Stewart Copeland & The Police Breakdown

I'm joining the club. Stewart Copeland knocks my socks off.
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[@mongoosemotive]

I like him because he doesn’t play exactly to the record, he improvises every live performance

[@DimitriFantini]

I love that too

[@rodrigoaravena4376]

As Carter Beauford too.

[@DimitriFantini]

Just did a video on Carter!!

[@rodrigoaravena4376]

@@DimitriFantini i'll search

[@neptunesgold1216]

That's what he has to do because he improvised on the record also. All he does is improve off of his basic parts.

[@mikewood9514]

Him doing "wrapped around your finger" live is one of the best things i have ever seen.master percussionist.

[@DimitriFantini]

I will have to check that out!

[@sabinagal9953]

I agree - it’s mesmerizing. I’m drawn to rewatch it every few days.

[@paulcarr5918]

Watch that video frequently

[@mikewood9514]

@@paulcarr5918 its great.

[@warrenmassey5414]

And he's admitted on several occasions that song is his least favorite! Still puts together an amazing version.

[@sebastienkneur1280]

Steward Copeland plays as a drummer and as a percussionist in the same time. He manages to pull out a steady pulse while bringing in these amazing fills at unexpected moments. His fills are so diverse in rythm and sonic texture, it never gets old and never sounds as a gimmick. And, more important, it always serves the music. It’s very tasteful, never « tacky ».

[@bbb462cid]

He's the Rhythmatist

[@Julian-um2om]

exactly, I thought the same thing when I heard him on message in a bottle for the first time. He achieves so much more than just “drumming” at his best

[@Dan-hc1ow]

My favorite drummer for 44 years. Thank you.

[@DimitriFantini]

I’m really glad you liked the video!! Thanks!!

[@JhonydasiLvadrums1987]

danny Carey from tool has the autograph from this sir. danny Carey uses a gong , Carmine paicey, John Bonham, mike mangini. about carter from Dave Matthews what I know and listened about the glove usage. it's because injuries or some other problem. but he might be a Stewart Copeland fan. got to love Stewart and the police

[@valclements1244]

Most people don't know that The Police was Stewart's band, not Sting's band

[@DimitriFantini]

can't argue with that!

[@nedhill1242]

Not only did Stewart create the band but when you listen to the demos and the last exit versions of the early songs that went on the first three albums, they were nothing like the police version because Stewart’s reggae and Middle Eastern background created their signature unique sound & style. And he was able to take those raw songs that sting had and make them something magical. Stewart’s home studio is amazing. He calls it the Sacred Garden. He has videos on KZbin from there because it gets whole thing is mic’s up and they are cool videos. In one video, he’s with Taylor, Hawkins and Taylor talks about how it was Stewart that took those sting songs and really made them come to life. Stuart and Sting had a volatile relationship, but they really brought out the best of each other and Stewart really knew how to harness and shape the songs that Sting wrote.

[@prokopiskranidiotis1951]

Not entierly true

[@nedhill1242]

@@prokopiskranidiotis1951 Well basically. Stu found Sting and went out of his way to meet Sting and recruit him. Stu was the one driving their signature sound on the first 3 records. Stu’s brother was their manager. Stu named thugs band before he had even met Sting. And the list goes on! So yea it was Stewart’s band. And don’t forget, Stewart was in a pretty successful band already. Curved Air. And it was Stewart that took those early Sting demos and Last Exit songs and make them classic Police songs. Take Stewart Copeland of the equation and there is no band called the Police and no one ever hears of Sting or Gordon Sumner. And of course, last but not least their record contract was with another one of Stewart’s brothers.

[@prokopiskranidiotis1951]

I agree but Sting did write the songs but astheticslly stu gave them personality...Andy texture and style that's what being in a band is!

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

My love and admiration for Copeland are infinite. I grew up on The Police and it sets a pretty high standard when it comes to drum.

