The Police's Stewart Copeland talks Sting and band after years of 'tension' | Smooth Radio Interview

The Police's Stewart Copeland talks Sting and band after years of 'tension' | Smooth Radio Interview
Stewart Copeland has been celebrating the music of his former band The Police with a series of amazing orchestral concerts.
The Police Derange for Orchestra has toured the world, with Stewart joined by a full orchestra as they play classic Police songs like 'Don't Stand So Close to Me', 'Roxanne' and 'Every Breath You Take', which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023.
Smooth's Jenni Falconer caught up with Stewart about the project, which will see an album released on June 23.
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[@jackson4625]

“I’m not used to the bass player turning around and having an opinion of what I’m doing.”😂. Love Stewart Copeland.

[@themacocko6311]

Which doesn't make sense because bass and drums go hand in hand, so why would it be weird?

[@jackson4625]

@@themacocko6311 Yeah, it feels like a battle of the egos. I couldn’t imagine what kind of arguments they’ve had during recording albums.

[@cynicsage]

Sting isn't the bass player though, he's the primary composer of the songs and the lead singer. Also he plays bass.

[@JMacque]

@@themacocko6311 He's a star in r-n-roll history. So, he is used to "sidemen", musicians that are hired and are greatful to play with him.

[@eboethrasher]

@@JMacque Right but Copeland wasn't that. As mentioned in the interview, Sting didn't even write songs until after Andy joined the group. So Stewart was, de facto, the songwriter in the beginning. That was a band with 3 cogs that slipped because of egos. If they had been more like, as his example went, Rush, they probably never would have stopped and would have went on pushing each other to make great music. Instead, they distinctly did NOT.

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

It always cracks me up when he calls Gordon “Stingo”.

[@BlazingShackles]

Listening to Stewart is a pleasure. He doesn't stutter, doesnt' mispronounce or miss a word, never has to pause because he knows what he wants to say way ahead of what comes out of his mouth. Thoughtful, intelligent and reflective.

[@alfsmith4936]

innit

[@jakesmith-bs4jd]

Innit bruv

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

Some people can't even help that though

[@mercster]

@@AbsoluteAbsurd At 2:52 he literally trips over the word Novello and says... I dunno, Novemba or something. I love listening to him too, he's incredibly well spoken and intelligent, and a great drummer. I just found it odd that you chose to make that statement, under a video with a clear example of him disproving you.

[@bradc32]

refreshing not hear "like" every sentence and talking in 3rd person

[@mournblade1066]

Stewart Copeland is one of the greatest musicians hear talking. He's a great interviewee. And I' love how he is very gracious about the talent of Sting and Andy Summers, and doesn't disparage either of them.

[@jamesweldon9726]

He does love to talk. I remember seeing him on David Letterman in the early eighties-no Sting, no Andy-doing interviews pretty similar to this one.

[@TweedSuit]

They were three band leaders in one band. It's a miracle they lasted 10 years.

[@readmore4178]

Only one of them wrote the songs. The other two couldn’t figure that out?

[@TweedSuit]

@@readmore4178 Really? So Sting could have have written every Police album with any musicians? 🤣🤣🤣

[@readmore4178]

@@TweedSuit Yes. He had even more hits as a solo artist. With hired musicians. He’s the songwriter and singer. The other musicians are not as important. You can see that can’t you?

[@NuclearHaggis]

​​@@readmore4178 Sting and his hired guns had more hits but his live drummers and guitarists make Police songs sound incredibly dull.

[@TweedSuit]

@@readmore4178 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnsanzone3965]

What a truly wonderful man. Saw them in 78 at a club in Philly. The beginning. He was so nice that evening. Then in 81 at MSG, Go-Go's opened. Was perfection. Neil Peart said. "I wish I could play like Stewart."

[@stevemarshall3986]

I'm sure Stewart said the same about Neil.

[@flemingcourt]

Sadly, I missed seeing them live. But how many people got to see LvB play live?

