Stewart Copeland

[Superlow]

I am suprised no one has mentioned Stewart Copeland of The Police. Possibly one of the better rock drummers from the 1980's. He influenced a lot the heavy hitting drummers like Dave Grohl. He is well known for mixing raegae with rock drum beats. His timing is impecible and hits like a gorilla all with perfect posture of course.

[NUTHA JASON]

plus he's a hang of a composer. he did the soundtrack for 'blade runner' i heard.

j

[Milo]

A lot more than that! Didn't see Blade Runner on the list though.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004841/

[finnhiggins]

plus he's a hang of a composer. he did the soundtrack for 'blade runner' i heard.

j

No, that was Vangelis. Stewart Copeland has done a whole heap of stuff though, he's an amazingly talented guy.

[NUTHA JASON]

boy is my face red. so i went to find the true list and was blown away. check this out. what a talent to do all this and be one of the hottest ska/rock drummers ever.

Music/Score - Stewart Copeland worked as music composer on following movies:
I Am David (2003)
Deuces Wild (2002)
On the Line (2001)
Sunset Strip (2000)
Skipped Parts (2000)
Boys and Girls (2000)
Simpatico (1999) dvd
She's All That (1999)
Very Bad Things (1998)
Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The (1998)
West Beyrouth (1998)
Pecker (1998)
Legalese (1998)
Futuresport (1998)
Good Burger (1997)
Little Boy Blue (1997)
Made Men (1997)
Gridlock'd (1997)
Four Days in September (1997)
Assassination File, The (1996)
Leopard Son, The (1996)
Boys (1996)
Pallbearer, The (1996)
Tyson (1995)
Fresh (1994)
Silent Fall (1994)
Rapa Nui (1994)
Surviving the Game (1994)
Babylon 5: The Gathering (1993)
Raining Stones (1993)
Airborne (1993)
Bank Robber (1993)
Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)
Afterburn (1992)
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
First Power, The (1990)
Men at Work (1990)
Hidden Agenda (1990)
Riff-Raff (1990)
Taking Care of Business (1990)
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
She's Having a Baby (1988)
Talk Radio (1988)
Wall Street (1987)
Out of Bounds (1986)
Equalizer, The (1985)
Rumble Fish (1983)


j

[ChrisD]

A great drummer.Very tasty as well especially on the second disc of "Police live"."Regetta de blanc" ,"Ghist in the machine" and "Synchronicity" , all by the Police are also incredible drumming albums.

[CyclopseSlayer]

Stewart is one of my favorite players of all time. He had a such a unique style. Brilliant hi hat work, that amazing snare, and his syncopation are some of my favorite aspects.

In addition to his playing, he always had good songwriting contributions on the Police records, stuff like Peanuts, and especially Fall Out, that's one hell of a barn burner especially live.

[HurdyGurdyMan]

My moms friend said she went to go see Sting one time and she said it was the drummer from The Police and said he played a fantastic drum solo.She said it was the best part of the show.

[mlehnertz]

Not saying it's not true, but unlikely. I think that with the break up of the Police for the 2nd time in the mid 80s, they were done with each other.

She saw probably Omar Hakin, Vinnie Colaiuta or Manu Katche. It's pretty easy to figure out which one is Vinnie as he's the only caucasian of the group. Vinnie was his main drummer up until the last few years.

Not saying Copeland isn't a great player. Murder by Numbers, great drumming as is the whole Syncronicity relase.

A side note: Go look at some of the pictures on early Police albums. See if you can read what's on Copeland's drum heads. :D

My moms friend said she went to go see Sting one time and she said it was the drummer from The Police and said he played a fantastic drum solo.She said it was the best part of the show.

[finnhiggins]

A side note: Go look at some of the pictures on early Police albums. See if you can read what's on Copeland's drum heads. :D

You mean "XXXX off you XXXX"? Directed at Sting, I believe. They never got along very well.

[Chano]

My moms friend said she went to go see Sting one time and she said it was the drummer from The Police and said he played a fantastic drum solo.She said it was the best part of the show.

I also find this very unlikely, but if for some reason or another it really was Copeland she saw, she's very lucky i think! I would have loved to see that guy in action with the Police. I really admire his unique and very very musical way to play the drums...

