Stewart Copeland Reflects On The Police's Punk Beginnings
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- čas přidán 1. 03. 2019
- Drummer Stewart Copeland reflects on The Police's punk beginnings and their four-decade-spanning career in a 2019 interview with uDiscover Music. Subscribe and don't forget to ring the bell to get our updates: bit.ly/subscribe-to-udiscover
Stewart Copeland Interview sections:
0:11 A fateful encounter with Sting
1:41 ‘Message In A Bottle’: the perfect Police song?
2:26 “A Prada suit made of barbed wire”
3:32 “Punk opened the way for us”
5:08 “F__k this.Let’s play that!”
5:51 “We were reviled as fakes”
8:31 “There was no more up to go”
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![Stewart Copeland - drumtalk [episode 36]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V1L4AyXXuic/mqdefault.jpg)
I love Stewart's enthusiasm and his very animated description of things. One of the most intelligent and creative drummers in the world.
otineb5
ADHD
THE most creative.
He's so intense. No wonder him and sting were at each other constantly. Lucky for Andy being cool. He was intense too but quiet.
@@theoriginalheartstrummer I know right? Does he ever shut up? Love him and his music but, good grief - take a breath, man!
You nailed it, seems like a super intelligent and wonderful person. And a wonderful creative musician as well.
This guy NEVER has a boring story.
Dansky Kral I know he is an interesting man.
So true, he’s an interviewer’s dream.
Yet hes totally fucking boring...
@@lifegoeson2183 no
@@lifegoeson2183 You might like his CIA cunt brother more.
He’s aged incredibly well. I guess his enthusiasm keeps him young ☺️
He’s on coke
@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 No, he isn't. Pure energy.
I’d give anything to see a spirited conversation between Stewart Copeland and Jeff Goldblum.
Crap. I was just about to post the same thing. Jeff plays a mean key. Hmmm...
And Ray Manzarek
sdefonta Dude, they would never stop. 👍🏽
John Marshall why
I'd rather take a shit in toilet full of wasps...
If Geddy and Alex decide to record again I hope they recruit Stewart cause he’s a perfect fit, IMHO.
Muckbucket nah, Neil wrote the lyrics too.
Muckbucket
Yes. Stew is a marvelous drummer.
@@ryanryan2734 well maybe not record, but if they tour again he would be perfect.
James Black
You don’t honor a dead friend by refusing to ever play music again.
actually there were some rumours....but i have to say unfortunately Stewart ( though a great Neal´s pal) has said in some occasion he´s not very fond of Rush music
Stewart Copeland is so articulate and generous with his insights into the Police. I learned a lot about the band and the music business listening to this.
I remember a conversation Stewart had with an interviewer. He was asked how he got his inspiration on the unique playing. He said it was growing up in middle eastern cultures: I almost fell on the floor from laughing. He truly is unique in his technique.
@@sweetdragon36067 Not sure why that's funny. He literally DID grow up in Middle Eastern cultures. Egypt, specifically, if I'm not mistaken--I think his dad was in the CIA.
Certainly the opposite of pretentious.
@@mournblade1066 Beirut
@@RichV20 Ah,yes, you are correct. I was thinking of Thomas Dolby, who at one point claimed he was born in Cairo (his father was an archaeologist).
Stewart Copeland.....Neil Peart's favorite drummer. THAT says a lot!!
Says nothing, to me. The only thing I know about that guy is that he tried big band jazz but actually failed. (Simply because I happened to see his sad attempt on a Buddy Rich memorial video.)
@@herrbonk3635 Ignorance is a choice.
@@ChrisLawton66 Music is about taste, and art. It's no f*cking sport competition, belive it or not. Did I ignore your taste? In that case, sorry!
I'm sure Neil Peart admired Stewart Copeland and probably had him on his Top Twenty List but I think his favorite drummer was Gene Krupa. He has also mentioned the influence of Buddy Rich, Hal Blaine, Carl Palmer, Mitch Mitcell, Michael Giles, Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Bill Bruford... there are quite a few others.
@@ChrisLawton66 I don’t think he has a choice. He’s just a un-formed ignoramus that apparently knows nothing about Stewart Copeland. Probably sits in his parents basement with a slick backed bowl cut and bow tie listening to grandmas Benny Goodman trio 78s and eating circus peanuts. No slam to Goodman! Or circus peanuts. 🥜
I remember a Rush interview when they asked Neil who he listens to, who his inspirations are. His answer: The Police. I'd take that as a high complement.
