The Police - Driven To Tears (REACTION)

[@MrAitraining]

stewart copeland was the engine for the Police. One of my fav drummers ever

[@Greg-io1ip]

Definitely underrated drummer. Anytime I see a 'greatest drummers' list without Gil Moore, Bill Ward and Stewart Copeland, or Neil Peart not top 1 or 2 and some Buddy Rich up in Top 10 ... I know it's bogus. Charley Charles was way better than Buddy Rich. No contest.

[@MrAitraining]

@@Greg-io1ip nice shout to Gil Moore. Great voice too. I suggested some live triumph to these guys. US Festival 83' specifically.

[@johnsrensen3366]

Copeland is also one of my top 3 drummer

[@deaniegarcia5694]

Fun fact…Copeland’s dad was CIA….

[@chrisw3421]

before we saw them live, I told my buddy, you're going to see one of the best drummers ...he might look like a math teacher but he's amazing... he later agreed. Great band!

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

Copeland's hi-hat work is unsurpassed.

[@AirplayBeats]

That was some dope hi hat work and ride cymbal work!!

[@Greg-io1ip]

Police stripped back the song to put Stewart Copeland on display. Normally a drummer fits into bass and guitar. Here they definitely defer to Stewart filling the song with 'lead fill'. Master of all including high hat Neil Peart was Stewart's inspiration. The great Andy Summers knew how to arrange songs. Andy Summers was the genius behind The Police.

[@tommc4916]

When they did their reunion tour ~15 years ago, my wife and I chased them around the country and caught several shows. In Atlanta, we *specifically* got seats behind the stage so we could watch Stewart Copeland work percussion. He's effing AWESOME. ❤❤❤

[@georgetaxi8179]

Walking on the moon is a must. Copelands high-hit work on that tune is sick.

[@stuBdoc]

I think Andy deserves some props for that insane guitar solo, too.

[@sheila1965troubles]

Agree. He knows when to add it in and when to leave it out.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

one of the weirdest, angriest and greatest ever. he was in a mood, and channeled that superpower into angular magic.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

This song works way better when followed directly by the next song on the album, "When The World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around." The last sustained note of this song leads right into it, and the ear longs to hear it.

[@MrAitraining]

Yes. I suggested this track specifically to run with "when the world is running down" right after on their request post.

[@adam872]

I thought exactly the same thing

[@ap8eioul1]

I agree 100

[@billadkins5150]

Stewart Copeland is one of the greatest drummers ever to drum.

[@jameswormington9978]

You two guys are by far the best duo to listen to great music with. Your knowledge, disposition and love for music is so refreshing and appreciated by this 58 year old white dude in Northern Ontario Canada.

[@SouthTexasRocker1]

Well said! I fully agree. (Hispanic, 57-year-old Air Force veteran)

[@tjmasson1013]

Totally agree!

[@sarleywinkle]

And the 58 year old white dude in Corpus Christi, Texas, agrees.

[@SouthTexasRocker1]

@@sarleywinkle I saw a bunch of great bands in Corpus around '82-'84. Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Krokus, Triumph, Cheap Trick, Foghat, Y&T, Mötley Crüe, Aldo Nova, and many more.

[@sipesthebest128]

And this 58 year-old white dude from Oshkosh, WI agrees as well...

[@darrenmaxwell1085]

These guys had their own sound and I loved most of it because it was different but done by real musicians.

[@z-man2343]

When a band has a percussionist capable of polyrhythmic drumming and is proficient in a variety of genres (The Police, Rush, Yes, Genesis, Tool, etc) great music is almost guaranteed. This song is a fine example of just that.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

You have a good ear to hear the polyrhythms in this. I just love it.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Just so everyone understands: Sting the frontman is very talented, but the genius behind The Police was always Andy Summers. Not just because his guitar technique is so amazing that allows drums and bass to shine - but because he's who is behind that musical technique for which everything Police did. He uses tone and resonance almost like a Gong in a Temple. He can pick and lay licks, but his technique to "twang" a whole tune and allow percussion to drive it is why they stood out. Talented Trio + Nobody Like Them + Great Songs. Thank you Andy Summers.

