My favorite drummer of all time. His tempo was bang on, use of dynamics, syncopation and with just the right amount of embellishments, without going over the top was perfect. He just put the sticks in the right place at the right time in the right way.....The way he danced around the main rhythm to give it lift, yet still maintain the drive.....amazing:))
@Cuthbert Bracegirdle I still don't think Moon came even close to being rated as highly as Ginger and Mitch. Technically speaking, I never saw Moon play anything besides single strokes. Like a toddler being let loose on a kit
I love Stewart as much as anyone else and there most certainly would not have been "The Police" without him (he was the one who started the band, after all) but you can't undermine the importance of all three band members. In my opinion, all of them were irreplaceable. I would also argue that Andy Summers is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history. The work he did on some of their tracks was unbelievable. So yes, Stewart made The Police a global super group, but he couldn't have done it without Andy and Sting.
Copeland is proof that "drumming for the song" doesnt have to mean just doing a standard backbeat. You listen to what he did on literally ANY Police song, and it's exactly what the song called for. It's not showoffy or flamboyant, but it's creative, in a way that still works organically with the structure of the song. And that includes the times he DOES use a traditional, simple backbeat, like in "Every Breath You Take." It was the perfect thing to do for that song, just as the consrantly changing soundscape he did for "Message In a Bottle" was the perfect thing to do for that song. Greatest drummer in the world as far as I'm concerned
TheRealGEO Sting played with Omar Hakim, Manu Katche and Vinnie Colaiuta; hardly “yawnsville”. While Stings solo albums have some songs with more standard backbeats, many songs do not. Don’t forget some of the Police’s biggest and best songs have a pretty standard backbeat.
Man I love this guy. As a young drummer in the early 80's, listening to his drums and particularly his cymbals jump off the vinyl was a total eargasm. All these nuances on the hats, and body to bell and back again on his rides... he was speaking a drum language I hadn't really heard before and it was so distinctly his style. You couldn't mistake him. And then there was his super tight dry snare sound, contrasting starkly to the wet sounding reverbed / gated "doosh" sound that was dominating the airwaves on nearly every recording in that era. A total, one of a kind, drum legend!
Nicely put, I love how you describe the impact he's had on you that's amazing man truly. Yes to be a superb drummer is one thing but to create a whole new style and sound certainly gives him the title of a legend. I enjoyed your words!
For non-latin musicians Stewart was a revelation. The polyrhythms, syncopation, those ghost notes on the otoban and then a bar of 16 notes. It is very tribal . it is music that is typically performed with whatever the hell you have that is sitting around. To think that the groove of "And I love her" is two chunks of wood (claves) on 3 & 4
loved learning his shit back when it came out I was kid then later I learned he overdubbed a lot and used delay a lot and I was learning his parts not knowing that
Steward Copeland's beats are unique. He has been an influence for me as a drummer with the Police. The hi-hat patterns, the simplicity but yet originality of the drumming...
ERIK , WHEN YOU TALK TO PEOPLE IN PERSON , DO YOU USE THE < L > TERM WHICH IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST IDIOTIC TERM IN THE UNIVERSE THAT ONLY COMPLETE BRAIN DEAD ASSHOLES USE ?????????????????
@ORKY CATHCART, when you talk to people in person do you scream at them and throw around insults like a tantrum throwing five year old to make yourself feel big?
If you consider a drummer/percussionist who the best drumming tracks in a popular pop rock band, it's surely Copeland, at least in the 80's, as I have not heard of any other drummer! His precision is simply stunning! He's really smart!!!
And this is why I love that guy as a drummer. He created the pulse of their music, but at the same time created textures and spicy little add-ons that made the songs so much more interesting. I could name 20 Police songs where that's the case without even thinking hard.
Saw the Police back in the day 1977 Erics Liverpool as a young chap I was completely blown away by this incredible drummer with his aggression and technique ...Cheers Cope
There is still no surprise why The Police were this band with this sound. Each of them are exceptional. And this makes the songs so unique. Still refreshing & thanks a lot!❤️☮️
Stewart is the first name in drumming for me. All the other powerhouses will get mention before his name. Stewart inject an element of his own essence in to what he plays. I love him and he's top in my book.
"Andy and I used to take turns throwing instruments at Sting. That's how bad it got in the group by the summer of '85. I chucked a _piano_ at him once."