[@johnsimmons8141]

For a three piece band they were loud and amazing. Saw them in the 70's Milton Keynes outdoor event in the mud. They were the headline act. The opening bars of walking in the moon!! Heavy bass sound boomed across the masses. Absolutely brilliant. UB40 on the bill, squeeze from memory great concert. Wonderful day. Marquee club London aswell sting bandaged hand cut it while filming Brimstone and treacle . The place rocked sweaty 300.people crammed in. Stand in guitarist fot some songs sting couldn't play. Never forget that cold December night, snow on the ground. Great memories. One of the greatest English bands.💙💜❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍🇬🇧

[@leonardgould6657]

@stevemarshall3986 YES INDEED@ NEIL was "THE DRUMMER'S DRUMMER"- his tribute Solo Album to the Jazz Greats - - Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus, the Pocaro bros.( Steely Dan, Toto, etc., (?.Billy Cobham, DEnNis Chambers, +!++ -from his humble farm roots in Waterloo, Ontario, Neil rose to be a GIANT of Art of Petcusdion, revered around the We orkd - WE miss you, bud@, snd always will@ You represented Candals best!, GZLENN GOULD!, OSCAR PETERSON!, Gordon Lightfoot,, Leonard Cohen!, Gordon Downie, etc. Etc.A TRUE FORCE OF MUSIC! Au revoir! but never forgotten !💔

[@JosephMcPherson-Author-BigJoe]

Hearing Stewart Copeland's perspective on music and his own history is absolutely a treat.

[@chrissi3193]

A very smart and self aware bloke, a magnificent drummer that met similarly gifted musicians. Always entertaining, honest and very interesting. Always is.

[@tribeshift]

The most creative drummer ever - a true visionary

[@WeLuv9x5]

His hi hat signature is unlike any!!

[@uzomanwosu]

I had no idea that he had such a sharp wit. It would be awesome to hear him just tell stories.

[@nelsonc6173]

You can he's all over KZbin with interviews and he has his own channel! Stewart has always been the most talkative and of the three and he loves telling stories! Love Stewart!

[@EM-yk1dw]

He has a Police book coming out called The Police Diaries.

[@brentdey2244]

The best thing about being a Police fan as they were popping up the charts was watching how funny all three of them were - and how likely they were to break into a very physical argument during the interview. They were the greatest.

[@EM-yk1dw]

@@brentdey2244 Indeed they are one of those magical moments in music, really special.

[@liquidmagma]

He's very funny...just ask him.

[@elarr8733]

Dude has a really pleasant voice and presentation.

[@notreallydavid]

There's a lot of him on YT, if you haven't seen his other videos. Enjoy.

[@InTheOuter]

Come to AUSTRALIA. I love how complimentary Stuart is towards Sting and Andy. He speaks with such love, passion and nostalgia. Such a wonderful man and insane drummer.

[@007ndc]

I'm a huge Police fan: essentially they realize that for their mutual friendship to last they couldn't be in the same band any longer. So on the reunion tour they wrapped up some loose ends, made a ton of money and called it a day. So glad that I finally saw them: twice on the reunion tour. Spectacular. Stewart Copeland is the best percussionist ever

[@InTheOuter]

@@007ndc Me toooooo :)

[@007ndc]

@@InTheOuter incredible that three guys could make that musical alchemy live.

[@resofactor]

Stewart has a very LOUD personality. You would have to really appreciate such a personality to work with in a band.

[@spaceghost8995]

It was Stewart's band.

[@CoachatCole]

Stewart Copeland is beast of a drummer. Listen to zenyatta Mondetta

[@jackwezesa1081]

I know!

[@arphod]

Regatta de Blanc even more. Every song on that record is just killer.

[@harveyhalloway]

I love Stewart Copeland. The Police are my favourite all time band, love every one of them. Even if Stewart wasn't ever in the Police, his theme tune for The Equalizer would still make him an all time legend.

[@pistonburner6448]

Defund the Police! 😅

[@MartinT5600]

The Equilizer was such a phenomenal tune. It is so underrated.

[@scottscott232]

Stewart Copeland is such a great speaker. I love what he is doing with the original sounds.

[@markendicott6874]

Complete and utter legend. One of the greatest drummers ever and the reason I play. Thanks Stewart.

[@amymalina5073]

One of the greatest trios that ever existed. These three are some of the best musicians ever, such immense talents and such massively intelligent musicians that it is no surprise they are still doing such interesting things individually. The highest respect for these three men of the Police. Stewart Copeland is so interesting and well spoken. A joy to hear this interview. I have always felt that Andy has not been given enough recognition for the unique sound and arrangements of Sting’s music; both his and Stewart’s contributions were immeasurable. But certainly, the combination of these 3 musicians was something that was so special and exciting. 3 of the greats.

[@bearcb]

Besides a great drummer, a great storyteller as well

[@MSDOGS1976]

You can tell his IQ is above average.