[@Serai3]

It's futile to talk about who was the best or who was the foundation or who was the support. This was a table that stood solidly on its three legs - no one member was more important than the others. They were equally the creators of the sound and equally masters of their instruments, each of which was integral to what The Police was. (And remember that Sting was creating and performing on two instruments at once.) The band would not have been the band it was if any one of them were missing.

[@loriec2452]

No one would go with me to the show for this album because they didn’t know who they were. I bought a single seat in the center of an older venue. Truly one of the best musical experiences of my life.

[@actuariallurker9650]

The police had 5 consecutive multi platinum albums and then retired on top being the top band in the world for a while selling out arenas worldwide. Sting went solo and Copeland teaches drums and score movies now

[@UranusHz420]

They took the standard rock trio instruments (Drumset, bass, guitar, vocals) and created an entirely unique sound and structure. Brilliance.

[@stevemd6488]

This song runs right into When the World is Running Down, which, to me, is the best way to listen to these 2 songs. Great album.

[@triggerwarning5762]

Yes. Like "Heartbreaker/Livin Lovin Maid" or "Watin for the Bus/ Jesus Just left Chicago".

[@porflepopnecker4376]

@@triggerwarning5762 Or "Show Me"/"Poison Arrow" by ABC and "Time"/"Great Gig In The Sky" by Pink Floyd.

[@triggerwarning5762]

@@porflepopnecker4376 Bingo

[@marksummers666]

Mannnnn, Stewart Copeland is one of the kings of groove! He's got such a distinct sound, you know within seconds of hearing a track that it's him on the drums. Absolute beast.

[@jonnno243]

Yeah, those rim shots by Stewart Copeland are just part of his drumming wonderfulness. I remember buying Zenyatta Mondatta when it first came out on vinyl. This was one of my favourite tracks.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

Zenyatta Mondatta was and still is my fav Police album. There are no duds, only bangers.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Bought the album, took my girlfriend to the concert. I got bonus points for turning her on to The Police. This song is a steady driving beat. A perfect song in many ways. And you aren't ever confused what band it might be. Andy Summers was a genius.

[@krob-sn7ek]

"When the world is running down" completes this song together !! Try One World (Not Three) for the BEST Stewart Copeland, he is on fire on this tune. I dig you guys !!

[@MrAitraining]

I requested this track specifically saying to run it with "when the world is running down". How I always remember it. oh well. A least they did this.

[@janicez2630]

one of my favorite albums...was lucky to see them on this tour. great!

[@BigC.]

Stuart Copeland was a perfect drummer for the unique style of the Police.

[@ericsmith1385]

This one takes me back! I was 10 in “80” and the Police were one of my favorites!

[@hampyonce]

Stewart Copeland is a drummer worth delving into. For a fresh taste of his mastery check out his work in Oysterhead. "Army's on Ecstacy" is a good place to start. At one time, a song by The Police called "Walking on the Moon" was the longest piece of known drum sheet-music to ever be published. Zillions of high-hat notes. The man is a living legend.

[@sheila1965troubles]

Oh, man, "Walking on the moon" is just a masterpiece 🤟❤‍🔥

[@Boston685]

Nice pick! Lots of very very cool songs in the Police’s catalogue

[@owenhershey13]

Outstanding! The Police were fantastic, three terrific musicians, and yes Copeland is a wizard on the skins. They combined ska and punk influences in a great pop-rock style, with real musical virtuosity. Love the way you guys break down the music and how it all blends together.

[@Greg-io1ip]

LoL!!! No, Andy Summers didn't refer to 'ska' at all. He was his own creative vessel. There's probably Rush, Yes, Bob Marley and some British Isles steel drums influences. Nothing from any flash in the pan fringe. It's like saying Picasso copied DaVinci. You saw his drawings but you didn't copy DaVinci. You did your own thing.

[@nozzlevelocity]

The Specials, Selector, The Beat, Madness...those bands were part of a ska revival. It was originally popular in the 60s before reggae.

[@davespear6662]

Underrated song by the Police. The drums and Sting's bass!!!

[@epicurhyss4014]

Makes sense that Copeland, before joining the Police, was drummer for a prog rock band, Curved Air, recording 2 albums with them. One of my favorite performances of him with the Police is "Message In A Bottle".