[@dominicmesserly7489]

I've always loved Stewart Copeland's drumming. He's one of my favorite drummers of all-time. Super unique. John Bonham, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, Phil Collins - all great!

[@DimitriFantini]

Truly one of a kind!

[@jimlassen9422]

Don't forget Manu Katche with Peter Gabriel and his unique African vibe. Him and Stewart are so different to the norm and are my favourite influences plus Bonham of course!

[@marc-yv7cu]

Stew Copeland in first , others after !...

[@felipejotz7054]

1-Stewart Copland , 2- Bonham, 3- Phil Collins, 4-Neil Peart. Great list, mate

[@DimitriFantini]

Peter Gabriel’s records have been a huge influence on me… and therefor Manu has as well! He’s definitely high on the list to bring to the channel!

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

No one has ever come close to Stewart’s style. What an amazingly dynamic drummer. And the even gnarlier part is he doesn’t repeat anything, every 4/4 groove is completely and insanely different.

[@PicoPistolero]

In the era of gated reverb, Stewart's sound was SO crisp, clean and unique.

[@DimitriFantini]

Good point! And I did an entire episode about gated reverb too hehe

[@Frank.M1798]

Besides being an awesome drummer, he's a musical genius. His creativity, his musical knowledge, his vision... There's a reason why he made the music for one of the most iconics videogames trilogy for PlayStation: Spyro the Dragon

[@AlejandroMS67]

My favorite drummer of all time. I like him more than Peart because as spectacularly good as Peart is, Peart is predictable. Stewart is unpredictable, and is very hard to air drum with, but in spite of the unpredictable beats, they all sync up perfectly, Stewart is also a master of space, and that space was one of the magic factors in playing with Andy and Sting.

[@VikingKong.]

Disagree. Neil Peart was the greatest.

[@kennedykirk9309]

Totally agree…🎯

[@ochocabra1542]

people, even most drummers, never know how truly awesome Copeland is until they see him live. he's untouchable.

[@747heavyboeing3]

Carl Palmer is also AWESOME. My favorite all time.

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Stewart Copland was and is a highly underrated drummer. His drumming concepts, techniques, and his syncopations go unmatched even today…he’s in a league all by himself…the man is legendary. The RRHF should add categories to their inductee ceremonies. Guitarists, bass players, drummers, piano players, synth’s, singer, songwriters, etc…

[@Kiripompone]

Stewart Copeland: your favorite drummer’s favorite drummer.

[@DimitriFantini]

Ok but then who is Stewart’s favorite?

[@fixit.makeit.buildit.1926]

Amazing how many of his tracks on their studio albums were first - and only - take.

[@walshnormandy1605]

I hate that a generation of kids will not know about the brilliance of a guy like SC. He's Mount Rushmore of drummers for me, no doubt

[@DimitriFantini]

Have faith!! I was turned on to Copeland by my friend Madden Klass, and she is still a youngin’ !!

[@sash7551]

With a perks of social media I think they will/are

[@kathycassidy5302]

Welcome to the Stewart Copeland fan club! You need to listen to the whole Police back catalog, starting with Ghost In The Machine. The fills he does on that album are incredible.

[@DimitriFantini]

Doing my homework!!

[@knightlight2627]

I think one of the aspects of Stewart’s playing that isn’t always mentioned is his amazing ability to swing for a rock drummer.

[@ChristianMDrums]

Stewart Copeland is a legend! Love the vid ❤

[@DimitriFantini]

Thank you Christian! Means a lot :)

[@tjjones753]

Sweet vid! Always loved Stew’s unique style as well as The Police trio. I’d love to see a vid of you explaining the drums ending of “ it’s alright 4 u” I guess some it are overdubs.

[@ronnielopez3267]

The man is in my top 3 of most badass drummers of all time.

[@DimitriFantini]

I see why!

[@danielmconnolly7]

And of course Buddy Rich would be on that list. Virtually untouchable.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Cool analysis of one of my favorite all time drummers; Stewart is a BOSS Behind the kit!