[@gmh471]

My wife and I saw The Police in their very last concert at Madison Square Garden in 2003 (until they did a few more concerts a few years later). There were big screens and for the entire evening our eyes were completely on Copeland. He's mesmerizing. For my money, the greatest drummer in the history of rock n roll/popular music.

[@rhanemann9100]

The Police didn't play any shows (other than Sting's wedding) from 1987-2006. I'm not sure what show you saw at MSG in 2003, but it wasn't the Police. They didn't re-united until 2007.

[@gmh471]

@@rhanemann9100 You know what, I think you are right, but my memory is different. My wife and I saw The Police at MSG and it was the last concert of the tour. We got the tickets through a PBS promotion. The B-52s were the opener. At the end of the concert, which was not more than 2 hours long, Sting went backstage and the big screen showed him having his long beard shaved off. When my older daughter was around 18 months old, we left her for the first time with a new sitter, a neighbor in an apartment building where we lived from February 2002 to March 2004 (she was born not long after we had moved in). In my memory, we left her to see The Police, but my quick research tells me that you are correct. So, now I am trying to remember what we did the night we left our daughter with that sitter. Perhaps it was a Broadway show.

[@Tuinuiski]

Great interview. The first time I've seen a Stewart Copeland interview, I've seen a few Sting ones. Stewart sounds so articulate, intelligent, cheerful and friendly.

[@pixelfrenzy]

He's made quite a few documentaries about music too, starting with The Rhythmatist in the 80s (I think) and more recently had some stuff that was shown on the BBC in the UK. "Adventures in Music", was that it maybe?

[@Tuinuiski]

@@pixelfrenzy Wow! I did not know that, super talented guy. Thanks!

[@artlover1477]

Copeland is like the late Ray Manzarek of The Doors. Intelligent, great personality, cool voice. Both great interviews.

[@Sonny_AA]

I never get tired of hearing their origin story. They each tell it with a wry smile and respectful acknowledgement of each others accomplishments. Its very fitting that they refer to each other as siblings because no one else has the capacity to lift you up and tear you down like family. So cool that he acknowledged RUSH. I know they spent a lot of time together in the late early 80;s. I think the Signals album was influenced by Neil trying to replicate that "World Music" sound that the police so effortlessly channeled.

[@Craig_Narramoore]

That was the root of the "problem" in a way. Siblings fight about EVERYTHING!!!! and at the drop of a hat. It's also a big part of what made them them.

[@j.ericsandoval566]

He’s such an outstanding drummer.

[@combolife]

What a cool band. Lucky enough to see them live a few years ago when they reformed for some live gigs.

[@toaltec]

The On Drums documentary was great too. Awesome drummer. Could listen to him reading the phone book. This is how interviewers should play it - hats off to Jenni Falconer! Let the guests talk, no one's ever there to listen to interviewers interrupting and injecting their input.

[@BadlndsBob]

This was a great interview, I've been a huge fan of Stewart and the Police for decades. He is absolutely my favorite drummer of all time.

[@tmacfan824]

A true living legend who still does it at a high level.

[@yaseedmohammed6432]

This dude in my humble opinion is the greatest drummer I've ever seen

[@Sam9wilson9]

It’s between him and Gavin Harrison for sure.

[@johnkeller5163]

Neil Peart was one of his biggest fans in the heyday of the Police. Neil and Stewart were extremely close friends for over 20 years both living in Los Angeles as well as mutually inspired as high level yet very different drummers. These two were extremely animated intelligent drummers (one extremely introverted, one extremely extraverted). Stewart, amongst many friends, attended the last Rush concert at the Los Angeles Forum. To this day, Stewart may have retired generally on drums but is still a workaholic with several projects.

[@Mr.Martini549]

One of the best musician interviews. Stew is always interesting. Never boring.

[@massapower]

Stewart on STORAGE WARS and Barry selling the drums he purchased from the locker to STEWART. Now that's CLASSIC TV ! 😁👍🏻

[@PeerHond69]

I love this guy so much - such an inspiring, bright and sober dude

[@peterscott6818]

What a lovely guy . . . lovely to hear the respect and love for Sting and Andy. They wus wonderful.

[@anthonycashero7605]

I'm a drummer and hears his heart when he plays. Feel like I could jam with him. It's like freedom of the soul.

[@ralphsmith1170]

Stewart Copeland is one of the best drummers of all time IMO! The rhythm section of the Police with Copeland and Sting was amazing!

[@DrCrabfingers]

The rhythm guitarist was Andy Summers!? Sting played Bass....all three played rhythm essentially. It was a very rhythm based trio.

