Legend was Embarrassed By His Song About a Hooker…Became THE Breakout Hit of 1979!-Professor of Rock
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Coming up an interview with one of rock’s greatest drummers Stewart Copeland of the Police. Stewart tells the story of two radio-unfriendly tracks. Roxanne and Can’t Stand Losing You. They were early singles from the Police when Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland were trying to make it. The edgy songs were supposed to be a pair of breakthrough hits that would put this band on the map. Only radio stations wouldn’t play them. And there’s some difference of opinion as to why. Even within the band. One story says that they were banned due to their subject matter, with Roxanne centering around prostitution and Can’t Stand Losing You about… And another story says that the band stretched the truth about being blacklisted just to stir up some publicity. But either way, these songs became massive and set this group on a course to become the world’s biggest band just a few years later. It’s a story you’re not going to want to miss, told by a legend NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Zenni
GET ZENNI Glasses HERE: imp.i279709.ne...
Get Stewart Copeland's New Book here: us.rocket88boo...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer
Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers
Walter O. Wright II, Moon Comix, Scratchers J Scratcherton esq, fakeaorta, Mark Thompson, Thomas French
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's Store
Van Halen OU812 Vinyl Album amzn.to/3tLsII2
The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store -bit.ly/Professo...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out Patron Benefits
bit.ly/Professo...
Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpF...
bit.ly/Faceboo...
bit.ly/Instagr...
#classicrock #70smusic #vinylstory #thepolice
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you solved most of the mysteries on Scooby Doo Where are you growing up. You’ll dig this channel of Deep Musical Nostalgia.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations, where featured artists take us for a deep dive and explore their greatest songs and albums. Insight you won’t find anywhere else. Today, we’ve got an amazing interview for you. I recently had the opportunity to talk with the great Stewart Copeland from The Police. In our conversation, we covered the entirety of The Police’s career from their debut 1978 Outlandos d’Amour through 1983’s Synchronicity. But to kick things off we’re talking about two of the Police’s breakthrough tracks: Roxanne and Can’t Stand Losing You.
One of the 80s’ most dominant bands, The Police started from very humble beginnings. Founded in London at the height of the punk explosion in 1977, their brief original lineup consisted of drummer Stewart Copeland, singer-bassist Gordon Sumner, forever known as Sting, a former school teacher, and guitarist Henry Padovani. However, after the release of one independent single ‘Fall Out’, Padovani was replaced by veteran guitarist Andy Summers to solidify The Police lineup. Like I said, from the beginning, The Police were bootstrapping it…playing hole-in-the-wall clubs, getting paid next to nothing, and often sleeping in Summer’s car… It was an inauspicious start for a band that would in a matter of a few short years become the world’s biggest rock band.
In October of 1977, the threesome were driving from Amsterdam to Paris, to play a show at the Nashville Club in Paris. In the middle of the seediest part of the 'City of Light', Summer’s car broke down, and the trio had to find a place to sleep and store their gear. The car was beyond repair and had to be towed back to London. However, while there in Paris, Sting would have a moment that would change the fortunes of the band forever when he had an accidental encounter with a hooker.
Poll: Who is your pick for the GREATEST drummer of the 80s?
Neil Peart by far!
Phil Collins
Steve Gadd
Phil Collins, Roger Taylor and Sheila E !
The fact that Phil Collins sang lead at times while playing the drums takes it to another level for me
Stewart Copeland is always a hoot to listen to. He's got some of the best stories, and he's always so animated.
I agree. We went through his entire career. What would you like to see us cover next?
.....I still remember that CLASSIC live MTV footage when him & Sting were at FISTICUFFS! ....I was GLUED to the set! ....ha-HAAA!!
You ain't kidding... I was trying to keep pace with him as he is walking around his house
@@flavellinator ....that's when you KNOW you got a P-SSER of an Interview! ...ha-HAA!!
Ha ha!@@RBS_
As a drummer I’ll never tire of listening to Stuart discussing rhythm and drum beats.
❤
Always remember, Stewart did awesome drumming on Peter Gabriels Red Rain and the theme to the Original Equalizer show. Master of the hi-hat.
Thanks Professor!
You just BLEW MY MIND... I had no idea that it was Copeland on hi-hat!! Thanks for the info.