[@Bassman2353]

My favorite Police song. Stewart Copeland is a world class drummer - few approach the hi-hat close to him. Just brilliant.

[@tomknoll796]

In no particular order, there are a few drummers that must be included in the list of the best rock drummers of all time. There may be others, but, in my opinion, that list must include John Bonham, Neal Peart, Keith Moon, Carl Palmer and Stewart Copeland.

[@jaquestraw1]

100%, Copeland is overlooked sometimes I think

[@jonathanlocke6404]

And while I can hear all the others working in a similar way, he is completely unlike any of them...

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Phil Collins and Bill Bruford come to mind!

[@elizabethlozano9358]

Stewart Copeland’s drumming style stands out in every song. Sting’s bass style is in line with a reggae beat. Another song to check out is Spirits in the Material World. Thanks for another great reaction.

[@garse70]

Stewart and Sting had a great push and pull within the music. They love each other, but don’t like eachother much. But that’s what makes the music so good. Most of their songs have this same dynamic.

[@SD-it9ne]

Welp ya'll have done it now! The Police, one of my guilty pleasures. Absolutely love this song. The bass & drums are on point. For a 3 man group the instruments on their songs sound like 6 people playing. Stewart Copeland is a masterclass on the drums. I hope you react to more of them. Matter of fact, here are a few suggestions. "When the world is running down" "Murder by numbers" "Message in a bottle"

[@jw688]

I graduated high school in 1985, I was such a huge Police fan. And I still enjoy their music. Stewart Copeland's percussion style marks every song with brilliance. And Sting's voice is always wonderful.

[@nozzlevelocity]

Stew is one of the best drummers who ever held a pair of sticks. He plays an upside-down rhythm he heard on the radio growing up in Beirut. He pulled it out when Sting began to write reggae & ska flavored songs and it fit perfectly. A simple 4/4 rhythm is magic in his hands. There's nothing like it.

[@SEANBANOG4]

One of the best rock three pieces of all time.

[@jimmoore8951]

Yes I know Sting was the singer/songwriter/rockstar, but I’ve always looked at the Police as Stewart Copeland’s backup band… he’s that good

[@tektoniks_architects]

Saw the Police in a club in NYC before their first album came out ...massive talents. This track is one of their most powerful. "Too many cameras and not enough food"....hard to be more critical of humanity than that.

[@donaldcoe5699]

Another great review. Reggatta de Blanc, is my favorite album. Played it at 4am,upon arriving home from the birth of my daughter on 1-1-80...

[@brentbeardsley655]

That's what I love about music-a song can take you back to a certain time with a memory connected to it. You welcomed your little girl to the world with a pretty good sound track I must say!

[@jeffrubinelectronics]

When they came on the scene, it hit us HARD! Every member in this band is a star, I saw the "Ghost in the Machine" tour, and like you said..."magnificent".

[@climaximus7699]

More Police... Please

[@laam7217]

My favorite song of all time and its not even close

[@justingutube]

This band was incredible! I wish more bands these days had stuff like this!

[@MrDirty-if7gc]

Bass riffs and hooks were the best part of the 80's.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Saw the Police in concert when this album dropped. Damn they were great in concert. So clean, stripped back and could play it without smoke and mirrors. Lemme tell you back then, girls everywhere at Police concerts. And the band was legit. Andy Summers such a unique guitarist, Stewart Copeland almost as fast as Neil Peart, and just as much precision. On a smaller kit you could seem him working. They were fantastic. And it was a busy time dating then. And you could afford the tickets!!!

[@MichaelBrown-x1q]

You guys when you play the Police play So Lonely, Next To You, Walking on the Moon, Hole in My Life. Those are a few of songs you will totally enjoy. Also the song Message in a Bottle!!!