Zenyatta Mondatta did it for me....I remember my brother bringing home the LP when it came out in 1980 and just blasting it....I couldn't believe what I was hearing....that whole album....Without Copeland, that album would not be the masterpiece it is.
And that is why I love Stuart. Thank you. For all the inspiration when I was a little man, just starting on the drums. Much love, gratitude and respect. 😊xo
Awwwww he's so sweet. When i bought my kit, the dude that sold it to me said, remember....a great pocket drummer is more valuable to the band than a player that sounds like he's doing a separate song with all his flairs. He told me to look into Stuart Copeland and the dude from iron maiden. So they're on my list of all time faves.
In his own way, he's an exemplar of that Drummer's Advice: "Don't play the drums - play the song". And that of course means you have to take a view on the song, and "argue"/ play your corner.
A the years go on and being a child/teen during the late 70's/80's, I've come to the conclusion (indeed late) that Copeland was that critical differentiator that set the Police apart. Took me 6 concerts & a zillion hrs of listening. I'm old now, but that beat, that unique beat...
love everything he did-but even his backbeats are in a world of their own. i really like the almost meditative one that drives 'when the world is running you down, you make the best of what's still around'
This just shows the magic of being in a group, all of whom bring a quirkiness and creativity. All of the group mebers were super gifted, and would have been great on their own, but the place where their talents overlapped and melded was a sweet spot.
The Police were indeed a bright star that shone a little differently from everyone else. Everyone in the group brought something novel . Copeland's novel approach to percussion. Summers nuanced chord progressions and tempo, embellished Sting's lyrics and song writing. Stars that shine twice as bright live half long.
I remember watching the late Neil Peart in an interview sometime in the mid to late 1990's. He said he loved the music of Police and was a fan of Stewart Copeland. He also said he was inspired by their sound.
Your comment reminds me of the blessing and curse of being a trio. The *upside* is having all that precious sonic space in which to play creatively. The *other* side is *having* to fill up all that sonic space!
His drumming on the 1st and early Police albums was astounding and outstanding. Some say his drumming is "tighter" or more accurate in his timing than the world atomic clock!!!
Not many people ever got drums. For many it's either generic beat or show-off nonsense. Stewart oozes personality and his signature when he plays by incorporating little intricacies to his playing and playing in a melodic way like a singer.
I lost all respect for Portnoy when he was talking about putting together a beat and then said "and one more at the end for 7 just to make it interesting." Interesting? It might be interesting, but it sounds like shit.
Good point well made. I have played in bands for years and have yet to play with a drummer that understands their drums. Levon helm for me was an amazing drummer
Stewart Copeland is one of the most underrated drummers of all time. The Police would never have the same sound, listen to Message in a Bottle and the isolated drum track.
Another IDIOT with the underrated. You know shit about music don't you? amongst DRUMMERS he is GOD. and THAT is what a drummer wants his peers. Dummers always knew RINGO was an exceptional drummer and the idiots wanted to hang him Ringo & Copeland have a gift to NOT play the same shit over and over again Ringo has about 10 songs where HE rewrote drumming "what you doing" " "Get back" "Strawberry" Fields" "ticket to ride " "Get Back"
I don't know that the young pups today understand how much of a big deal Copeland's performance on "Every Breath You Take" was 34 years ago. He was the absolute last drummer in rock who'd be caught dead playing it straight like that. I can recall reading an interview back then where he claimed with a straight face that recording that track was the most difficult he'd ever done because it was such a simple rhythm. TOO simple, in fact.
He's right, it SUCKS, drum-wise. He is bored AF. Should have used a kid; a contest winner or a drum machine. They'd have brought in a lot of enthusiasm. I HATE that song, but simple is my thing. I'm.not advanced enough to sound bored during parts like that.
I was SHOCKED when that thing came out *because* of how straightforward the drumming was. I just couldn't wrap my head around Stewart Copeland playing that, or rather agreeing (succumbing?) to playing that.
Oh, he and Sting almost kill each other over that drum track. I don't see much more room to play drums in there, so I gotta go with Sting on that one even though he is rather consistently a cunt. I can understand it wasn't the kind of song Stewart would want to play, anyhow.
Thank God he argued about drum beats with the Police. Without his drums the Police would not sound as unique as they do. Of course Andy's guitar was a HUGE part of that too.
Stewart played the drums in a compositional way adding rhythmic character and tonality to each song wherever it was needed. He always came up with rhythmic options and variations to add character to each song and to provide his own unique percussive "voice."
