6653]

Andy himself is touring this Fall. @@georgeorr1042

[@CentralCalPiper]

I’ve been a fan of the Police since the late 70’s! 61 and still diggin’ it!

[@ryanboyce3365]

Hendrix was my first hero too. Nice to hear Mitch Mitchell get some love as he is a monster.

[@michaelheinz3954]

To this day I know where I was when I first heard "Message in a bottle"...this music will always be in my heart. Thank You Sting, Stewart, Andy, you made my days

[@radi2449]

Yes! I know too exactly where I heard it first! Next day in the record store - fantastic times 😃

[@rudeboyfood1755Holmes]

I was driving down Punt Rd Cliffton Hill, Vic

[@Topnikko]

Stewart Copeland is such an immensely talented and intelligent guy. I think the Police could make another amazing album even all these years later.

[@stevenlennon12]

definately

[@groovytrev]

I doubt it. The energy, enthusiasm and the music scene that was there that drove them to success is long gone. Anything they do now would be of course be musically good but wouldn't have the magic combination of styles The Police had in their heyday. Synchronicity was perhaps the best time for them to bow out and keep their legacy intact.

[@Topnikko]

@@groovytrev Since it will never happen we'll never know. Of course, if they released a new album it wouldn't be as commercially successful as the old stuff. But that doesn't mean they couldn't take us on a new musical ride that would still be great. Sting and Copeland still have lots of energy. I don't know about Andy.

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

The last tour was a lot of strain and wear on Andy Summers, I read in an article at the time.... I can't see him doing that at his age, he had visible trouble at the live concert in our city at the time. Doesn't stop me from wishing they would though. Copeland has been my favourite drummer for decades. "Delicious Clockwork" is the term I'd use to describe his playing. I've always been drawn to his quirky style. A wonderful mind and man.

[@paulf2898]

They could in a studio but touring not so much

[@carlosl-f2433]

I just felt my teenage self as a 58 year old come alive with memories of my fav band of the 80's....wish I could have seen them once

[@kenmcf]

You can tell...just an intelligent nice guy who happens to be famous to others. Great understanding of people.

[@panchopuskas1]

Sting's ego vs this guy's self confidence......let battle commence. The resulting music was fantastic as was their guitarist Andy Summers. What a group !

[@MusicMotivator]

Legend bands are a unique conflux of members that we can't imagine working without any one member. Each member of The Police brought a key element of their sound.

[@NeurogenicMT]

He looks amazing for 70.

[@anarcho-communist11]

Still hot, too

[@LaughingStock_]

Stewart's drumming is up there with the greatest is modern music, and let's not forget his superb work with "The Equalizer" as composer of the music for that series.

[@jasonelliott7977]

The original show or the new series with Queen Latifah?

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@jasonelliott7977 I think you know the answer. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. ^-^

[@paulf2898]

Don't forget see no evil hear no evil and wall street

[@farmgene]

What a great guy! Every video of Copeland has me more and more impressed with his character!

[@ThePsho]

I love the parallels between stories here. Mitch Mitchell, underrated because of Hendrix. Andy Summers, arguably underrated because he was in a band with two strong personalities like Copeland and Sting. It's amazing hearing about how badly they wanted Summers to join, but thought he was unattainable. It's also a testament to the genius of Andy to recognize the potential of the group.

[@fitforfun1000]

Copeland’s self-effacement is an inspiration to generations of musicians up and down the alley - what a friggin’ amazing musician and a super cool guy!!!

[@pellelindbergh4455]

Copeland is 70 years old????!!!! man he looks GREAT !!

[@GrimmmReaperz]

Andy is in his 80s… madness

[@sullybiker6520]

Every time I hear Stewart Copeland speak I have this impression that his personality is the least removed from that kid in the Police. He still has that enthusiastic, nervous energy.

[@paulcarr5918]

I know people have their favorites, but I say without fear or hesitation that Sting and Stewart were the best rhythm section rock music has ever had.....and Andy Summers happens to be one of the most underrated and underappreciated guitarists ever.