[@femmegem1]

Phenomenal song, great reaction. Love seeing a new generation discovering early Police. If you loved this, you will love "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon." I feel super lucky to have been an early teen right when this came out. We knew it was great music then and it holds up 40+ years later. Incredible.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Andy Summers is a woefully underrated guitarist! Peace

[@Greg-io1ip]

Andy Summers is the genius behind The Police. He rarely gets that credit. Great all 3, but it's 100% Andy Summers creating the success.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@Greg-io1ip Couldn’t agree more! Have you heard the story of how hard Copeland and Sting had to beg him to join the band? How long they had to wait for him! Andy rocks! Peace

[@denmac19]

The Police at their best. Copeland too.

[@JohnnyLichtergud]

Dudes...the entire album is this good! Favorite album by my favorite band. Please explore this one...on or off camera. You will be glad you did. We subscribed

[@jimhamilton331]

When La starts shaking his head side to side, you know it's on!

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

I'm sure you guys will be digging the drumming. THE Police have their own distinctive sound, reggae for sure but so much more. You guys are in for a great ride with this music!

[@cweefy]

You should think about doing their whole first album. Another great one that came out of nowhere and took everyone by storm. Good stuff

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Yeah, I rarely see anything from the first album reacted to (except Roxanne, of course). I’d love to see someone do Next to You, So Lonely or Can’t Stand Losing You.

[@davelaffertykeyboards]

My favorite Police song. Nobody else like them.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Sting's Bass so underated..plus was an English teacher before the Band exploded in the early 80s....his lyrics are second to none.

[@josiepkat]

More Police!!!! The song after is great - "When the world is running Down" or "Bring on the Night" "The Bed's too Big Without You" "Walking on the Moon" they're all great. So many amazing songs..

[@johnprice6066]

It's cool that you mentioned the Reggae influence... The English Punk/New Wave scene had a close relationship with Jamaican music in general. You'll hear Ska, Reggae, and Dance Hall in a lot of the music from that period.

[@brulat]

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite groups.

[@lonobird4711]

One of the greatest 3 piece bands ever.

[@alfredchristiansen5482]

Saw these guys live in 1982 in Philadelphia one of the best concerts I ever saw

[@gsyl655]

Walking on the Moon is another classic performance on the drums (hi-hats). Roxanne was a big hit of theirs, where again, the drums are amazing.

[@kimberlycross9621]

After listening to The Police for many years, this is my favorite album. Lots of fun groovy songs that never get old.

[@artis1969]

This was somewhat of a hit. It got a lot of airplay, but most times wouldn't be given its due among so many hits the band had. As much as I like the standard gems, I always find myself coming back to the lesser known stuff because they construct tunes so well and cut loose. This is the kind of song that shows off their chops in a big way. Voices in My Head is another standout to me from this record.

[@aweinblatt6]

Been listening to The Police since I was a kid in the 70s (parents loved them) and I LOVE this record...they're insanely amazing, I hope you listen the whole album!!! Love you guys too

[@heterophony2]

That was one of the best explanations and illustrations of halftime I’ve heard, which is a subtle concept. The Police are a great example of virtuosity held back : restraint.

[@metaphoria3]

One of the greatest bands ever

[@michaelbruin8972]

That guitar solo is massively underrated.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

one of the best drummers ever...

[@josiepkat]

I grew up with these records - and later got thrown into singing jazz (Happened to start working with a pianist who now heads Duke Ellington Orchestra) - so my appreciation for their insane talent has deepened. I recently came across this record in two dollar bin at a used vinyl shop and it's been living on my turntable A LOT. GREAT reaction!! I miss hanging with musicians or people who know enough about music to talk about the finer points. Nicely done gentlemen!

[@nflr92]

Listened mostly to metal / rock growing up late 70's, early 80's, but when I heard these guys, they became my favorite band. Nobody else sounded like them - nobody.

[@adam872]

Great track from a great album, especially when you follow it up When The World Is Running Down. Stewart's drumming on this both clever and very precise. Some of my favourite stuff by him.

[@Mikeluvdrums]

One of the greatest trio's ever ,, get into these guys ..

[@randyallaben9900]

Got to play the next song When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What’s Still Around. Always played together. Indeed, tip of a massive iceberg with The Police! More Please!