[@DimitriFantini]

Couldn't agree more!

[@studio_a800]

What's even more impressive and often overlooked, is that you can copy his playing, note for note, but still never be able to sound like him. Something about the way he accents everything he plays, together with a feel and groove that is hard to describe, let alone match...

[@DimitriFantini]

I think that's true and impressive for sure! But it's also true for all the greats. We can only sound like ourselves!! The sooner we can learn that, the higher we'll soar :)

[@TheMilford]

Also… Stewart used primarily Tama Imperialstars which have luaun shells… very dry and fundamental tone. they respond really well to high tunings and hard hitting.

[@DimitriFantini]

Makes sense to me!

[@lebroucke]

I’m a guitar player but I remember as a kid in the 80’s being completely hipnotize by the drums when listening to The Police

[@InTheOuter]

No one knows everything. The fact that you've only discovered Copeland's brilliance now is no issue, just explore him more. He's commonly listed in the top 6-7 rock drummers of all time. The Police were insane, all 3 were brilliant in their own right.

[@DimitriFantini]

I appreciate the sentiment! Looking forward to doing more of these :)

[@ricardomendez681]

Yeah, Copeland's cross stick technique is insane... and the way he smashes that bass drum!!! He has a very improvisational style, which helps to keep the music fresh. The downside of that is that I tend to miss some drum parts, such as the ones he recorded in One World. For I long time I thought Copeland carefully composed them for the song (a la Neil Peart), but after listening to the live versions I guess he probably came up with those on the fly at the recording session. Maybe there was some equally tasteful editing involved. Anyway, from a compositional point of view, the studio drum parts are really genius. Also, great observations about the frequency range of the toms and cymbals.

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks! Really glad I’m starting to dig into Copeland, after a recommendation from my friend Madden Klass :) If you have other drummers or performances you think I should analyze on the channel, lemme know!!

[@nedhill1242]

The reason Stewart is able to improvise in ways that other drummers don’t, and can’t is because he was raised on jazz music by his father but his mother loved classical. So think about that. He comes from a musical family. His dad played in jazz bands. His mother loved classical. And he’s being raised in the Middle East with a unique style of music That shaped his drum playing and he talks about that often.

[@lw3764]

​@DimitriFantini If you haven't seen it already find The Police playing "Wrapped Around Your Finger" live, there's a relatively recent performance of it where Stewart is using a gong, kettle drums, chimes, I think a glockenspiel too? It's really cool.

[@marshac1479]

I saw Stewart play a few months ago and he is still brilliant

[@johnrogers9481]

Well, I left N.Y. in November 1978 and there was no Police there yet, for me. I moved to LA and began to go to auditions. EVERY band I audit for said “play like Stewart Copeland”!! I had a lot of catching up to do, a lot of woodshedding! Stewart, ah what an influence and a source of inspiration to drive a drummer to massive practice and to strive for excellence!! Great to see here that he is still doing that today! Oh, I did join a band called “Ioneyes” and we were together for just one amazing year ha ha!

[@DimitriFantini]

That’s so cool to hear! Thanks for sharing man 👊

[@pyroseed13]

Always loved Stewart's flams. They sound HUGE, especially in that 1983 concert.

[@DimitriFantini]

Huge Flams is gonna be the name of my next album

[@thejonathandoan]

Stewart is a phenomenal drummer! Truly one of the greats. I really love how he tuned his drums: such great snap and personality, and it fit his style - and the band - perfectly. My favorite snare sound of his is on "Spirits In The Material World". One of the best snare sounds ever recorded! Thanks for sharing the video!

[@majorette7th78]

Yes, you can tell it's him playing from one crack on that snare!

[@StevenMichels]

A post on a video I saw one time said that Copeland is the drummer every band wishes it had. I think that about sums it up.

[@DimitriFantini]

I like that!