Yes I asked him about that! Thanks Roger!
I did not know he played on Red Rain. Such a great song.
Stewart Copeland says "Hi there!!!" On "Big Time", I believe?
Best part is when Stewart remembers that he has to get his steps in and just continues the interview doing laps around the room. I hope I am this energetic when I hit his age.
Stewart Copeland is my favorite drummer next to Neil Peart and John Bonham. Was lucky enough to see The Police reunion tour on the, according to Stewart, infamous second night playing Vancouver. His work alone on Wrapped Around Your Finger live makes him a legend. The Police are a timeless band, one of my favorites.
I agree. Thanks Jason!
Just a fantastic drummer.
He did not lose me . I love this interview!!
Im a drummer who has listened to the police for most of my life.
Stuart is easily one of the greatest drummers, and I've really enjoyed the videos of interviews with him. He has a wonderful way of talking about the bands history Thanks
I love his demeanor. Thanks for watching my friend!
Except that he just called us too stupid to understand a pretty simple concept.
Adam, you and Rick Beato are my two favorite interviewers. Always something interesting! As a drummer, I was particularly psyched to see explain his rhythmic approach. Good stuff!
Me too! Coolest part!
I’ve always loved the Police. I started drum lessons only a few years ago, so I bought a drum sheet music book for the Police. I’ve learned to appreciate how awesome of a drummer Stewart Copeland is.
Your work is more than nostalgia. You put songs in context with info straight from the musicians who performed them. (And you don't often run into people who naturally allude to Wordsworth and Archimedes.) Great interview!
Thanks for watching!
"Can't Stand Losing You" remains one of my favorite songs. Stewart is a great raconteur, always entertaining. Can't wait to read his book!
Absolutely awesome! You got Stewart Copeland to tell us the story behind the very beginnings and the first song that introduced us to the band that definitely changed the music of the 80s! To me the biggest reason Roxanne is a touchstone song is the drumming, nothing else like it in popular music at the time. I hope there is more of this interview, Steward was the reason so many kids of that era wanted to learn the drums. Fantastic episode!
Thanks My Name. Always love seeing your comments!
I was so pleasantly surprised that POR got Stewart on the show!
Just starting a Police Trib band and the complexity of their music is sneaky. All 3 players were (are) virtuosos and NO ONE sounded like them in 78-83. Thanks for a sneak peak from Stewie !!
@@brhazprima1287 I haven't read Stewart's memoirs yet but if they're on par with Andy and Sting's own wonderful bio's they should be a heck of a treat.His brother Miles was a bigwig in the CIA apparently.?
@@brhazprima1287 I hope your band is a smash success, what's the name? If you are ever in the Detroit area let me know, I Will definitely check it out!
Every time I hear Roxanne, I think of Eddie Murphy singing it in 48 hours. I heard Can't stand losing you the other day. The lyrics are controversial, but the band became infamous for this. Copeland is an unbelievable drummer. My favorite song that he plays on is Walking On The Moon. The drum work in it is spellbinding.
I'm must say I'm rather a bit sprized that he didn't mention the pop culture using that song. Eddie's timeless jailhouse "rendition" of this would have been the first on the list....
I have seen Sting in concert twice. He told us "I don't write typical love songs. They are not very interesting. " Sting started playing No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley and then turned it into Can't Stand Loosing You. He played Roxanne and told us about the Bob Marley influence.
Stuart didn't loose me .I watch his RUclips channel. 😊
Glad you were able to interview Stuart.
I love that! He said something similar when I saw him a few months back. What would you like to see next from this interview Catherine?
More explaining of drum techniques of various Police tracks. @@ProfessorofRock
He only said they are not interesting only because he cannot write one about himself because he such a narcissist! He has admitted he is a narcissist btw : )
Wow, that sounds like an amazing concert. He was able to turn it into something special.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Sting never disappoints. The concert venue sold out.
Next week, I am going to try to get a ticket to see Billy Joel. I hope they are not too expensive. I might have to adapt and buy general admission tickets.
I like how Stewart described the difference between Rock, Reggae and Arabic Music.
It was fascinating.
Me too.
Can you provide a time stamp plz? Sometimes I have to listen in small snippets. Thx!