[@andrewmichaelcrook340]

I was listening to them in 1977 to 1981 and still today it still has no use buy date

[@anthonyblakely399]

Now I know you guys know I Love Yes and Led Zeppelin ...right....This group along with Tears For Fears were my best bands of the 80's and still today are one of my top all-time bands along with bands like Led Zeppelin...Yes...CCR...Blood Sweat & Tears....Earth Wind & Fire....The Police were and still are some of best musicians on the face of the planet!!! These boys can play....compose songs....and perform....to Perfection. This album is and was their Masterpiece. I have it and play it a lot!!! Stewart Copeland is considered by music critics and the music world as oneof the best drummers in music history along with Keith Moon, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Ringo Starr....his fills and spacing of his beat are perfection! Great reaction!!!

[@Fizzledark]

Copeland is a MAD GENIUS!!

[@lancewolf2451]

Watch the live version ..driven to tears 1980 frejus France..best example of the police live..

[@nozzlevelocity]

Best live Police video for sure.

[@jazzmaan707]

The drummer, Stewart Copeland is the guy that invented that off-beat drum beat, and made that sound unique to the POLICE. In the 80's, the Police ruled the airwaves.

[@alanstrom2221]

The Police were one of the most important and influential Bands in history. Outlandos d'Amour changed my music world.

[@gigglehertz]

Stewart Copeland puts on a drum clinic on almost every song. You almost can't go wrong with any Police song.

[@stephenvolt1730]

I love when the drums kick in with the guitar in the second to last section of the song. I want that part to go on much longer!

[@nickharvey65]

A great choice guys. Totally agree with you - excellent tune!

[@Phlakaton88]

Ace album all around. Yep. Copeland is the heart of this tune IMO. ❤️ Damn that bass line! Ok. Everyone is great.

[@johnladd8421]

my favorite police song for a long time. i always hear different drum parts. my band often starts our rehearsal with an improv jam of this song. super fun to play.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Those drums were on fire! Sting on the bass was killing it too!

[@DocRock71]

For me, this song is properly listened to buy letting in play through into When The World Is Running Down. Check that out. I've always heard them as one song growing up, KSHE 95 in St Louis always played them together.

[@fortiterinresuaviterinmodo5549]

My favorite track by the Police

[@prashantadi2541]

The 2 greatest 3 band musicianship ever..Rush and The police

[@tjmasson1013]

Love how you guys exploring the crazy variety of classic rock. You guys rock! Best on the tube!

[@JAWjaw-hl9xs]

My favorite song on my favorite Police album

[@jackndan6603]

Saw the Police with my Sis in 84,Thanks guy's!!!😃🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@RazzleDazz72]

That guitar solo is so incongruous, doesn’t seem to fit, yet…it’s perfect.

[@kramerbassplayer]

One of my favorite bands

[@metaphoria3]

Those ‘driven to tears’ guitar chords in the chorus are so hard/ unique

[@carlroza102]

This whole album is great. ❤

[@peterhineinlegen4672]

Copeland made a movie about his journey to find perfect rhythm. If you ever see a record or a movie called "The Rhythmatist" check it out.

[@JazzDrummer1946]

The Police were so popular back then, they forced me to buy a set of 4 Octobans. Copeland was the only drummer who utilized them in songs. Alex VH had em only for show.

[@jimmoore8951]

Others had them, but nobody utilized the octobans like Stewart. Made me want to add them to my kit too.

[@painless465]

This always used to be followed by the next track "when the world is running down" when played on the radio back in the early 80's

[@deaniegarcia5694]

Ahhh gents…lovely seeing you today, I look forward to it! Excellent choice for reaction…I saw the Police in 1980 when this album was new…I thought they were a fresh, well put together, great tunes with a clever Reggae sound. I went out and bought the album even! Stewart Copeland’s drums really shone throughout. You caught that too, as I’d expect from such accomplished guys! Kudos and thx for starting my day…oh, and i smoked and inhaled at the concert. Cheers!..Louie

[@workingman6681]

This is my second best 3 piece band next to Rush. Great catalog of music!!

[@BringItMAGA]

Thanks for diving in to the Police! Nice!

[@vincenzocassara2497]

Best Rock Band ever

[@69PontFirebird]

Love you dudes take on The Police!!!! You dudes to cool for yaw own-self!!! Peace to ya!!!