Love to hear his take on Danny Cary and the methodology of structuring songs in reverse (drum/ riffs then vocals) and seemingly avoiding traditional backbeats and use of polyrythmns
Speaking as a bassist here, but Stewart's approach to this is so crucial both to the rhythmn section and the song. How much he avoids the snare means it's so much more impactful when he does use it, and it gives so much other space for the other musicians to fill with their parts. He's perfect in the sense he has a crazy sense of rhythm and pulling everything together, but he drums like Ringo Starr in that everything he does is *for* the song rather than showing off how talented he is. If you're a young drummer reading this, try it and see what reaction you get from your bass player, I reckon most would absolutely love it and the chance to help fill space rather than being locked into a solid beat.
I don't usually think of Copeland as being particularly jazz-influenced, but doing the rhythm on the cymbals and hi-hat and accenting on the snare is pure jazz.
On THAT song, yes. But, he freely admits to spending his entire career with The Police looking for different ways to approach the drums, not the songs. Read his autobiography.
When that tune came out, every time I wasn't playing going to other clubs. I was always asked to sit in on that tune. The secret to playing that tune is letting the snare carry the groove w the bass just reinenforcing that simple groove, plus don't forget the hi hat propelling the time. I did really love playing that tune.
Stewart's smart, I agree a backbeat can be boring and it has its place in drumming, but thinking of another way to serve a song without using a backbeat, is genius.
Joseph Gurzynski maybe try it on 3 (Hotel California) Or just on 2, NOT with the 4. Marvin Gaye's I want you practice video. He's on the sofa lying down. Singing (that's insane, btw). Or just on 4.
Give the band what they need while refusing to give them what they asked for... Excellent advice.
7 лет назад+3
One of the most difficult things bands have to face are the diversity of personalities and tastes of a given member. It's both blessing and curse when each individual comes with their own perspective as to how things should be played and songs constructed. I like Stewart's approach because it frees up the scope of musicality and offers something other than the same ole mundane structure. The downside is that many people prefer mundaneness and sameness. Don't stray or you'll dash souls into the abyss of new horizons and possibility. Can't have that! Back to 4/4 and zombieland. LoL
Guys like Stewart Copeland are few and far between,Hes without a doubt one of our greats,I'm happy I grew up listening to him in the 80s. I dont play like him at all but it gave me a respect for the different styles that different Drummers bring to the table.
Thank you Stewart, for great insight into the whole back beat no bb debate. That makes for a whole new and refreshing and unrepetative approach to drumming I'd not really thought about! I'll be giving it more thought from now on. The approach you just demonstrated leaves room for band members vocals and solos which is one aspect of your incredible and intuitive playing! Thanks very sharing this!
I love that Stewart put "give em want the want" reference in this interview. He and Andy gave The Police their sound. Stew carried Sting for years in that band, even making his stalking song "every breath" less creepy.
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Copelands drumming was just as important to the Police as the vocals of Sting. The Rythmatist is an absolute gem of a record.
Don’t forget Andy Summer .
His guitar put a spell on every song.
@@Andrea-od3zr I take it that the guitar/synth was the most important and then the rest (bass inc)
plus the drum isn't annoying
My favorite drummer of all time. His tempo was bang on, use of dynamics, syncopation and with just the right amount of embellishments, without going over the top
was perfect. He just put the sticks in the right place at the right time in the right way.....The way he danced around the main rhythm to give it lift, yet still maintain
the drive.....amazing:))
Same here
I'm continually amazed by his ability to do a two-note fill and make it RIVETING. He always knows the perfect thing to play at any particular moment.
Stewart Copeland = simplicity in it's most amazing form. A genius on the kit and a major part of the bands success !
Agree! To me there is a metaphor about negative space. Creating interest and suspense in what is NOT played.
Copeland played the drums like a lead instrument, same as Keith Moon did and this is what divides the great drummers from the masses.
@Cuthbert Bracegirdle I still don't think Moon came even close to being rated as highly as Ginger and Mitch. Technically speaking, I never saw Moon play anything besides single strokes. Like a toddler being let loose on a kit
That and he could keep time.
Note - Roger Taylor. Particularly “I’m in love with my car”
@Cuthbert Bracegirdle have you even LISTENED to Live at Leeds? Quadrophenia? That’s a dipshitted comment if I ever heard one
@@HoamerSimpson THANK YOU, finally someone said it
In just a two-minute video, Stewart Copeland explained how he made The Police a global super group.