[@NiviYaveen-of6uq]

THANKS MY MAN. HE IS THE BEST DRUMMER EVER AND I NEEDED IT SO MUCH - YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WAY - ONE2

[@garse70]

You should listen to more Police. Stewart also is the king of doing a fill with no cymbal at the end. The studio version, Stewart also plays a different drum part for every verse of Message in a bottle. He layers stuff. Also good of sting to add a little distortion and chorus on the bass to help everything out.

[@johncollins5552]

I saw the Police reunion tour, Stewart the GOAT has incredible energy and intensity in his playing even now and he is in his seventies probably. Best drum /percussion solo I ever heard, so musical, dynamic and importantly FUN!

[@DimitriFantini]

Honestly that’s incredible! Wish I had seen them live for that tour

[@artwallace2366]

Always felt he sounded like a 32nd behind or ahead of where snare should be normally. What a Master!!!!!!!

[@anthonybranch4712]

"Message in a Bottle" has long been my favorite example of Stewart's drumming performance. Especially the flurry of activity at the end. But thank you for pointing out all this nuance going on earlier in the song!

[@diegopeart]

Man, I am enjoying watching all the videos in your channel! such funny, witty, well edited and informative analyses! Been a fan for a couple of years. thank you for your service to music appreciation!

[@DimitriFantini]

ah Diego thank you so much!! And stay tuned for a whole lot more soon!

[@bilg4]

We need to see a video on Vinnie Colaiuta playing with sting on his Soul Cages tour!

[@dennisobrien2578]

I’m 55, Stewart was and always will be my favorite rhythmatist. I tried to emulate him but ultimately gave up drumming. Haven’t played since my teens. Still absolutely love listening to the Police!

[@DimitriFantini]

Maybe you should give it another whirl!

[@jackprice7828]

Dimitri how you point out Copeland's insane drumming is amazing. He was one of a kind. Similar to Jeff Porcaro even though their styles were miles apart, their incredible ability and uniqueness is untouchable.

[@DimitriFantini]

I’m really glad you dig the video Jack, thank you!

[@IansDrumsandBass]

When I was a teen, listening to him on Message in a Bottle made me just - wow. All his drumming is inventive and progressive, he never just played the "root notes" of drumming. A total legend, and the best The Police could've had, he just "made" their music on another level.

[@emox6400]

This video is fantastic! More, please!

[@DimitriFantini]

As you wish!

[@Mike-sf5cg]

7:32 Stewart's stick goes flying and he's right back to keeping time!

[@DimitriFantini]

it's crazy!!!

[@DrummerDT-qx2tn]

Also, this is why he's my favorite drummer.

[@ashwar3639]

Thanks for doing this, love the format! Copeland is a absolute beast for sure, probably the hardest drummer ever to try and imitate or sound like. My one suggestion would be to maybe pause a little less and let the footage play out for a minute or so before pausing to interject. But, you may be doing that for copyright reasons so it doesn't get blocked so I get it!

[@DimitriFantini]

I appreciate the feedback!! You are right, playing back certain parts do create some issues with copyright. Depending on the performances I’m reviewing in the future, this won’t always be an issue! Thanks for watching :)

[@rhythmsaint73]

I worked with Stewart on the drum solo week for the letterman show. In fact I own the entire set up He was great .

[@DimitriFantini]

I HAVE to hear more about this!

[@rhythmsaint73]

anytime@@DimitriFantini

[@user-dc7um4pr3f]

Stewart is so original, so talented, and had so much swag man. This dude is so cool looking on stage then he's actually a massive nerd. But the duct tape, the shorts, the flowing blonde hair. Dude played and looked like few else. Never seen someone more confident in being different.

[@jamessbca]

Not to mention the headband!

[@stingfan16ify]

My favorite all-time drummer, Carl Palmer, was using a gong back in the very early 70's. Buddy Rich agreed with me and said that Carl was the finest drummer in Rock music.

[@DimitriFantini]

I’ve heard the same! Here at the studio we actually have an original Moog modular… signed by Keith Emerson!

He's such a beast

[@DimitriFantini]

For real!