[@mikepaulus4766]

Stewart's drumming on everything is so intricate on the records. I've heard so many records by bands and the drumming sounds very simple. Then I see them live and hear the drummer doing all the intricate things that they probably did in the studio and it all got cut by the noise gate. I think Stewart sounds so good on The Police records because they were a three piece and there was sonic room for his sticks hitting together, high-hat, etc.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

Love the way Stewart plays, and I've loved The Police since the 70s. He looks fantastic at 70.

[@rejean2744]

I was a fan of the Police from the get go. I remember a musician friend of mine saying early on, "listen to the drummer, he's great" . He was and is.

[@alex_rogan]

I’ve always loved his drumming but the fact he mentions RATM, RHCP, Primus, FF, Fish as his people: He has my vote for life. I grew up on all these bands and more. Amazing.

[@benedettomansueto4016]

Amazing drummer love The Police and Stewart Copeland

[@user-hr8wv1rv1b]

I love Stewart's intelligence, humor, and humility.. Stewart Copeland, one amazing, original, totally unique drummer. Praise him, praise him..

[@mstob1969]

Awesome interview, though as others have mentioned, didn't need the clickbait title which was intentionally inaccurate. God, Stewart is such a cool character, and sounds so incredibly happy. Really pleased for him.

[@mariophotiou1965]

The Police were my band growing up as a teenager, when I heard can’t stand losing you I just went crazy , I haven’t heard of them before, ever since then I’ve loved their music. Copeland your the man !!

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

Stewart is a genuine, down to Earth legend.

[@newwavepop]

i was 11 when synchronicity came out and that is the year that i discovered music, so for me The Police were one of the very first huge mega bands i was ever aware of at the time they were happening. ALL my friend had that album and those BIG hits and videos were just an absolute part of my life for those couple years, i can never hear those songs without being taken back. Stuart IS my favorite drummer of all time.

[@bruceboome]

It was lovely to hear Stewart affirming his former bandmates, despite the incendiary nature of their relationship. I'm in a slightly similar situation with a former band that achieved success. A couple of years ago we did a reunion concert 50 years after I left them. It was a wonderful experience to play those old songs with the addition of modern technology, such as a pro soundman, monitor speakers, mic'd instruments and excellent lighting. And after all, life is short and all the bad memories are now just water under the bridge.

[@manchesterunitedno7]

The guys actually get along well, outside the band. It just the nature of the band, and the clash of geniuses. That's why none of them want to do touring as The Police anymore, let alone creating new music.

[@versnellingspookie]

What band where you in if i may ask?

[@bruceboome]

@@versnellingspookie Four Jacka and a Jill. We had an international hit with Master Jack in 1968 and toured the USA and Europe. we had a couple of other minor hits n the Billboard Hot 100. and several in South Africa, where we came from.

[@frufru0071]

@@bruceboomecool! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

Such an inventive and musical drummer. Knows exactly where the drums need to be in every song and every band.

[@txdrmr]

1 of 4 drummers who influenced me from the age of 11 years old to present day. I'd be dead-silent if I ever had a chance to meet him and 100% completely star struck fan-boy for certain.

[@stephielulu9096]

I had a huge smile on my face during this whole interview 😊

[@harmonicres]

Marvelous and in-depth interview with a gift to the music world Stewart Copeland. After all these years as humble and intelligent as a true gent.

[@JohnSmith-vy4lh]

Didn't mention that he's brother and father were CIA operatives though.

[@media4011]

@@JohnSmith-vy4lh He did mention the Chili Peppers "fanboys" who happened to be tight with Timothy Leary. I wonder if Leary and dad knew one another? I'd guess yes. Interesting commentary on music, culture and memory. It's a family business, to be sure.

[@JohnSmith-vy4lh]

@@media4011 Jim Morrison's dad was an admiral who started the Korean war. Lookout mountain air base at the end of Laurel Canyon where the hippy counter culture was based. Frank Zappa was the main handler there. Copelands dad was one of the top guys who subverted countries in the middle east. They use entertainers as change agents.