I love Stewart as much as anyone else and there most certainly would not have been "The Police" without him (he was the one who started the band, after all) but you can't undermine the importance of all three band members. In my opinion, all of them were irreplaceable. I would also argue that Andy Summers is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history. The work he did on some of their tracks was unbelievable.
So yes, Stewart made The Police a global super group, but he couldn't have done it without Andy and Sting.
Sting had nothing to do with it. 🤣
@@TwelveDeck Sting is a good composer but without The Police he is just another good singer, nothing else
Yup
@@TwelveDeck Sting was the icing on Stewart Copeland's cake.
Copeland is proof that "drumming for the song" doesnt have to mean just doing a standard backbeat. You listen to what he did on literally ANY Police song, and it's exactly what the song called for. It's not showoffy or flamboyant, but it's creative, in a way that still works organically with the structure of the song. And that includes the times he DOES use a traditional, simple backbeat, like in "Every Breath You Take." It was the perfect thing to do for that song, just as the consrantly changing soundscape he did for "Message In a Bottle" was the perfect thing to do for that song. Greatest drummer in the world as far as I'm concerned
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of the most creative drummers of all time in my opinion.
The Police would never had their sound or been as good if he had give in to the same ole drum beats... Glad he kept true to him self !!!
Amen.
Just look at Sting's solo stuff.....Talk about Yawnsville :)
Same with Ringo and the Beatles.
TheRealGEO Sting played with Omar Hakim, Manu Katche and Vinnie Colaiuta; hardly “yawnsville”. While Stings solo albums have some songs with more standard backbeats, many songs do not. Don’t forget some of the Police’s biggest and best songs have a pretty standard backbeat.
Hell, The Police wouldn’t have existed if it weren’t for him. Sting would’ve been still playing in go nowhere jazz bands if Stewart hadn’t found him.
Every drummer owes it to them self to watch and learn from this man. Copeland is one of the most prolific drummers of our era.
Man I love this guy. As a young drummer in the early 80's, listening to his drums and particularly his cymbals jump off the vinyl was a total eargasm. All these nuances on the hats, and body to bell and back again on his rides... he was speaking a drum language I hadn't really heard before and it was so distinctly his style. You couldn't mistake him. And then there was his super tight dry snare sound, contrasting starkly to the wet sounding reverbed / gated "doosh" sound that was dominating the airwaves on nearly every recording in that era. A total, one of a kind, drum legend!
Nicely put, I love how you describe the impact he's had on you that's amazing man truly. Yes to be a superb drummer is one thing but to create a whole new style and sound certainly gives him the title of a legend. I enjoyed your words!
Hey, thanks Whelan. My thoughts are straight from the heart. Stewart has been a life long influence!
For non-latin musicians Stewart was a revelation. The polyrhythms, syncopation, those ghost notes on the otoban and then a bar of 16 notes. It is very tribal . it is music that is typically performed with whatever the hell you have that is sitting around. To think that the groove of "And I love her" is two chunks of wood (claves) on 3 & 4
loved learning his shit back when it came out I was kid then later I learned he overdubbed a lot and used delay a lot and I was learning his parts not knowing that
TamaSonor best hi hat work in the game!! Always loved his style
I've always loved Steward Copeland's playing style. His playing style is part of what makes The Police sound unique.
What an immense privilege to have a drummer that would actively fight you for more interesting arrangements. People usually have the opposite problem.
This guy’s cymbal work is god tier.
Steward Copeland's beats are unique. He has been an influence for me as a drummer with the Police. The hi-hat patterns, the simplicity but yet originality of the drumming...
"Still getting paid...that is plenty of rhythm." LOL. Awesome.
Such a cool thing to say. Ironically most drummer's these day's dont actually get paid at all! Unless you count free beer and empty promises
I could play the exact same thing and it would still be an expensive hobby.
@Mattie McClean Lmao that one made my day! :D
ERIK , WHEN YOU TALK TO PEOPLE IN PERSON , DO YOU USE THE < L > TERM WHICH IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST IDIOTIC TERM IN THE UNIVERSE THAT ONLY COMPLETE BRAIN DEAD ASSHOLES USE ?????????????????
@ORKY CATHCART, when you talk to people in person do you scream at them and throw around insults like a tantrum throwing five year old to make yourself feel big?