[mlehnertz]

Catch the reunion video they made. From what I read, they were so pissed off at each other after a handful of dates, that it made the concert smokin' hot from all the anger-energy. And Stewart was a mother.

I wish I thought of Synchronicity in that other thread of "really good drumming albums". It's a fine piece of drumming. The two Synchronicity tunes, Murder by Numbers (one-two-three-FOUR-five-six), Wrapped Around Your Finger (which made everyone run out and get splash cymbals), and just a great album in terms of some nice reggae grooves. Still one of my favorites.

I also find this very unlikely, but if for some reason or another it really was Copeland she saw, she's very lucky i think! I would have loved to see that guy in action with the Police. I really admire his unique and very very musical way to play the drums...

[stapes2260]

I'm a big fan of Copeland. He's one of the most creative guys in the rock genre, and he can take a simple rock beat and expand it into something awesome. I love the beat to Walking on the Moon. First time I tried playing it i threw the sticks across the room in frustration.

His playing reminds me of Matt Cameron for some reason. They both take simple rock stuff and expand it into something on a whole other level.

[NouveauCliche]

Stewart Copeland is one of the big reasons that I play drums today! The very first cassette I ever purchased was a comilation of the Police's greatest hits....and wow. His drumming was first really different style of drumming I'd ever heard. At that time, all I was really listening to was was like...top 40, pop/rock stuff, lots of Beatles etc...and while most of that was all great and fun music to listen to, the drum parts were pretty much straight up 2 and 4 back beats. The first time I heard Roxanne I was totally confused by what was going on! I listened more and more, and got super hooked!

I love his style! He's rock solid on time, all the high hat work is AWESOME and he plays with so much confidence! He has to be one of the hardest hitting guys with traditional grip I've ever seen...good times! Playing wise, he's one of my biggest influences! Plus...his score work is amazing! It's incredibly cool to see such a drumming hero doing such DIFFERENT and creative stuff!

[Thinshells]

boy is my face red. so i went to find the true list and was blown away. check this out. what a talent to do all this and be one of the hottest ska/rock drummers ever.

Music/Score - Stewart Copeland worked as music composer on following movies:
I Am David (2003)
Deuces Wild (2002)
On the Line (2001)
Sunset Strip (2000)
Skipped Parts (2000)
Boys and Girls (2000)
Simpatico (1999) dvd
She's All That (1999)
Very Bad Things (1998)
Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The (1998)
West Beyrouth (1998)
Pecker (1998)
Legalese (1998)
Futuresport (1998)
Good Burger (1997)
Little Boy Blue (1997)
Made Men (1997)
Gridlock'd (1997)
Four Days in September (1997)
Assassination File, The (1996)
Leopard Son, The (1996)
Boys (1996)
Pallbearer, The (1996)
Tyson (1995)
Fresh (1994)
Silent Fall (1994)
Rapa Nui (1994)
Surviving the Game (1994)
Babylon 5: The Gathering (1993)
Raining Stones (1993)
Airborne (1993)
Bank Robber (1993)
Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)
Afterburn (1992)
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
First Power, The (1990)
Men at Work (1990)
Hidden Agenda (1990)
Riff-Raff (1990)
Taking Care of Business (1990)
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
She's Having a Baby (1988)
Talk Radio (1988)
Wall Street (1987)
Out of Bounds (1986)
Equalizer, The (1985)
Rumble Fish (1983)


j


Holy cats! That is an awesome resume! Just his work with the Police is the stuff of excellence, and add all that... yikes!

I always liked his reggae influenced beats, and that super crisp hihat and snare sound.

[Thomas Braas]

Riff Raff....? That's AC/DC or is it also some other thing...? Very impressive list...

[boosta]

i love stewart's playing. i was lucky enough to see him perform in albany, ny with the albany symphony. they were playing selections from his soundtracks and scores. with him on the drumset!!! he was great. i was so charged after seeing him play. he's one of the biggest influences on my drumming. his reggae/world music approach gave his rock drumming an inside out sound. and he plays with a lot of heart.

[fourstringdrums]

Copeland is awesome. Easily one of my top favorite drummers. He is definately one of those guys who if you are bored and need something challenging to play, he's it. Even the more "basic" beats where he just does alot of hi-hat accents and sensitive foot playing, it's really hard to get the same feel.