[@matthewcollins3887]

@@JohnSmith-vy4lh Your themes are all correct and your details are full of errors. Time to re-read your McGowan, so people who wish to refute you don't have the easy target of your inaccuracies. Morrison Sr. was the ranking officer on site for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which instigated the Vietnam War. Zappa was clearly ever-present in the scene, and the stories about the Freaks that composed his early scene are remarkable to consider. But if you recall his testimony in the Tipper Gore censorship affair or any of his interview positions, he was steadfastly opposed to the deterioration of civil society and the grip of military hierarchy - on this McGowan over-estimates the meaning of Zappa and nobody has offered evidence to support the claim you make or he implied. Copeland's brothers, father and, if I recall correctly, his Grandfather (?) were all thick as thieves with British and American Intelligence, considered as a single entity. The most interesting aspect of this last point you make is the role that the Copeland family has played in managing and promoting a vast majority of the New Wave phase of rock culture. McGowan provides the list in his book. Given such a pattern, one might be more sympathetic to Sting, who probably found himself exploited for that role to his sincere disappointment. In such a context, his 'arrogance' is a healthy compensation. The danger in being lumpy about this idea that "they use entertainers as change agents," which is a partial truth, is that artists are functionally geared by social nature to be the antennae of any age, to help a society cope with emergence and adversity, to aid in the processing of change that occurs with time, no matter how tumultuous. The intention of State Security/Intelligence apparatii in harnessing this function to its own ends should not be confused with the healthy aspect of this function as it would occur naturally in any folk culture. Only an extremely conservative view of society would hold that a total cessation of change and a perfectly static homeostasis were good, let alone possible. If you were to entirely suspend the arts, by presuming that all artists are doing the work of fascist death-cult globalists, for instance, you'll end up with a society that has no art, and therefore, no identity, no memory, and no way of reckoning with its present. Such a society will become wholly a hive. The truly fascinating reflection we can make on the era of the late sixties is that it does appear (now that new shit has come to light) that the pop culture of the day WAS, partially, if not largely steered with an occluded but definite intention to promote the principle of individuality among the youth and give them motive to participate in the 'breaking up' of the family and the religious communities by creating the generation gap... What is amazing about it, is that we are all the children of it. Even the pro-war evangelicals who accepted the leadership of Billy Graham were subject to commensurate Pied-Piper-like influence coming from the other side. In our day, the challenge becomes: how do we increase our discernment, our awareness, our on-board intelligence, and our personal, private agency, short of casting off all culture without which we are sitting ducks for the mono-cultural technocrats. Its not like religious fundamentalism or EDM are going to free you from bondage, but the theme music of (some) artists from tUltimately we must become our own artists and learn to resist the temptations to fuse with the beast, the borg, the singularity, or whatever you want to call it.

[@matthewcollins3887]

You misspelled "agent."

[@doubanjiang]

Stewart Copeland is just an incredible raconteur. I could literally listen to him for hours on end.

[@toddgraham6006]

STEWART! As humble and kind as you are, you are a drumming legend ! I remember in high school talking to other student drummers, and they mentioned how great you are. You are a living legend. I wish I could spend an afternoon with you in your studio.

[@outmodeR_]

Nice to hear someone talking about Mitch Mitchell - absolute monster drummer.

[@alankitchen722]

There's attitude based on vaporware and then there's attitude based on talent and then there's attitude based on the intense (almost maniacal) need to bring something sublime into reality that you can barely hear inside your head. Now, imagine the killing field that is multiplying that last one by three and having them stay together. It is fantastic to see Stewart still enjoying the sounds that he can make. Thank you as one of the legendary prog-rock gods of my 20's.

[@Demention94]

You can hear his intelligence in his playing and his playing in his candor..

[@ukok8177]

A living legend whom we thank greatly for putting The police greatest band together ❤

[@tomatostakefabrik9429]

I wish i got to see The Police in thevhey day. I was pretty young, i saw Sting last year he was brilliant. Them together would be unbelievable.

[@AmericasChoice]

I saw them at a CBGB's NYC in 1978. I was in an alley smoking hash with some mates and this old Ford Van pulled up and The Police got out and started unloading their gear. We had no idea who they were. Copeland came over and asked to have a couple hits. So we obliged. We asked him who they were were, and he said a new band from England. They were amazing. True story.

[@blamejez]

Erudite, entertaining, endlessly fascinating bloke. But most importantly, exquisite drummer massively deserving of a front spot in a triple-fronted band.

[@italoblu]

Exactly!