Stewart is one of my all-time favorite drummers. His playing didn't just support the song, but it was a major part of the song. He obviously had a talent for using theory to make sounds that were remarkably musical to the untrained ear. That's what it's all about, in my opinion.
I would have thought that "Don't Stand So Close" would have been more controversial in some regions than the two featured. As it was I heard all three on the radio. Great interview.
Thanks for watching!
I always wondered if Gordon Sumner’s teaching stint had any particular history behind that song.
Totally. @@glenncox9128
I would think so too.
It’s probably more controversial now than it ever was then. We just sort of took the subject for granted as I recall. It was taboo but not unusual if that makes sense?
Man, no one makes me pay attention to the drum cymbals in a song more than Stewart Copeland does... The Police, along with The Cars and The Knack, really set the stage for mainstream new wave heading into the 80s... Epic interview, PoR!
Thanks Flave! What would you like to see next from the Stewart interview?
Would love to hear his takes about Spirits in the Material World...👍
@@ProfessorofRock Neil Peart once stated that "Stewart Copeland" was a better drummer than he was. That's one hell of a complement coming from Neil. I wasn't ever a big fan of "The Police" but I know they're talented beyond belief. They all seem like they're really cool guys, and after hearing "Neil Peart" give such a complement I had to start listening to the drums every time a Police song came on. He's truly a different kind of drummer than anyone else that I've ever listened to. Thanks for all you do Adam. great interview. Peace.. Joe
I asked him about it. Coming!@@flavellinator
Wait till you hear Stewart's story about Peart!@@thebluesrockers
What a treat to hear from Stewart! I always heard what a hard ass he was (as well as Sting). Couldn't be more wrong. He was warm and accommodating, and you can see how passionate he was, and still is, concerning his time in The Police. Excellent interview!
BTW - I remember hearing The Police back in grade school in the late 70s here in Canada. Of course I heard about them from my friend's cool older brother that played all the new music of that time for us. No one sounded like The Police. They had such a simple, yet catchy sound. Totally different from the overproduced arena rock at that time.
Like you and Stewart said - here were are almost 50 years later and we're still talking about them. And we will continue to talk about them for decades to come. Cheers!
I wan us to talk
The video for _Wrapped Around Your Finger_ made Stewart Copeland my favorite drummer. At the end of the first verse, he did a double hit on the _splash_ cymbal...complete with a "dramatic" head nod. That song _still_ represents the most effective use of _splash_ cymbals I've ever heard. It was also when I really started paying attention to _all_ of his beats. I quickly realized that he's one of the most rhythmically interesting and creative drummers in the history of popular radio. As for this video, _Roxanne_ continues to be one of my favorite _deceptively simple_ beats to play. The beat in the verse and the cymbal crashes throughout aren't standard _back beat_ format, so you can't just _play_ the song; you have to _pay attention_ to it!
Let's one up that Wrapped Around Your Finger video. When they filmed it , they gave it a slo-mo effect. How was that done? By playing the song at an accelerated tempo - possibly even double time - then slowing the film down to match the actual song's tempo. This meant that Copeland was actually playing the song in the video really fast, but still so perfectly in rhythm that the final version has his percussion in perfect beat with the song. That fact alone always amazed me when watching that video.
@@sub2for800M HOLY CRAP!!! How did I miss that?!?! Even as I read your comment, I could see the moment in my mind, and you're absolutely right! His drumming was dead-on, but his _body movement_ after the double splash _was_ in slow motion. So frickin' cool!!!!! Thanks for pointing that out. Someone in a different video recently posted about the acronym HATE (Having Respect That's Earned), and in that context, now I have to HATE Stewart Copeland even more than I already did!
Roxanne was played big time here in Australia in 1979 and should have been a bigger hit than the 34 it peaked at .Can`t Stand Losing You only spent one week in the top 100 peaking at 98
I lived in upstate NY at the time and it seemed it was playing EVERYWHERE all the time.
Thanks Peter!
Wow!
Great story!!! I did like those songs, and Copeland is awesome!!
Thanks, Professor!!!
😎👍
Rock on!
Stewart Copeland is a favorite of mine! Such a nice guy and always willing to share his knowledge and stories! Nothing better than watching him on the drum kit in his tank tops! One of the most talented drummers in history! 💚
I love hearing musicians talk about their craft! Stewart Copeland is exceptional! Thank you so much!