If you consider a drummer/percussionist who the best drumming tracks in a popular pop rock band, it's surely Copeland, at least in the 80's, as I have not heard of any other drummer! His precision is simply stunning! He's really smart!!!
And this is why I love that guy as a drummer. He created the pulse of their music, but at the same time created textures and spicy little add-ons that made the songs so much more interesting. I could name 20 Police songs where that's the case without even thinking hard.
This dude is such a legend he brought so many smiles to peoples lifes in the 80's thank you stewart copeland much love.
Saw the Police back in the day 1977 Erics Liverpool as a young chap I was completely blown away by this incredible drummer with his aggression and technique ...Cheers Cope
A true master, his creative work is so exciting not only to hear but he gives a complete performance. Best in the world for me
There is still no surprise why The Police were this band with this sound. Each of them are exceptional. And this makes the songs so unique. Still refreshing & thanks a lot!❤️☮️
Stewart is the first name in drumming for me. All the other powerhouses will get mention before his name. Stewart inject an element of his own essence in to what he plays. I love him and he's top in my book.
One of the most underrated drummers of all time. This guy is absolutely amazing to watch in concert.
how can Steweart be aun underrated drummer? Just look where he is talking.
The drumming on walking on the moon, just superb
One of the greatest of all time
"Andy and I used to take turns throwing instruments at Sting. That's how bad it got in the group by the summer of '85. I chucked a _piano_ at him once."
Source?
Copeland can't throw a piano. If this quote is real (?), he's making a joke to sell records.
@@RMT192 It was a spinet, not
a Baby Grand or a Grand...
Zenyatta Mondatta did it for me....I remember my brother bringing home the LP when it came out in 1980 and just blasting it....I couldn't believe what I was hearing....that whole album....Without Copeland, that album would not be the masterpiece it is.
AND ........ that percussionist approach to your drumming , sir.... gave The Police its unique place in Music.
The best musical drummer I've ever heard. Amazing!!!
Backbeat? You are one of the greatest drummers of all time. You killed me. It was certainly "OH WOW" moments.
I liked the way he plays drums, one of the best drummers ever.
Nope
Yep
And that is why I love Stuart. Thank you. For all the inspiration when I was a little man, just starting on the drums. Much love, gratitude and respect. 😊xo
Great example of what he's talking about is the track "Driven To Tears."
So true!!!
Yes
His greatest performance
A master class in playing over, under and around the bar line, and in “implied” backbeats.
Awwwww he's so sweet. When i bought my kit, the dude that sold it to me said, remember....a great pocket drummer is more valuable to the band than a player that sounds like he's doing a separate song with all his flairs. He told me to look into Stuart Copeland and the dude from iron maiden. So they're on my list of all time faves.
In his own way, he's an exemplar of that Drummer's Advice: "Don't play the drums - play the song". And that of course means you have to take a view on the song, and "argue"/ play your corner.
A the years go on and being a child/teen during the late 70's/80's, I've come to the conclusion (indeed late) that Copeland was that critical differentiator that set the Police apart. Took me 6 concerts & a zillion hrs of listening. I'm old now, but that beat, that unique beat...
love everything he did-but even his backbeats are in a world of their own. i really like the almost meditative one that drives 'when the world is running you down, you make the best of what's still around'
The end of Voices inside my head in Zenyatta Mondatta is incredible. So creative.
That's my all time favorite song in the world! He does rock it at the end. Would love for that song just to keep on playing out.
No! The ENTIRE drum sound on Voices. The multiple changes. It is aural bliss. It is...orgasmic, lol.
This just shows the magic of being in a group, all of whom bring a quirkiness and creativity. All of the group mebers were super gifted, and would have been great on their own, but the place where their talents overlapped and melded was a sweet spot.
His snare work too. Legendary sound
The Police were indeed a bright star that shone a little differently from everyone else. Everyone in the group brought something novel . Copeland's novel approach to percussion. Summers nuanced chord progressions and tempo, embellished Sting's lyrics and song writing. Stars that shine twice as bright live half long.
I remember watching the late Neil Peart in an interview sometime in the mid to late 1990's. He said he loved the music of Police and was a fan of Stewart Copeland. He also said he was inspired by their sound.
Your comment reminds me of the blessing and curse of being a trio. The *upside* is having all that precious sonic space in which to play creatively. The *other* side is *having* to fill up all that sonic space!
His drumming on the 1st and early Police albums was astounding and outstanding. Some say his drumming is "tighter" or more accurate in his timing than the world atomic clock!!!