[Krupamoon]

Stewart tunes his drums tight as hell. As a matter of fact, he tunes them as tight as they go. He has some very fast hands also.

[Thinshells]

This thread has made me drag out my Police cd's and start practicing those Copeland chops again. My ultracast and quick beat hats are crisp enough to sound like the stuff he used.

"Every little thing she does is magic..."

[sabian_aax]

copeland is one of my favorite rock drummer, he is tasteful when it comes to drum parts and i love his hi hat works :D

[HeyMang]

copeland's definantely one of my favorites. i love the police's music and he gives the music such a great taste.i'd say his best is on the album "ghost in the machine." heh, i just realized the graphic on the cover are their faces. :)

[BackInBlack]

Stewart is a very skilled player, indeed. From his initial playing with the Police to his work with Les Claypool (the name of the group eludes me right now..), his fluency in jazz and rock all around shows with much to hold respect for. He's probably also one of the most HARDWORKING drummers around right now. (i was just about to spert out that he rarely does studiowork and then I noticed a previous post by someone) His resume is incredible, akin to that of perhaps Josh Freese yet with an unusually high prediliction toward movie-scores. That is right on the money right there man. To be a musician, as a J-O-B. WITH the BENEFITS of working with others similar to the musician-side as they are creative and flex their brain and help challenge the minds of others, that's quite an experience right there! I am envious of this cat for that reason.

His disposition for traditional grip is what keeps it interesting to watch. I'd've liked to be taught by him in my early years. He and Les Claypool always work well together as well. Not so sure if he still jams with Les anymore....anybody know?

Anyway, that's my feeling about the dude

BTW, this is my first post here. Hello guys :)

[Thinshells]

Stewart is a very skilled player, indeed. From his initial playing with the Police to his work with Les Claypool (the name of the group eludes me right now..), his fluency in jazz and rock all around shows with much to hold respect for. He's probably also one of the most HARDWORKING drummers around right now. (i was just about to spert out that he rarely does studiowork and then I noticed a previous post by someone) His resume is incredible, akin to that of perhaps Josh Freese yet with an unusually high prediliction toward movie-scores. That is right on the money right there man. To be a musician, as a J-O-B. WITH the BENEFITS of working with others similar to the musician-side as they are creative and flex their brain and help challenge the minds of others, that's quite an experience right there! I am envious of this cat for that reason.

His disposition for traditional grip is what keeps it interesting to watch. I'd've liked to be taught by him in my early years. He and Les Claypool always work well together as well. Not so sure if he still jams with Les anymore....anybody know?

Anyway, that's my feeling about the dude

BTW, this is my first post here. Hello guys :)

You have me curious now. I went to www.allmusic.com and Stewart Copeland's page. I could not find a collaboration with Les Claypool. There is information about side projects like pop fusion "Animal logic" but no mention of work with Les. I wonder what that was...a group, or work on a soundtrack or something...

[BackInBlack]

hmmmm...wasn't on the allmusic page? wonder why not....It's (now that im thinking a bit clearer) Oysterhead- A collaborative project he did with Les Claypool, and Trey Anastasio (of Phish) some couple years back. The live footage i saw was on an HBO taping of a show they did somewhere. It's a very good group, i wish they kept doing their thing, i liked it. Very open-wide and different in some ways.

They released one full length. You can find it at Amazon.com, i'm sure.

check that if you want.

[Thinshells]

Ok, NOW I found it under the Oysterhead bio (there was no cross reference)

Biography by Steve Bekkala
Comprised of the unlikely trio of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool, and Stewart Copeland (of Phish, Primus, and Police fame, respectively), the supergroup Oysterhead first came together for an intended one-off gig at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in May 2000. The chemistry between the three musicians was immediate, and the sold-out performance went off so well that the trio decided to pursue their partnership further, eventually entering Anastasio's Vermont recording studio in April 2001 to begin work on an album. The end result, The Grand Pecking Order, was released in October 2001, followed by a supporting tour of North America.

[Packard Goose]

I could literally be gushing in my admiration for Mr. Copeland from now until the end of time, his playing opened up a whole new avenue for me in the respect of playing and listening to music of a more progressive leaning. He teases some of the most gorgeous sounds out of the hi hat like no one else (check out the Japan '81 bootleg for some of his best work in that department) and has the most distinctive flam IMHO. Furthermore his dedication to never straying too far away from the song yet having a strong musical voice should be an inspiration to us all. Saying that though, I still can't forgive him for Spirits In A Material World, took a long time before I could work out where the one was until after the first chorus. Can't wait to get my hands on the new Synchronicity DVD!