This stems from a Modern Drummer article where Neil was asked about drummers that influenced him...."There's a band called The Police and their drummer plays with simplicity, but with such gusto. It's great. He just has a new approach." (Modern Drummer, April/May 1980)
His high hat action on the Police's "Walking On the Moon" still mesmerizes me to this day. He's such a great but underrated drummer.
Hes a great drummer...thats for sure
You can thank Roland RE201 for that and some tight playing.
He literally hits the snare a whopping total of 3 times on that song. Bloody fucking brilliant. Copeland is my favorite drummer ever.
He's one of if not the most famous and influential living drummer today. Granted he's not in the public eye as much as the 80's but that's not the same thing.
If he's underrated, who's rated? Maybe under-appreciated by younger generations I'll give you that.
Never underrated. Highly respected.
Dude is 67 and looks as healthy as a horse! 👍🏻
still hot too!
Scott Wozniak
His hyperactive drumming style counts as significant physical exercise.
He looks a bit like my grandma
It was totally uncool of them to choose a thumbnail where they made Stew look like an old lady... it was definitely done on purpose... I'd be honored if some Sting fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performances of ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK and WHY SHOULD I CRY FOR YOU on my YT channel in tribute to the master. Live acoustic with no autotune. Thanks and peace.
Prince Charles fancies him!
A golden shaft of light from heaven shining upon his magnificent brow .
GhostOfRhurValley poetic description
Jake and Elwood
How could you not love Stewart? lol
exactly! I'd talk with him for hours
Let me count the ways ;D)
I liked him up until he said 'tortuous'.
AeroBar Graham better drummer than u.
He sucks. Not as much as String, though.
stewart needs his own show too funny and miles of talent
he has a channel of jamming in this studio live from sacred grove
One of the greatest drummers ever. And I’m a metal fan.
Ronald Wilson me as well love panthers and such but Stewart is a excellent percussionist in my opinion he could make any metal band better
Without a doubt Ronald!!!
Hey Ronnie, I love his Prada quip. According to Stewart Copeland, the devil wears barbed wire....lol!
I agree
Watch Rick Beato's review of Master of Puppets. Apparently, Cliff Burton was a Police fan too.
I swear to God I could listen to Stewart talk all day.
The best drummer of the 80's imo. He was playing Reggae, while the masses thought they were listening to Pop. I want that drum kit behind him. The Police will play again!
I love this guy. Glad he looks so healthy.
Police albums are expertly recorded. The audio quality is insane.
Agreed. I own the entire catalog on original LP vinyl pressings. While the first 2 are solid, the production and pressing quality of Zenyatta, Ghost and Synch are on another level. Those are 3 of the best of the decade. They sound incredible on a good stereo system.
Yes ... agreed. I too have pointed this out to those that'd listen.
@Fred Jaminson Good shout Fred, the seperation of the instruments and detail is incredible 👍
mikefinney423 Hugh’s work is amazing.
I like the song the invisible sun.
The Police albums spanned my teen years, and Stewart was the first drummer that I could say specifically.... "Hey!... He's my favorite drummer." Now, 35 years later, I think it's still true.
Same, exactly
Keep your traditional grip bro. Lol.
I had a great drummer in a metal band who held his stick traditional style after Copeland AND refused the double peda,l he had to do it single bass pedal out of respect and pride for past drummers and he pulled it off. Must respect the traditional grip and style.
Must be the only drummer you've ever listened to
I totally agree with you. Before I knew it was Copeland that was the drummer for the Police, as soon as I heard Roxanne, I was inspired to play drums.
He’s got a very distinctive sound. You could pull him out of a lineup of the drummers around that time, And knew that it was Copeland.
This was special for me. Stewart is still brilliant. Due to a curious set of circumstance, and the band's sound man getting busted when they first came to America, I got to mix the Police their first 3 dates in America. I was a house engineer for a sound company that covered their first 3 dates. They were great, they were very short on material and played "Walking on the Moon" til the cows came home, but a great experience. Always a sweet smelling dressing room, as well. "What a long, strange trip it's been."
RAZOR'S EDGE- Thailand ......”I want that phrase on my tombstone “
@@stephenfiore9960 LOL! I don't know if you would have to contact the Grateful Dead for tombstone rights to their lyrics, maybe you should check with Jerry Garcia-You-Later about it. Regardz!
Two likes my ass! You have a real story!!! That is incredibly interesting bro what a break for you, heaven sent!!! I have had several bootlegs of the years where they would stretch out some of their tunes for like donkey's years, "eyo eyo yo yoin' " all the way!!😅
I loved Roxanne: sitting in a pizza parlor and listening to Roxanne on the jukebox in between playing asteroids in the game room in Austin, Tx. Good days!