Stewart Copeland! No other band sounded like The Police and no other drummer sounded like Copeland. His sound and style were so recognizable and I can't think of a another drummer since The Police who's ever come close to Copeland. Consider the hi-hat & ride cymbal work, splash cymbals, Octobans, along with odd time signatures and the unlikely placement of beats. If that weren't enough, look at his style! He played with a traditional grip and had a wingspan like a Pterodactyl, but damn did his drumming throw a punch! If you want to see Stewart at the top of his game, check out "Driven to Tears - live in Frejus" from 1980.
Love your comment!
@@ProfessorofRock Appreciate it!
He is THE drummer everyone dreams of.
Oh man! I LOVE that you got to interview Stewart Copeland! One of my GOATed drummers from one of my favorite bands! I was hoping he'd confirm the Sting butt-chord story from Roxanne I've always heard, and I love how he's just a down to earth, straight shooting guy in addition to being so talented. Have you read Andy Summers Police memoir, One Train Later? He was a prolific photographer and diarist throughout his tenure with the band, so I'm excited to read about the same time period from Copeland's perspective. Also, glad he talked about his childhood in Beirut (father was a co founder of the CIA) and how it influenced his musical ear. Looking forward to more of this interview, Professor 🙏
PS -I noticed in this video he said that the beat for Roxanne was a Samba but I seem to recall you saying it was a tango in the Roxanne video, which I think is actually the case. Thoughts?
Very cool!
Loved the Police! I remember going to a movie in 1983 and they had the entire Synchronicity song in concert on the movie screen as part of the previews. Haven't seen anything like that since. Glory days for sure.
Agreed. I was so excited to get this interview!
What movie was it?
These songs were pivotal in my youth, when I hear them it brings back slices in time. Thanks for the history and the interview, very enlightening.
Dear Professor of Rock. So much of what you do is so evocative. The stories told, take me back to the memories of life in the 70's and 80's. Reminding me of what was in my world, at the time of first hearing that music. Like examining the rings of a tree to see what the weather was like in years gone by. Illuminating the human connection that sharing music creates. Thank you.
Thanks for watching Jeffrey!
Wow his explanation of the difference with beat emphasis was very enlightening! Don’t forget Stewart also did the music for the original TV show “The Equalizer “
He did th music for Rumblefish too. We talked a little about that!
I wonder whether Stewart and Edward Woodward ever jammed together. EW had a fantastic voice and enjoyed his share of success as a singer.
I haven’t watched it.
Some people age so well. Stewart is one of the best. I would love to see The Police get together one last time for anything. What a trio of geniuses.
Agreed. Did you see them on their last tour?
They’re all still with us, so I am hoping for another reunion.
Never had the pleasure@@ProfessorofRock
Thanks Professor 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Very enjoyable interview.
On Collaboration and compromise, he really Gave Sting the benefit of the doubt. This is a very Charitable and objective evaluation of what must have been a very difficult time for the band. A real gentleman!
Great episode...love The Police...and what a cool and unique interview with Copeland...definitely top 5 for me...I mean, Neil Peart looked up to Stewart!!!
NO Kidding!
You know you’re a legend when even the Professor looks up to you.
I never got into punk, but I love the combination of styles they played. Most of their songs, I listened to the music but didn't learn the lyrics until later. The hook WILL bring you back. In college I listened to The Police more than anyone else.
Thanks Rick! What would you like to see next?
@ProfessorofRock How about some Whitney Houston or Paula Abdul?
My tastes are so varied, but it seems like you've covered almost everything. Maybe Motley Crue's 90s stuff?
As Blues Traveler once said, the hook brings you back.
The Police were my favorite band as a high schooler in Las Vegas in the early 80s. And still are. Stewart is one of the best storytellers in
I could listen to SC all day long talking about music. Genius.
Always loved SC's drumming because it was so different to what was usually heard from pop/rock bands. I particularly like his drumming on "Walking On The Moon".
I've watched the "Wrapped around your finger" music video over and over...just love Stewart's genius.
The band has it's own unique sound, much like The Cars....love that they don't sound like anyone else.
Good morning Adam. Hope your new year is going well. I'm a huge Police fan, and love Roxanne, so I'm really looking forward to this one. Thanks, brother.