Love Stewart Copeland’s drumming in The Police!
Truly unique!
👍👍👍👍👍
Not many people ever got drums. For many it's either generic beat or show-off nonsense. Stewart oozes personality and his signature when he plays by incorporating little intricacies to his playing and playing in a melodic way like a singer.
I lost all respect for Portnoy when he was talking about putting together a beat and then said "and one more at the end for 7 just to make it interesting." Interesting? It might be interesting, but it sounds like shit.
Nailed it!
Good point well made. I have played in bands for years and have yet to play with a drummer that understands their drums. Levon helm for me was an amazing drummer
Now THAT is a real drummer. Incredible skill.
His playful idea of rythm makes all the elements sparkle.
A Epic Drummer Mr.Copeland Is..And Always Will Be...👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥁🥁🥁👍👍👍👍
:44 still getting paid! Thats why we love Stewart !
Stewart Copeland is one of the most underrated drummers of all time. The Police would never have the same sound, listen to Message in a Bottle and the isolated drum track.
I would call him an innovative drummer.
Definitely one of my inspirational musicians.
Why underrated? just one of the best rock drummer ever, ask every drummer.
Underrated by who
??? He's not underrated at all. Pretty much respected universally as one of the greatest of all time. The dude is a living legend
Another IDIOT with the underrated. You know shit about music don't you?
amongst DRUMMERS he is GOD. and THAT is what a drummer wants his peers.
Dummers always knew RINGO was an exceptional drummer and the idiots wanted to hang him
Ringo & Copeland have a gift to NOT play the same shit over and over again
Ringo has about 10 songs where HE rewrote drumming
"what you doing" " "Get back" "Strawberry" Fields" "ticket to ride " "Get Back"
Love your playing..Stew...you have so much flavor in your drumming!
What a personality!!! Absolutely Qualified!!!
I don't know that the young pups today understand how much of a big deal Copeland's performance on "Every Breath You Take" was 34 years ago. He was the absolute last drummer in rock who'd be caught dead playing it straight like that. I can recall reading an interview back then where he claimed with a straight face that recording that track was the most difficult he'd ever done because it was such a simple rhythm. TOO simple, in fact.
He hated it - look at his face in the music video for the track. (I feel like an idiot playing this song)
He's right, it SUCKS, drum-wise. He is bored AF. Should have used a kid; a contest winner or a drum machine. They'd have brought in a lot of enthusiasm.
I HATE that song, but simple is my thing. I'm.not advanced enough to sound bored during parts like that.
I was SHOCKED when that thing came out *because* of how straightforward the drumming was. I just couldn't wrap my head around Stewart Copeland playing that, or rather agreeing (succumbing?) to playing that.
Oh, he and Sting almost kill each other over that drum track. I don't see much more room to play drums in there, so I gotta go with Sting on that one even though he is rather consistently a cunt. I can understand it wasn't the kind of song Stewart would want to play, anyhow.
Fakename70 Yep I love the other Police albums....but that one sucked. Sting had too much control and they just made pop music.
One of my favorite drummers ever. Simply awesome!
This man's a genius love his playing its where he puts them that really throws you off
I love this guy, his drumming is unsurpassed to my ear!
This guy is such a unique craftsman! Much respect ✊
He just explained something that is so easy to understand and so hard to master. Those who can really stand out.
I was privileged to see Stewart Copeland's 'De-arranged' show. This man is an absolute legend.
I just love Stewart Copeland. He really is a massive drumming inspiration to me. X
He totally helped ME shape MY playing. Going against the norm. klark kents the man!
Thank God he argued about drum beats with the Police. Without his drums the Police would not sound as unique as they do. Of course Andy's guitar was a HUGE part of that too.
Very, very wise words. I’d say he won his fair share of those arguments. The music speaks for itself.
Probably the greatest drummer alive right now.
Stewart played the drums in a compositional way adding rhythmic character and tonality to each song wherever it was needed. He always came up with rhythmic options and variations to add character to each song and to provide his own unique percussive "voice."
Love to hear his take on Danny Cary and the methodology of structuring songs in reverse (drum/ riffs then vocals) and seemingly avoiding traditional backbeats and use of polyrythmns
What a top bloke Stewart Copeland is and an absolutely amazing drummer.