Beer, pizza, asteroids, Roxanne. For me it was Seattle, but HELL YEAH!
Hearing Roxanne in 1978 while I was working at K-mart. Life Changing !
Dont know why but i imagined you being like Malcolm in the middle woking in Lucky Aide. That show was so down to earth
Unashamedly happy man. I hope he's still in that mind set. I loved his drum style and all the Police songs. Well done, Stew … enjoy life, mate.
Very well put sir!
Glad to see that Stewart hasn't lost his Maryland accent. I love it!
TheLizardKing1967: Wow, thanks for that tidbit of Rock trivia! I knew that Zappa, Talking Heads' David Byrne, X's John Doe, Nils Lofgrin, Danny Gatton, Joan Jett, and Tori Amos were from Md., but not Copeland -- I do now, thanks to you!
Pretty sure he’s from Virginia.
Captain Brandon Horror Lover : No. Joan Jett is definitely a Marylander. She graduated from my high school in Wheaton, Md.
I am also blown away about Mr. Copeland’s enthusiasm & story telling! His voice reverberates through me and I love to hear his stories! Thank you Mr. Copeland!!
Probably didn't overdo it with the drugs so he still has a 🧠
You can tell he enjoyed every lick of his career
He sounds like a lot of fun and no pretense. Good on him!
I can see why Stuart and Neil Peart were such good friends.
Stewart's energy here is off the charts. He needs his own TV show.
Still got all of my original Police singles and albums on vinyl. Fantastic band. Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart are my favourite drummers
Wish I did. Regatta de blanc lived on my Sony 3 in 1 beast for ages.
I never realized how important Stewart was to the Police. I thought he was just a drummer with the other talents. I was pretty damn wrong.
The Police without Copeland would've sounded like any another Sting solo album. The proof is in his earlier recordings as well. Stewart was literally and figuratively the driving force in that group being a rock band. The tension was in those two egos pushing for more of what they want and the result was one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Danny McCaffrey The Police had a very distinctive sound, and those drums.
He has had an incredible amount of influence on the drumming world overall just with the things he was doing at the time and techniques he has developed.
Stewart Copeland’s drumming is genius...the way he uses the toms is like no drummer I’ve ever heard. In fact The Police as a group have a sound that really can’t be replicated...it’s an effortless mix of punk and reggae. I saw them way back in about 1980 and can still remember Sting playing that first song, “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” on the stand up bass, wearing a mortar board and academic gown. Both Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers just had so much energy and played furiously for the whole gig...fantastic show! 💥😎💥
Drummer is the key to any good band.
Thanks for mentioning ELO. Few musicians do.
:-) Fun nerd.
I like the part at the end where he says they had nowhere else to go once they reached the top and it's best to leave when you're at your peak. If only every artist knew when to make a graceful exit.
Andy’s story of the end of the band is a bit different. He knew that they had to take a break, maybe even a long one, but didn’t see why they should break up the band. Stewart was amenable to that as well. But Sting wanted to end it, and ultimately Stewart agreed-mainly because it was obvious that Sting was not going to be writing any more material for the Police.
Absolutely love Stewart Copeland and The Police are one of my favorite bands of all time, one of those rare groups where all three musicians were virtuosos and had smart arrangements and were basically too talented to be boxed into punk in those early days. 'Reggatta de Blanc' is one of my 'desert island discs'. Stewart's one of rock's great, underrated drummers, his work on songs like 'Walking on the Moon' and 'No Time This Time' and 'Reggatta de Blanc' is absolutely insane.
For me personally their best album , it's flawless 👍🏻 I love "does everyone stare " Sting , Stewart and Andy were kick ass good 👍🏻
Van Halen, and the Police...…….. went hand in hand when I was a teen guitarist....Thanks Stew, love you guys!!
Both bands have VERY underrated drummers. AVH is a beast and super talented musically otherwise as well.
Brilliant drummer w/such style and charisma....... and he is so eloquent on top of everything!!! Just a treat to watch here and to listen to his prodigious output. Thank you for your music!!!
This drummer knows his music theory. That's a nice change.
Alex Paulsen yes he is a musician not a drummer only he knows theory very well he’s a professor of the drum kit like Neil peart
Alex Paulsen well yeah considering he scores movies etc. Can't be just a drummer
One of my favorite musicians of all time! Chatty, Witty, Animated, Intellectual, Musical.
The Police is one of those bands where you can really focus on listening to the drummer. This guy is so great.
I could listen to him all day. So articulate and descriptive.
Fine 3 piece band. killer singles and musicianship
Simply love love love this man's enthusiasm about his life. What amazing energy. Thanks Stew !!