[khali]

new member....hello all.

stewart copeland. probably my favourite dummer, excuse uk spellings please.

taste? oh yes
character? oh yes
timing? i don't think so. i heard that a lot of his parts were the last thing recorded on some of the Police tracks, so he wasn't so much driving the band as doing drums karaoke.

i've used this recording technique many times myself and it produces some extremely confident sounding performances.

[Superlow]

Khali I have to disagree with that last statement. I find recording without the band live is much harder. I think that just proves the point that he has impecible timing. Although I am sure he was playing to a click. I have seen some of his live playing. He looks and plays pretty confident either way.

[khali]

Recording your drum parts to a pre-recorded track is a very liberating experience. You don't have to bother about keeping the guys in time, remembering the structure or anything. Just play. If it works, keep it. If it doesn't work, bin it and try again.

This is a much harder attitude to assume if you have a restless band getting pissed off at you every time you fluff a take.

This was/is Copeland's studio strongpoint. This studio confidence also transfers nicely to his live work. If you know you can make it work in the studio then the strength of your character can force it through live. This may be why Sting disliked Stewart as a musician - inconsistant playing, great when he was great, sometimes not so great.

edit for spelling

[NouveauCliche]

new member....hello all.

stewart copeland. probably my favourite dummer, excuse uk spellings please.

taste? oh yes
character? oh yes
timing? i don't think so. i heard that a lot of his parts were the last thing recorded on some of the Police tracks, so he wasn't so much driving the band as doing drums karaoke.

i've used this recording technique many times myself and it produces some extremely confident sounding performances.

I own the DVD "The Police-Every Breath You Take" and one of the special features on that dvd is "Police in Montserrat": 45-minute documentary of the band recording Ghost in the Machine. On the documentary the way they record THAT album, and I'd assume, MOST of their albums is the complete opposite of what you said.

They would record most of their stuff relatively live, lay down the DRUM track, then Sting and Andy would come back and re-do parts, track stuff etc. He actually talked for a good while about the pressure of getting the drum track down right the first time, because he couldn't go back and re-do it later because of the way they recorded.

[B]EDIT:

An documentry hosted by a young Jools Holland!

[fourstringdrums]

I think Khali may be confusing the fact that he would sometimes go back and overdub some things, like the cymbal chokes on "Synchronicity II". There's no way you can pull that off live. I also heard he would sometimes go back and over dub certain drum hits just for clarity.

[Thinshells]

This just in: October 4: there will be a new Police DVD LIVE performance.

'The Police - Synchronicity Concert'

[fourstringdrums]

This just in: October 4: there will be a new Police DVD LIVE performance.

'The Police - Synchronicity Concert'

Alright :) I look forward to that.

[londoncallingbronxNYC]

Does anyone know what kind of High hats he had?

[jangus]

Listening to Dont Stand So Close to Me right now. That hi-hat is so clean.

[Thinshells]

Does anyone know what kind of High hats he had?

I think they were a flavor of Paiste.... but it's been so long I forget. They sound incredible though no matter what they are.

[Thinshells]

Note:

After listening to the Police compliation cd "Every breath you take," It donned on me that Stewart used crash cymbals the very least of any popular drummer I know.

And FWIW: I prefer the original version of "Don't stand so close to me."

[Limo Driver]

Copeland is easily one of my favorite drummers. He was my favorite for quite some time, but Brann Dailor unseated him.

[sam13]

I think Khali you're getting confused:
I've read that by the time the band was recording Synchronicity, Sting would have practically near perfect demos, and the drum parts were so close to Stewart's actual style, that it took him much effort to put his own "stamp" on his actual drum recordings


new member....hello all.

stewart copeland. probably my favourite dummer, excuse uk spellings please.

taste? oh yes
character? oh yes
timing? i don't think so. i heard that a lot of his parts were the last thing recorded on some of the Police tracks, so he wasn't so much driving the band as doing drums karaoke.

i've used this recording technique many times myself and it produces some extremely confident sounding performances.