[@HazeGrayQM2]

One World is Enough is a drummer’s masterpiece.

[@russellmurray3964]

I saw them perform it live in February 1982. It was the highlight of the show.

[@UCS0608]

Great interview with a great guy and a brilliant drummer!!

[@taismelo9737]

09:22 - how nice it is to see him talk about the greatest Brazilian drummer Joao Barone!

[@bensexton254]

They were three outstanding musicians in their own right, but they knew they needed each other to make the magic sound that was The Police. Very mature for them to all know that and act accordingly.

[@sickoftheleftwingscum]

I loved Stewart Coplands BBC drumming programs because of his enthusiasm i hope he does more ! 👍🇬🇧

[@PixieintheMainframe]

I love Stewart and the interviewer was lovely too - Great vibe

[@talkingdonkey1817]

The Police - Legend! Big love from New England!

[@mht525]

One of the greatest drummers ever. Next to you, a Police punk classic ✌️💛🤘🇦🇺

[@mojito6629]

Their egos are what make The Police has great chemistry, as well as what block them to bond or go further, like other bands usually do.

[@Backpackfiles]

Amazing interview. A band that has stayed together apart.

[@mikelistman5263]

I've heard three long interviews with Copeland recently, often covering the same topics, but he's fascinating and so articulate...gimme another!

[@interstellar618]

The police would sell out stadiums to this day. In fact it would be the biggest tour around the second they decided to go on the road. Stewart's my fave in the band. One of the best drummers ever:)

[@MontecristotoValjean]

My favourite drummer. Wonderful person

[@josephd5715]

Lovely interview by a lovely woman.

[@Wolfanoz]

One of my top favs. Still amazing. Hat's off!

[@pjb4653]

Stewart looks amazing, what a gifted life and well deserved .

[@stephielulu9096]

In another universe Stewart is the new drummer for the Foo Fighters 🎶

[@7piecebucket]

And Josh Freese is the drummer for every other band in that universe. 🥁

[@jakester-lr8dm]

The Master ...that sums it up !! He rocks !!

[@robinburn4974]

One of the best drummers ever

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Stewart is a phenomenally talented musician. He is not from the “wrong side of the tracks” however - he comes from an extremely privileged background (very successful ambassador father and very successful brothers) and he lived all over the world. He has tremendous poise is very gracious - especially as they have matured out of their competitive tension back in the early ‘80s.

[@SuperEdge67]

He was being sarcastic.

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Andy Summers is a one man orchestra. Carries the band live.

[@RobKandell]

The only guitarist who comes close to filling the sound that Summers did was The Edge. They were both brilliant with the pedals, but Summers had much better musicianship.

[@fillhixx]

I think it's adequately established that Three is the minimum for a decent orchestra..... ;-)

[@curragh4635]

​@Rob Kandell alex lifeson has joined the discussion. He's a better guitar player than both of them and the police are my favorite band but Alex's guitar work in Rush is brilliant

[@josemengal5339]

@@RobKandell if you watch The Police at Gateshead Concert 1982 you could see on stage The Edge, close to Andy learning how he playing and using pedals effects...

[@badeugenecops4741]

Thanks for checkin in, Andy.

[@marcelogramo5995]

This guy is one of my super heros!!! Uncopyable!!!

[@mikelynch-zeroviewz2507]

Please Please Please come to Toronto!!! I saw the Police in Toronto in 1979 when I was 16 .. you guys are a part of me !!

[@mikeodonnell6799]

such a great drummer

[@pabloduby]

Qué tipo inteligente. Para escuchar por horas y horas. Siempre interesante...

[@dlracer2]

These guys need to do it again.

[@demonicsweaters]

always entertaining to listen to

[@TylerDurden-oy2hm]

as modest and humble as he is brilliant.....

[@Noname-xi7xi]

What an incredible man and a fine musician as well, really pleasant to listen speak and even more when he plays, outstanding drummer.........saw them live in 1981, amazing band....

[@tomb8430]

Love this presenter. Jenni is gorgeous.

[@commonman317]

I always wondered what Stewart thought of Sting's solo material. Especially after all of these years later.

[@EM-yk1dw]

He still has great respect for Sting's solo material.

[@mattmarkus4868]

@@EM-yk1dw of course he does, because most of it is terrific

[@EM-yk1dw]

@@mattmarkus4868 Indeed, they have all done well since the demise of The Police. I think they had taken it as far as they could.