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

The dude is a treat to watch! and you're a blast too! Thanks

[@DimitriFantini]

Ah that really means a lot!! Thank you!!! 🙏

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

I was a drummer for most of my life til a nasty little accident occurred. But when I played our band was greatly influenced by Ska and Reggae and even some African rhythms. I loved watching Stewart back in the day and still do. I like that you teach a bit while watching Stewart. So thanks again. Keep up the good work. I’m 71 now and still love to watch other drummers. I liked Squeez’s drummer a lot too. Phenomenal live performances.

[@DimitriFantini]

@@moondogaudiojones1146 if you have any video recommendations I should check out I'd love to see them! Thanks for being here!

[@mightyV444]

Great video, mate! 😀👍 Stewart has been one of my favourite drummers since I was 10, and The Police's third album 'Zenyatta Mondatta' was among those I'd started to teach myself the drums to, back then 😊 And I definitely dig that higher-pitched tom sound myself! 😍 Another great example for it would be Rush's Neil Peart; Maybe check out their song 'Digital Man' some time, from their '82 album 'Signals', which has my favourite drum sound on it 😊 No doubt Stewart had been the inspiration for Neil to tune his toms higher from around 1980 onwards and compared to Rush's 70's albums 🙂

[@DimitriFantini]

ah I know some Rush but not Digital Man or Signals! Thanks for the rec!!

[@mightyV444]

@@DimitriFantini - You're welcome! 😊 That particular song sounds very Police-y, too! And I guess their influence on Rush's music during the early 80's had also helped with me getting instantly hooked on them (in '89), via their '84 album 'Grace Under Pressure'; Neil had even nicked Stewart's cross-stick rhythm from the 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' intro for said Rush album's opener 'Distant Early Warning'! 😅 Greetings from NZ! 😀👍

[@zigzagposers2955]

Rip tylor hawkins lots style got from Copeland

[@DimitriFantini]

😢❤️

[@cfusilier2]

Awesome job. This song and that video of the performance from Japan, leaped into my brain the other day, and voila - here we are. What you touched on are what I also think are the hallmarks of his drumming - the four on the floor/interplay with the toms, and the dancing on the hi-hats/crazy cross-stick.

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks I’m so glad you liked it! What do you think I should do next?

[@Dan-hc1ow]

And the syncopation on the ride bell.

[@cfusilier2]

I’m drawing a blank on a good, drum-focused tune that hasn’t been looked at much 🙂 I’ll get back to you. Looking forward to whatever comes next though.

[@DimitriFantini]

Let me know when you have something!!

[@cfusilier2]

Cream - Sunshine of Your Love Deathcab For Cutie - Grapevine Fires Fleetwood Mack - Tusk Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze Sweet - Ballroom Blitz The Meters - Cissy Strut Enjoy!

[@brutus4013]

Stewart Copeland was and is like a coiled spring of brilliance. The best.

[@DimitriFantini]

That’s a great way to put it

[@brutus4013]

@@DimitriFantini👍🏼

[@yw1971]

Stuart came from Jazz, so his left hand is much more free than the usual. Look also for Billy Cobham - One of the greatest

[@DimitriFantini]

Yes I’m going to have to do some Billy Cobham vids! Any suggestions on where to start?

[@Dan-hc1ow]

He's a lefty, so that helps also.

[@Riddim4]

@@DimitriFantini: Mahavishnu at Chateauvaillon, 1972, and 1972 BBC. Also Syracuse 1971. All are on YT.

[@happiaxxident]

The Police Synchronicity Tour was the first live show I attended. I was, like, 8-years of age! Think I slept through most of the show but (possible when your 8) I vividly recall the band wearing the outfits shown your clips. Memorieees.

[@DimitriFantini]

That is so cool you remember that!

[@happiaxxident]

@@DimitriFantini I also recall wanting haircut to be like Rod Stewarts when I was little. Lol. Good times! Keep up the great work!