Happy new year! Hope you had a great holiday!
The ever entertaining Mr Copeland once again demonstrates his status as the elder statesman of his musical generation.
how did i know this was the song before i even clicked on the video 🤣🤣
Yeah, it was obvious to me as well. I was like, what else could it be?🤔
Ha!
Such a great interview! Thank you. I loved how it dispelled the rumors and brings to light simple facts - the BBC just didn’t initially play the songs. They were such a great signing for A&M who had the wherewithal to stay with them and make it happen.
I want more Stewart Copeland! I hope we see more of that interview.
Speaks volumes to his creativity that he just starts walking around with his camera on, instead of just staying planted in front of a desk.
Didn't know Roxanne wasn't a hit right out of the gate. I loved it the first time I heard it.
Thanks for sharing!
It’s like he’s living “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”
The reason I love your channel is because I'm glad my radio career, brief as it was, have me the ability to pick the subject before you get into the song. As I've said before, keep up the great work.
That is awesome Thanks!
Always great interviews! My favorite RUclips channel for sure!
Love the way you delve in deep with these legends!
Stewart Copeland is my favorite drummer for sure!
Great interview! 👍🎶❤️
One of the greatest if not the greatest drummer of all time!
Thank you
Stewart's studio/workspace is amazing. Would love a tour.
Professor, please let Mr Copeland know you have drummers who watch your channel and are not only not lost, but love the nerdy details of the song structure 😁🥁
I did!
Sting sits on a piano and plays a key with his butt, laughs about it. Great interview with Stewart Copeland, Prof - you never disappoint!
Thanks Christine!
Stewart Copeland is My Hero. He is one of the nicest guys ever. Cracks me up and just the best drummer Ever. I got to meet him years ago in LA at an instore. That is his studio The Sacred Grove... a great gymnasium of amazing musical instruments and creative prowess. Glad you got to chat with him Adam. What a moment. I have seen him several times too. Catch one of his shows. I promise. It will be amazing.
I LOVE The Police!! I have since high school, a long time ago. 😂 I always wondered about the laugh at the beginning of Roxanne, the story behind (no pun intended!! 😅) that is great, love hearing that from Stewart. Stewart is a phenomenal drummer and composer, love him too!! ❤
I wan us to talk
The first time I heard Roxanne it was after becoming aware of it...when I watched 48 Hours with Eddie Murphy singing it in his jail cell.
Such a classic scene!
Very awesome story and great to see Stewart looking so healthy. I remember when these released and we all growing up in southern California where new music made it or died on the spot. What came to Cali would work its way to the east coast. Roxanne was a hit and a party song, great for the beach goers and valley kids. I was in the 8th grade the time of the release and this was the era of finding your own style of tunes and bands. In my town it was every female had their album and over half the guys. The hits came coming and a new released album and they were part of the surf sound and valley tunes. Thank you Stewart sir, for all your great drumming and sound, input and fights with Sting. Thank you for the interview as your fans still love you and I send my God felt blessings to you Mr. Stewart Copeland for making my summers as a teen great with your tunes.
What a great interview. The Police are another ionic band that influenced so much of today’s music. Their music truly stands the test of time.
We played the heck out of those two songs at the college radio station. Commercial radio eventually saw the light 🤣
edit- great interview, and Stewart got his steps in too!
....I remember POURING over Rolling Stone Magazine wondering WHAT they saw in the Police......the 'College' stations DID play them, endlessly....I caught up in 1981-1982.... ; )
YEs he did!
Because they’re great songs!
He seems so likable and such a nice guy. Great interview Professor.
Fascinating interview and what a humble guy Stewart Copeland is.
I agree. Such a talent. Thanks for watching.!
This is one of the best interviews, Adam. It reminded me that Stewart Copeland was an American in an English band. Also, since he mentioned the Clash, maybe you can do a segment on them, and also Big Audio Dynamite!
I wanna have a conversation with you
With Roxanne and later Message in a Bottle the Police opened up the whole world of Reggae to us rock and rollers. This led me to listen to Bob Marley and his band. Police music was new and refreshing. They produced a number of great songs in the late 70's and early 80's.
I wan us to talk
Stewart is def my fave drummer of all time
Very cool!