[@dotconnector1418]

Loved seeing him get his drum roadies attention when needed. In the early years he’d wing a drumstick without a thought while thundering away.

[@thomasfx3190]

I saw The Police on the Synchonicity tour in 1983 and I was hooked!

[@SoulStylistJukeBox]

His score for the 1983 film, Rumble Fish, is sublime.

[@EM-yk1dw]

I was at the London show, it was brilliant! Thanks Stewart.

[@Damonm68]

Great Interview!

[@davidbunn2063]

So love this x

[@nelsonc6173]

Stewart Copeland!!! The no.2 best drummer of all time according to Drummer Magazine!!! Sting would never have been STING without Stewart!

[@jrich745]

without sting there would be 1 song.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

who's number one???

[@jangofett5806]

@@theloniouscoltrane3778 the drummer from Kajagoogoo, too Shy..

[@scotthanback4530]

From kangeroo really ok

[@mccloysong]

SO true 6:09 how there is a magical freshness doing a brand new song in the studio VS how you eventually develop it playing on tour

[@jbk6907]

Great to hear Police stories, That are not from Stings point of view. Big Police and Sting fan myself.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

His score for wallstreet was excellent

[@snowman8329]

Rumble Fish

[@samsingh3753]

The police were the very 1st band i liked when iwas at school ,,message in a bottle, and iwas hooked

[@menom7]

LOVE Stewart!!!

[@widescreennavel]

Stewart is one of the 3 best drummers alive. If you want a treat, find the George Martin Beatles concert at Hollywood Bowl in 1999.

[@stratdx]

So Lonely remains one of my favo(u)rite songs of all time!

[@Jahreas]

Great interview!

[@vincentvincent4898]

I think Stewart might be the smartest and most humble superstar drummer in the history of music.

[@scotthanback4530]

He humble most people are not

[@bowriverblog]

Stewart is a legend !! 🤘🤘

[@sinkingisland7769]

Still hot! One of my top 3 drummers of all time.

[@bobrouse8634]

Stewart Copeland, the world's best hi-hat player.

[@DameTremonti]

bobrouse8634, KZbin's best muppet.

[@andrewhowe1309]

Stewart is a genius and humble too

[@lensquires6580]

They were all fantastic musicians. The movie "Police Around The World" shows some of the "fights" that happened early on their tour. I'm glad I got to see the Police at the height of the band's fame. Rochester, NY, Summer of 1983 at now long demolished Aquinas (Hollander) Stadium. I remember winning tickets to the Synchronicity tour after naming the song question from a local radio station of the Hollies, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother." Concert line-up - The Flock of Seagulls, The Fixx, and the Police. First song of the Police, "King Of Pain," Sting on Bass, a back-up musician on key boards behind him attempting to play the opening chords to King of Pain, but is doing the wrong chords.. Sting, quite irritated, walks back, bends over the keyboard and shows the player how to play the correct chords. Anyway, a fantastic outdoor, afternoon concert. But my one take away was that funny opening moment with "King Of Pain." 🙂

[@finbah5706]

Id love Jenni Falconer to relieve my tension

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

You can’t afford her…..

[@antileft6776]

Favorite drummer. Pure genius. No Stewart-no Police.

[@MarcVesseur]

‘The songs were not broken but that doesn’t mean I can’t fix them’

[@mateokesselman]

Master of the universe

[@manobox]

Very articulated dude

[@michaeltate8017]

This is fab😊

[@MikeGervasi]

I adore Stewart. He made the Hi Hat a featured part of the kit. Also his blood is the rocket fuel used by Space X. Also "It never came to fisticuffs"? Sting didn't break his own ribs, Stewart ;)

[@fredflintstone8569]

I laughed when he said that. There is a actual video of him and Sting having a physical fight during a Jonathan King interview.

[@Jones607]

Stewart, Andy, and Sting (SAS) are all very intellectual, articulate, and interesting individuals.

[@lucascouto9175]

João Barone is, for sure, a killer Drummer!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@andrewpinner3181]

Luv the Stew !

[@hopetownsound]

Jason Isbell also said in his new HBO doc that he likes getting the final take right after his band has just heard the song. The value of capturing musicians in their creative mode. ofc they have to be great to make that work.

[@christakonis325]

The best.. went to ASL and lived on 34 Marlborough Pl right around the corner from where you guys lived for a while. 1978 St. Johns Wood was a shoddy place it was.

[@wchambers3849]

“Be sure to dress up. I won’t!” Classic!!!