[@DimitriFantini]

@happiaxxident aha nice!! I’m glad you dig the videos!

[@66meikou]

I think Stewart plays a lot of paradiddles and flams. He's number two in my list of drummers. He used to be number one until I heard Phil Gould. I think what makes Stewarts playing unique is a) his talent, b) his composition, c) his nous and d) he's left handed playing right handed. Similar to Ringo. If you notice his octobans go the wrong way because he plays them with a left hand lead.

[@DimitriFantini]

Tell me more about Phil Gould!!

[@davewhomri]

You did a great job of interpreting the fills!

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks Dave! Glad it was helpful!

[@mattwoolley]

I saw them in San Francisco during that tour. Never forget. They opened with this song

[@marcelvogel805]

Thank you. that was fun

[@DimitriFantini]

So glad you liked it Marcel!!

[@johnunkerman]

The fact that Stewart was left-handed but played a mostly normal kit surely added to his unique style 🤷‍♂️

[@DimitriFantini]

That’s gonna help!

[@joshb23]

I love a lot of drummers, but I think it's safe to say that Copeland is the most unique rock/pop drummer ever, full stop. Nobody plays even remotely like him. Nobody can groove the sh*t out of a song with only a kick and high-hat. When I was learning to play drums in my high school cover band I loved playing Police tunes but they were so difficult to get right. You have to fight every normal drummer instinct - crashes are never where you expect, fills begin and end in insane places, everything is so tight and snappy there are no moments of "letting go and rocking out." There were passages I'd figure out and be stunned they were so "simple" because they grooved so damn hard! Maybe "minimal" is a better description. Just incredible economy of strokes. He's in a category all his own as far as I'm concerned - kind of transcends the "best" drummer competition. Great video, glad i found you!!

[@DimitriFantini]

You have a great way of explaining it!! Glad you’re here!

[@tt14life90]

Saw them in a small place in 81! Was amazing. Moon like energy.

[@jeffcharles808]

Hey Paisan. Good playing. I’m so glad you’re studying the masters. Oh by the way my cousin says damn good playing. J. Passantino

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks Jeff and tell your cousin I said thanks too!

[@seanohalloran384]

I think Stewart Copeland should play with Rush now. He’d be up to the task and add a different angle to Rush’s sound. I think it would be amazing. Great video!

[@DimitriFantini]

Cool to think about!

[@gordocoop]

Brilliant job with this, Dimitri. I was (and still am) a massive fan of the Police and in particular Stewart (my favorite drummer of all time) when this was current. I almost broke body parts trying to emulate him as a teenager. Yes, lots of echo effects and overdubs in the studio but you have laid out what I've know all these years - he was legendary playing live behind his Chariot of Thunder. Thanks for this, it made my day. -- Jay

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks Jay it means a lot to hear you say that!

[@gregtthomas]

I was at that concert in 1983. That was recorded at The Omni in Atlanta, GA.

[@DimitriFantini]

that's incredible!!

[@gregtthomas]

It was a great concert. I also saw The Police in 1980 at a smaller venue (Fox Theater in Atlanta) and that show was even better. @@DimitriFantini

[@DimitriFantini]

@gregtthomas I have some homework to do!

[@biggusfootus]

One of my Stewart faves is “Can’t Stand Losing You.” Funky and fun.

[@DimitriFantini]

I’ll have to check it out, thanks!

[@marc-yv7cu]

Finally, everyone now realizes the unique immensity of these three musicians. The alchemy produced remains a landmark in the history of pop/rock. Stew Copeland has a rare finesse, a strike so "narrow" and a complex sense of the rarest ryhms, quite the opposite of a J.Bonham or Phil Collins.

[@regis387]

a superbly talented band 😀

[@tt14life90]

My toms on my 26" kick are 10"and 12" I love the high toms cutting thru. Copeland live in his young days was an ANIMAL..

[@DiegoooTech]

Guys it's Stewart Copeland. He always was. Unmatched and unique style. My all times favourite and not only mine. Every drummer love Copeland come on.