This guy is 68 and talks and acts like a 25 year old. I want to have this energy when I turn 68!!!!!!!!!! Long live Stewart!
My mother bought me 'Spirits In The Material World' with 'Lowlife' on the B-side when this came out as my first ever vinyl single record when I was seven years old. I had never heard of the Police before and remember being so excited when I listened to these tracks for the first time. The Police are still my favourite band to this day. 'Walking On The Moon', 'Message In a Bottle' and 'Invisible Sun' are all among my top ten favourite tracks of all time.
such a brilliant man; a true artist..a true musican and an incredible drummer
Great guy, great drummer. The Police were a major part of my youth. At university in 1977 there was a pop parody band called Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias playing a gig at our student union. The support band was an unknown group called... well, you guessed it! As usual we were having a couple of drinks in the bar, waiting for the main band. A friend ran in to fetch us, saying "You've got to listen to these three - they're fantastic." We abandoned our beers and walked in to see three blonde guys and hear Roxanne being belted out at full blast - magic! They totally eclipsed the main act, and a month later Roxanne was charting and they were on their way...
Thanks Stewart, your memories have brought back the many happy ones I have also had listening to your music...!
i was reading andy summers' memoir just yesterday and this exact occurrence was mentioned, touring with a comedy band popular on the college circuit and how they upstaged them despite being the support. pretty cool to see his personal account confirmed on YT by someone who was actually there.
@@jimmyjoemonkeyii3563 That Andy Summers memoir is the best written account of the origins of the band. No where else have I been able to find their genesis articulated better than what Andy recalls in his book.
I was unaware that Roxanne predated message... I first became aware of them because the local radio station 98 rock played message about the same time every morning when I woke up to go to school
@@RJ-ox8on Yeah, "One Train Later" is a terrific read!
Roxanne was written in a hotel room in october 77
Would love to go have a beer with this guy.
Stew seems a top bloke.
Smartest thing to do EVER. Quit at the top. I was a teen and it blew my mind that they were no more after 'Synchronicity'. But they have an amazing catalogue of some of the best songs ever. Sting killing it as a solo artist is a good continuation of the Police. Great fookin band, mon.
Thing is they never knew how long the top could last. But as Steward says they were trying new things outside the police so the band wouldnt be that commited to the next albums.
I wish I was in a band with Stewart Copeland , Wow, what a good drummer this man is...
Stewart, you are the coolest! Think Sting must have always been jealous.
Even though it was Stewart who started the band, Sting was really taking control sadly once the fame started getting to his head, and we all know how that turned out!
Never realized Stewart was so theatrical til now. I always considered him relentless scientific and intense. This showed me I was wrong the whole time. But damn I remember when he put out the Rumblefish soundtrack. Just so outstanding, so uniquely different and original.
Stewart has a great personality based on this.....very funny guy. Does not seem to take himself too seriously but what a drummer!
Appreciate the humility in crediting Sting’s superior songwriting, even though Sting could be an ass in some ways.
StamfordBridge Stew is definitely a straight shooter
Hudson Donald He said he was embarrassed by the crap song he wrote that caught on, and he said though all three of them wrote songs, all three were drawn to Sting’s songs as superior. No way to see this aspect as anything but humility.
Thank god for Curved Air having a gig in northern England and fate intervened to create history. On a separate note, Stewart and Neil Peart (R.I.P.) can do an energetic stream of consciousness like nobody’s business. Quite mesmerizing actually.
i like how he admits that he was prog before punk-esque, and it's interesting that the Police influenced the prog giants RUSH, specifically on the Spirit of Radio.
Stewart reminds me bit of Jeff Goldblum, his cadence and enthusiasm. Just a bit.
I came to the comments to see if anyone was catching some Goldblum
There's probably 7 digits worth of equipment in this room alone.
Bart good point!! A lot of old/ collector stuff. Fun fact he was in London because his dad was CIA and was stationed there.
@@markgalassini8742 indeed
One of the greatest drummers and one of my favorite drummers.
You have to admire the determination and endurance of people in a very precarious business like music where you are never quite sure where you are going and where you are going to end up.
He really does remind me of a chap I used to go out with , he’s so ‘ in yer face ‘.
I love his enthusiasm, he’s so funny and if course he’s a brilliant drummer and percussionist !
As far as I am concerned to Hell with Rumblefish- Stewart Copeland's solo career will be best remembered as the composer for Spyro the Dragon.