Speaking as a bassist here, but Stewart's approach to this is so crucial both to the rhythmn section and the song. How much he avoids the snare means it's so much more impactful when he does use it, and it gives so much other space for the other musicians to fill with their parts. He's perfect in the sense he has a crazy sense of rhythm and pulling everything together, but he drums like Ringo Starr in that everything he does is *for* the song rather than showing off how talented he is. If you're a young drummer reading this, try it and see what reaction you get from your bass player, I reckon most would absolutely love it and the chance to help fill space rather than being locked into a solid beat.
Stewart Copeland is a percussive wizard, period!
his best drumming on message in a bottle and wrapped around your finger.
How can one guy have so much drumming talent? Best ever!
I don't usually think of Copeland as being particularly jazz-influenced, but doing the rhythm on the cymbals and hi-hat and accenting on the snare is pure jazz.
My favorite drummer, I dont think anyone can hold a candle to him {loved the "still getting paid" lol
One of the greatest drummers I've ever seen in concert.
The man’s an artist. He was instrumental in the success of the Police. His drumming stellar.
Driven To Tears- one of my favorite drum lines on one of my favorite albums.
Agreed!!
@@MaestroDeca 👍
Fascinating cat by all accounts. Plays to the song - since he knows. Killer artist. Thanks for posting.
On THAT song, yes. But, he freely admits to spending his entire career with The Police looking for different ways to approach the drums, not the songs. Read his autobiography.
He's a great drummer. Totally unique style.
There is a reason you look at any list of top 10 drummers ever, and Copeland is on that list. Arguably the one of the very best ever.
When that tune came out, every time I wasn't playing going to other clubs. I was always asked to sit in on that tune. The secret to playing that tune is letting the snare carry the groove w the bass just reinenforcing that simple groove, plus don't forget the hi hat propelling the time. I did really love playing that tune.
Copeland and Moon are my favorites. No one else comes close to either in my book. Copeland for originality and Moon for making a songs masterpieces.
Stewart's smart, I agree a backbeat can be boring and it has its place in drumming, but thinking of another way to serve a song without using a backbeat, is genius.
I just love his reasoning for trying to do his job in a different way.
"i don't wanna play a backbeat" 😂 i hear you.
I'm in such a rut. This will help.
Joseph Gurzynski maybe try it on 3 (Hotel California) Or just on 2, NOT with the 4. Marvin Gaye's I want you practice video. He's on the sofa lying down. Singing (that's insane, btw). Or just on 4.
Simply The best! Most Creative! Synthesising so many styles!
Give the band what they need while refusing to give them what they asked for...
Excellent advice.
One of the most difficult things bands have to face are the diversity of personalities and tastes of a given member. It's both blessing and curse when each individual comes with their own perspective as to how things should be played and songs constructed. I like Stewart's approach because it frees up the scope of musicality and offers something other than the same ole mundane structure. The downside is that many people prefer mundaneness and sameness. Don't stray or you'll dash souls into the abyss of new horizons and possibility. Can't have that! Back to 4/4 and zombieland. LoL
Legend is still alive, 70's, one of my best souvenir, POLICE !!!!! Message in the bottle, Roxanne etc etc.....keep it a long time, eternally ....
Almost every Police song has its own unique groove…Genius.
Guys like Stewart Copeland are few and far between,Hes without a doubt one of our greats,I'm happy I grew up listening to him in the 80s. I dont play like him at all but it gave me a respect for the different styles that different Drummers bring to the table.
Thank you Stewart, for great insight into the whole back beat no bb debate. That makes for a whole new and refreshing and unrepetative approach to drumming I'd not really thought about! I'll be giving it more thought from now on. The approach you just demonstrated leaves room for band members vocals and solos which is one aspect of your incredible and intuitive playing! Thanks very sharing this!
Stewart is a good cop! One of my Favs. Incredible ideas behind the drums. Cheers!!
Mr. Copeland keep rocking!!!!!!
I always loved his drumming! He is always changing it up!!l Love it!👍👍
I'm one of his fans since my childhood... very impressive, Sir..
And that’s the attitude that made SC so fantastic ❤
indisputably one of the modern-time greatests.
Stewart Copeland is so underrated as a drummer. The guy was awesome.😎👍👍✌✌
I love that Stewart put "give em want the want" reference in this interview. He and Andy gave The Police their sound. Stew carried Sting for years in that band, even making his stalking song "every breath" less creepy.
Stewart's influence on the music of the Police is clear. Another great drummer - Carl Palmer