[@AG-iu9lv]

I love how he not only never overpowers the rest of the sound, he layers it to sound round and rich. A lot of drummers will drum to drive the rest of the instruments, whereas Stewart drums to enhance them. It's an entirely different thing.

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

Per 7:10 I think SC used a repeater (sorry, don't know actual name of device) on his toms during live performances to add an extra note -- and, YES, I think you articulate his use of empty space within the trio really well! Thanks for posting!

[@DimitriFantini]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the vid! I’ll have to look into what kind of delay pedal he used specifically

[@steveandsarahrutledge9105]

@@DimitriFantini JUST in case your curious: At 4:09 on the video below you can see him hit his tom twice, but it produces three notes. Some sort of delay. Ok, that's enough SC conspiracy theory for today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foHXfIyYnMx2p6c

[@geraldhartley]

Please join up with Geddy and Alex. You were Neil’s favorite drummer.

[@peterhopqk]

There's a very funny interview with Stewart at the NAMM show 2015, where he mentioned he is impressed by the Police coverbands playing the drumparts, not only that but with the drum overdubs live all at the same time. "I never did that" lol

[@DimitriFantini]

He’s a riot- I can definitely relate to his attitude and spirit 😂

[@MrDanilop45]

In an interview he says that tuning your drum higher makes easier to be heard in a live session

[@DimitriFantini]

He’s not wrong!!

[@paulyjones3966]

Man , check out the Omni in Atlanta gig , he is also a left handed. This attributes to his technique

[@DimitriFantini]

well I'm gonna have to check that out then!

[@paulcarr5918]

I was a fan of The Police when I was young. Stewart has always been my number one drummer ever. When I watch these videos and his own youtube I still get amazed by things he does that I hadn't even noticed before. All that being said, this band was great because it was the three perfect people to make music together. Sting was an excellent lyricist and bass player, Andy is one of the most underrated guitar players, and Stewart is Stewart. What most people, including Sting, don't want to admit is that they were all responsible for the way their songs turned out. Andy wrote his guitar pieces, Stewart put together his own drum parts, yet Sting got sole writing credit for a lot. See Andy's statement about how they wanted to throw away Every Breath You Take before he introduced his part or Sting's hatred for what Stewart did to Roxanne after he wrote a bossa nova song and Stewart just said hold his beer and went to town. There is video done in later years where the two of them tried to do it the original style with Stewart playing his part on a little frying pan, and he still couldn't hold it in and went crazy near the end, and the look on Sting's face said it all lol. These guys were all musical geniuses and their styles fit perfectly, even if their personalities didn't.

[@patriciolegett1757]

The thing about Stewart is this: like Ringo, he doesn't play the drums - he plays the song!

[@bakharandi]

Great Breakdown and Appreciation of El Maestro Stewart Copeland . . . ! . . . :-) (-,

[@DimitriFantini]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@georgeerhard1949]

Best Stu Copeland lesson ever - you don't have to play the same damn thing to provide a beat. *rips off an improv sequence that keeps time but doesn't really repeat any specific drums* Still gettin' paid...

[@DimitriFantini]

I’m really glad you enjoyed the lesson George!! Lots more on the way!

[@vbertrand]

An absolute beast.

[@DimitriFantini]

Truly!

[@seancostello7608]

Best and most underrated drummer Ive heard (except for Bernard, perhaps).

[@DimitriFantini]

Most underrated? Stewart?

[@lightaces]

Stewart has said his high tuned tom is intended to sound like Joe Morello's rack tom.

[@jimlassen9422]

I read something years ago by Stewart C that he tuned his toms high to get a response. He mentioned that they sounded bad but he let the PA or Studio engineer guy eq them to sound good.

[@kiddynamite3931]

A real nice breakdown of Mr Copeland. Like Bonham, they never played a tune the same way. That's just incredible groove

[@TheDeadpeasent]

I told you back at SoR in Columbia that Copland was a monster drummer.