Saw The Police in 83 at Aloha Stadium. Stevie Ray Vaughn opened, then Brian Adams on the Synchronicity tour. Incredible. Then in Oakland on their reunion tour. Still incredible. Aah the good old days!✌️
Yes.........
One of the three best drummer ever in the world , fantastic man !
Stewart and the Police wrote the soundtrack to my youth. Absolutely love their music. If you're not familiar with Stewarts solo album the Rhythmatist you need to check it out. He went to Africa and jammed with a few tribes. Absolutely brilliant. Way before Graceland by Paul Simon. I adore pretty much everything he has touched, always inspired always authentic.
One of the best drummers ever.
Such an absolute and unequaled talent, a complete monster behind a kit..keep goin Stuart!! Rock on
Stewart reminds me of the crazy genious in 'back to the future'....a real gem of a man/drummer
Apart from being mega talented, Stewart seems to come across as the nicest guy. Very humbly but fascinating at the same time.
Love his sound studio, lots of books, his speak about the start is lovely.
Other than the grey hair he hasn't aged a day.
correct... about 30 years or so instead... :P
Since the 1st time i listened The Police when i was a kid, im straight away obsesed with the drummer
Every second of this was great.
He's as lively as his drumming. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the best monologues by a rock persona ever. He is so concise and interesting and self-effacing and just plain likeable. It's a fascinating quick trip through the history and inner workings of the band. Thank you uDiscover Music...and Mr. Copeland.
Every word expressed by this legend made me smile and relive... The greatness of the band and to be real and down to earth
Such a character with so much energy. I’m busting out my The Police records now to listen to the band’s gems on this muted Sunday morning.
I really like his honesty. It makes me laugh with great respect. Know your limitations (and strength).
One of rock's greatest drummers...I remember Klark Kent, too. This is such a cool interview, but it's funny how his voice kinda reminds me of Ted Danson's...
My favorite band of all time. I didn't realize why I liked them so much until long after they broke up. Stewart, Sting and Andy are so amazingly musically gifted. Its easy to see now why they were so good, but destine to go their separate ways.
I love Stewart Copeland, his energy, passion, and sound are unique...and fun.
Stewart is a legend.
Love Stewart, he's forever 21 ha ha
This guy is a legend, so much talent yet so down to earth. Love him!
What a great story....and great story teller..I could listen to Stewart talk all day long....24/7
He talks the way I do when I drink two monster drinks. My wife always notices, and asks if I drank caffeine.
I can see how he and Sting would have personality clashes, and then Andy being the 3rd wheel of all that, yet just as strong. Some things are built to exist within their own time frame and then "thank you and have a good night". So you appreciate it for what it is and that's it. No more and no less.
Fantastic Stewart just being Stewart brilliant and thank god because of him I had my favorite band The Police and boy do they ROCK! Thanks guys had a great youth!
Love Stewart. What a guy, and what an amazing drummer.
Stewart Copeland is the greatest drummer of all time in my opinion.
F ya! Thanks Mr. Copeland! So cool to hear it from coming from the real deal. You rock!
I saw The Police in ‘83 on their Synchronicity World Tour in Orlando FL, at the Citrus Bowl and was completely BLOWN AWAY by the incredible sound, stage show and lighting, and the THRONGS of people who were there. They packed the place, and played for almost 3 straight hours without an intermission...
One of the BEST CONCERTS I’ve ever been to!
Amazing band, and an incredible body of work from just 3 regular guys who found superstardom. Stewart Copeland is an amazing drummer...
...wow. I bought the album in 1983. I was 28. I would have given anything to have seen them live that year. You were there. You’ve seen the Atlanta show in 83...at the...Omni??, was it? Incredible incredible. Lucky you,
Love this man's energy!!💓💕my favorite drummer.
Brilliant attitude and personality , true legend. SERIOUSLY 67, what the f
I could listen on for hours, any topic, just him talking abut it
What a great bloke. Interesting, funny, so much energy and enthusiasm for everything.
Best 11 minutes I've ever heard from Copeland. Thanks for the vid!
Secret Journey.
Creepy as hell musically but positive lyrically.
Great drumming. Phenomenal.
JuJu Pancakes secret journey is stunning - Ghost is an epic album x
That's fascinating that Klark Kent was a hit before the Police. I remember getting into that album after I discovered the Police.
Makes me love him and the entire band even more...
The Police were the first band as a kid that I liked enough to call my "favorite" band, and their music still means a lot to me today.
How many people paused this video to look for "Don't Care"?
Whoa. That's..... no, sorry, don't care.
Haha, we all did?! ;-)
Didn't have to, too familiar with Klark Kent as it is. Brilliance!
i had seen it already...cool beginings...