Copeland is right up there with Peart, in my book. He's a great guy, and he's always a pleasure to listen to in the many interviews that I've heard.
Stewart Copeland has done so much since The Police disbanded. He did music for TV series like The Equalizer. He's done collabs with other artists. He was very busy , he's said it himself "I had a very rich career after The Police" A very interesting character to listen to, i can imagine how many stories this guy has. Anyway a great interview as always Adam. Thankyou !
And just after Rick interviewed Andy the Professor completes the trio. RUclips can be a marvelous place to spend some time.
Love this! Stewart is my favorite part of the Police! Loved the honesty and the music lesson!
I remember when the Police were very new and “current” in America. They did stand out as something totally different, and they were a refreshing change from the stagnation that was happening in the pop music culture. I always loved The Police, and I was so bummed out when they broke up.
Just another gem of an interview Professor….⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏👏
My personal favorite drummers, to listen to and to watch, are Stewart Copeland, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Bonham and Buddy Rich. Each one unique and outstanding.
Stewart Copeland..This will be great. Saw this band in Dec 79 ,Dec 81, Dec83, Oct 07. Even heard them rehearsing in 78 when i was at college . Without question, in the top 8 bands to ever come out of the UK. Loved them and they are so intertwined with my life from 78 to 83...as they were for many, I guess. Another great one, Adam. Atb from England.
I wan us to talk
I remember being in 8th grade when Synchronicity was released and every guy in my home room was all about King of Pain… and I was still hung up in Zenyatta Mondatta. I’ve ALWAYS been a Sting fan, LOVE HIS WORD SMITHING and his melodies are UNFORGETTABLE! (Sorry Stewart)
I've been a fan of The Police all these many years! "Roxanne" still blows me away, and i can easily put it in my top 3 songs! I love the band collectively; and as individuals, they're amazingly talented. Andy Summers has always been one of my favorite guitarists. It's incredible how he doesn't leave empty spaces, yet you never hear "too many" notes: each one is perfectly placed. Sheer genius! This was a fantastic interview with one of the best drummers on the planet! Thank you, Adam, for highlighting one of my all-time favorite bands.
Love these interviews. Would be interested to know more about Don't Stand So Close To Me.
Growing up I thought that Police and Toto wrote about the same woman.
While I really didn't care for Roxanne, when it was turned into a Tango for Moulin Rouge I was hypnotized both by the song and the dance and how powerful that scene was.
I talked to him about it! Coming soon!
You just put Moulin Rouge on my To Watch list. ;-)
Wow.
I dont get into ranking musicians or drummers, but Stewart is the Man.
The Prof has the most enviable gig. This is rare air. Stewart Effing Copeland. Legend. With Stewart notched on the belt, could Ged and Alex be in the not distant future…..??? The Prof’s cred is rocketing
Thank you! Brought back good memories. We heard Roxanne the first time on a joke box in a Lausanne cafe while playing pinball😊
Great to hear from the legendary drummer of my 2nd favorite band of all time. Can't Stand Losing You is probably my favorite all-tme song from them as well. I was thrilled when they got together again in '08 and toured. Would love to hear the story of Synchronicity II and how that song came togeher.
I bought Synchronicity the day it came out- I had just started getting into them a few months before after getting Zenyatta Mondotta for my 13th birthday. My very first concert was the Police Synchronicity concert in November 1983. This was in Atlanta & it's the concert video of the Synchronicity tour that was shown & sold on video. Loved them then & still love them now.
Stewart Copeland was my first Music God crush. Nothing has changed; I still think he's amazing! I've seen a few videos filmed at his home studio, packed with unusual, historical, and sometimes unique instruments. He never fails to delight with his stories, energy, sense of humour and musical genius. Definitely reading his book! Excellent interview. I am going to hunt down the full version.
Cool! Do it!
The man is just so fascinating.
Loved Steward's rhythm lessons! He did not loose me at all. Loved It!
I love those songs! I was in my 20s when those songs came out! Absolutely my favorite.. I loved the police and Stewart Copeland
Same!
Great band.
Such a great interview with Stewart. He's for sure top tier among rock drummers.
One of my fav Copeland music pieces is actually The Equalizer TV Theme!!! I'm not sure how many people would know this! It's an incredible piece of music!