[@DimitriFantini]

Took me long enough huh!!!

[@lw3764]

Big thing to remember, Stewart Copland is left handed. That's part of why he plays the way he plays. And pretty much everyone knows this but he grew up in the Middle East so he became familiar with different rhythms at an early age.

[@DimitriFantini]

Yup that’ll do it! :)

[@johnnypunish]

Copeland is truly unique.incredible. thx for breakdown

[@DimitriFantini]

Glad you dig the vid!

[@anonamouse.p4115]

I am pleased to see a younger professional drummer praise STEWART COPELAND. My answer to his place in Drumming History was that he was born to do this, and he works at it to this day. He goes out on Tour with an Orchestra, so his dual gifting of Percussion and Drumming are active now. P.S. I saw THE POLICE from their early NYC gigs to their final stadium shows and Sting played for STEWART COPELAND, not the other way around. He has the longest career between the pair of them, and has an expansive range of projects. x!

[@DimitriFantini]

That’s fantastic you got to witness that!!! I’m jealous!

[@anonamouse.p4115]

@DimitriFantini You are Drumming though Dimitri, I could not get the discipline when I was younger to learn any instrument and am too much of a lazy slacker now. I dance instead x!

[@samirait-kaci-gf3bn]

Should really have reacted to the 1980s live versions. Edit: ohhh shit he did!

[@rickykilby4672]

A few recommendations for you that really showcase Stewart's talent No Time This Time,One World,Demolition Man,Regatta De Blanc,Deathwish(great bass drum play)Synchronicity 1,Murder By Numbers, just a few examples of a genius at work in my opinion.

[@Mighty65]

Ive heard he was a big influence on Neil Peart. Btw you play his stuff to a tee. Nice!

[@hoodiedee4828]

Dimitri I'm 66 and I agree, I enjoyed Steward's playing. I'd like to mention a few drummers--Billy Cobham with John mclaughlin, album Inner mounting flame song vital Transformation. Mike Clarke on Herbie Hancock's Actual proof. Lenny White on Return To Forever Romatic Warrior. And last Mike Clarke played with phil Collins with Brand X , Do They Hurt. Hope someone enjoys the info and Enjoys Life

[@DimitriFantini]

I love all of these drummers!! I’ll start cooking!

[@davidcurtis4478]

Yep he nuts incredible! 💯👍👍

[@conork325]

Sting had nice songs, good lyrics, regular stylings. Enter Andy and Stuart... BAM!!!

[@steveowens2505]

Mahavishnu Orchestra started concerts with Billy Cobham hitting gong. Only drummer I remember Buddy Rich say he admired

[@DimitriFantini]

For good reason I would say

[@christianfoster3806]

Your observation about how much of Stew's sounds are in the high end, and the toms tuned up high is a lesson for drummers everywhere. So many drummers in the band rooms I've been in have this notion that the drummer needs to have something going on in all the registers, and there snare has to have a bass tone, makes it impossible for anything else to be heard. Same thing with guitarists that set their sound before anybody else plays, and then when it disappears when the band shows up, because there's no mids like the guitar needs in the mix, their answer is to turn up the volume instead of cutting the bass and adding mids. Everybody needs to understand that mixing your instrument with others in a band means conpromise, and that what sounds good solo rarely sound good in the mix. Yes, I am a bassist, and get tired of everything else in my territory. Only bass , and bass drums need bass in the mix, and the mid range need lots of space for vocals and lead and chord instruments like guitar, piano, sax, or violin.

[@DimitriFantini]

Very glad to hear a bassist chime in here!! You make a lot of excellent points! 🙌

[@richardlukesh5807]

Yes, in interviews Carter Beauford has said Stewart was a big influence.

[@DimitriFantini]

Well an episode on Carter is coming next so watch for that! :)

[@thetr00per30]

The motor on Stewart is unreal. The Police are imho the best pop/rock band of all time.

[@DimitriFantini]

Truly!!