Awesome. Loved his explanation about the emphasis being on the 3rd beat in 4/4 time. I never knew that. Just a great post!
Thanks Professor. When ever I hear the beginning of "Roxanne" now, and hear the piano and Sting laughing, I remember Sting saying in interviews that he actually "fell" into the studio piano, and was laughing about it as the song was being recorded, they thought it was funny and left it in the song. They were "Laid-back" in the early days. But the police were all "individual personalities." I think Stewart, though intense, seemed the most "laid-back" and Sting was the "Perfectionist." 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, being the perfectionist, and quite irritated, (can't blame him) he 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."🙂
Stewart Copeland also did the music for my favorite tv show, Dead Like Me. I thought that was amazing when I first saw his name on the credits. 😁
He's an amazing composer.
I didn’t know that!
Rock, reggae, punk, jazz, pop and soul are all infused into the Police's music! 'Roxanne' and Can't Stand Losing You' does just that.
A lot of Copelands drumming was Reggae off beat
Indeed! Love it.
And it’s a distinctive sound!
Yes!
The Music Theory Lesson half way through the interview was truly amazing. The rhythm's of life have always been the heartbeat of music. Now that the world has gotten even smaller, thanks to the net; making what to come even more interesting.😀😀
As a belly dancer, I knew exactly what he was about to say about Arabic music ❤ That was ear candy for me and I'm glad he talked about the difference in how the beats are handled.
Copeland is so awesome. Teach me more, man. Straight shooter, humble, and so chill. I love the library in his house - I'd be lost for weeks there.
The Police were really my "awakening" to music. My brother brought home from college a record player with a bunch of fantastic albums in '82 or 3 and I used it almost nonstop (probably to both his annoyance & pride at showing me good music). I had the Police and the Cure in constant rotation with only occasional breaks with other stuff.
Never knew how powerful music was. The Police sound, that 'not reggae' beat touched my soul somehow, and Sting's lyrics sent my mind cascading. The dude essentially introduced me to Russian literature (well, he could have been a Don), found a rhyme for Scylla and Charybdis, and called marriage a deal with the devil. Even throw away stuff like the laugh & "bark" (?) on the bridge, or the umbrellas that showed up it seemed so often.
And always that sound. It seemed so simply but could elicit any emotion.
Thanks Mark! Great comment.
He should turn his house into a B&B so I can stay there and talk to him for hours!
One of your greatest interviews!!
Stewart has always been my inspiration as a drummer. I learned to play drums with Police music. Particularly Roxanne and Can't stand losing you. Just start playing snare only, all day long, until I can play it my sleep. Then kick and snare, and then put it all together.
Awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing!. are you in a band now?
I love that!
We love the details! You didn’t lose any listeners!
What a fantastic interview! Interesting story telling.
The Police will always be my favorite band.
All this time, I hadn't realized it was Stewart over the ice block. Assumed it was Sting. Thanks for a great interview.
My inspiration to start drumming 40 years ago. Also my first concert in 1981 in Montreal when I was 10. He can’t sit still while live chatting. I love the laps of his awesome studio jam room. 🤟🎶❤️🇨🇦
My dad was a DJ (in fact owned the station) and I would beg for him to play songs like Roxanne. He told me he wasn't permitted to play it. Later I wondered if it was because the songs he couldn't play were blacklisted or because he hated them. Maybe a combination of the two. From my end, I loved the fact I was the recipient of demo albums that weren't "playable" on the radio.
Thanks for sharing!
Did he not want to play controversial songs?
How exciting for you. Stewart Copeland !
I was lucky enough to be at their last gig in Melbourne.
P.S - very cool t-shirt. (the purple one)
The police was the perfect storm. Sting was one of the greatest songwriters of his time... Stewart is one of the great technicians of all time, and Andy was an amazing rhythm guitar players of the time as well... no ne of them would have achieved greatness without the others. An amazing band, for sure, and the angst contributed to their success as with so many of the bands of the era. Just thankful to have been a part of those times. As a rock musician, i feel very connected to that whole experience. Our shared experience...the greatest cars, the greatest music, arguably the greatest cultural experience of the world.
I wan us to talk
First time I heard them, I knew their destiny would be greatness !!