[FabPorkPie]

Stewart Copeland is probably my favorite drummer. What are your opinions?

[Thinshells]

He is one of those drummers that really nailed a niche. I just got done watching my synchronicity live concert dvd.

It was a terrible thing that the Police broke up...

Anyway, I always though Stewart had a *awesome* sounding kit and cymbals. Not just parts of it, but the whole kit was very unique sounding. His snare had a signiture tight and crisp sound---the same with his hats.

His style was extracted from reggae, and well off the beaten path of standard 80's drummers. The look of his kit was hybrid--like a scaled down prog rock or fusion kit. Complete with cool octobons. It was even a cool color. (Midnight blue)
http://www.picthisphotography.com/pages/entertain/images/StewartCopeland.jpg

I don't even know what he's doing now except maybe composing tv music.

[candlemass]

I always found awesome that most of his performances were totally improvised, and even so, very difficult for us to re-do!!

[finnhiggins]

I don't even know what he's doing now except maybe composing tv music.

For a recent recording, check out the Les Claypool-fronted "Oysterhead" CD.

[OceanDirt]

For a recent recording, check out the Les Claypool-fronted "Oysterhead" CD.

i'm not sure it was claypool fronting it, i think all three of them brought a fair bit of the crowd in. copeland, claypool, and trey anastasio.

that was a great cd - a little strange, but fantastic playing, especially by stewart.

he's one of those drummers whose style is really and truly unique. very few people can play a beat and leave out a backbeat at random times without it sounding completely wrong - and no one can do it like he can.

not to mention, of course, his phenomenal hi hat work.

definitely a drummer worth studying and listening to.

[King Crimson]

She saw probably Omar Hakim


Saw him with Sting in 1984 "Dream of the Blue Turtles" tour.

Excellent drummer!

http://www.sting.com/features/blueturtles/musicians.php

[mlehnertz]

Without a doubt. Some tasty playing on that album.

Saw him with Sting in 1984 "Dream of the Blue Turtles" tour.

Excellent drummer!

http://www.sting.com/features/blueturtles/musicians.php

[Stu_Strib]

Yeah that was Omar Hakim....decidely NOT very Stewart Copeland lookin'

[OLe]

Stewart Copeland is by far my all time favourite drummer and the one who has inspired and possibly influenced me the most. what I found most amazing about him is his sound in combination with his playing style. He has such a signature - as did all of the Police. I immediately recognise his drumming. His whole drumset sounds unique - from the way he tunes his snare to his signature splash-cymbals. since I seriously started to listen to drummers I have never come across a drummer with such a unique playingstyle and sound. For me, he was definately the most unique musician in the trio. Sting was arguabely the gifted songwriter, but without Copeland the Police would have sounded radically different.

I might be wrong, but I think I read somewhere that Sting and Copeland actually never spent time together in studio when they recorded Synchronicity. Can anybody elaborate on this story?

[Rosco]

OLe - check out this link - it seems that Copeland and Sting weren't the best of pals during that time...

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar04/articles/classictracks.htm

I bought The Synchronicity Concert DVD last week - I seriously recommend any Copeland fans to get it. His playing is phenomenal on that gig.

[OLe]

OLe - check out this link - it seems that Copeland and Sting weren't the best of pals during that time...

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar04/articles/classictracks.htm

I bought The Synchronicity Concert DVD last week - I seriously recommend any Copeland fans to get it. His playing is phenomenal on that gig.

I just got it - amazing playing and great hairdos.

[glynes]

My band has been working on 'Message in a Bottle' ... I'm very intimidated by the drumming, but finally taking it beat-by-beat and getting it broken down ... actually quite fun to play. I'll definitely be listening to other Copeland stuff to try.

[Rosco]

glynes, I play Message In A Bottle too, it's good fun eh? There's a lot going on with the drums in that track. I find Copeland very hard to reproduce completely because his playing has a sort of haphazard looseness to it, but all the while being groovy as hell.

OLe - have you seen on the DVD when he's taping his hand/wrist up? What is THAT all about. He is like RoboDrummer.

[OLe]

OLe - have you seen on the DVD when he's taping his hand/wrist up? What is THAT all about. He is like RoboDrummer.
Yeah, I´ve noticed that - and that he has a towel taped along his snare drum - probably to protect his leg from scratching against it I would think. I never really figured out why he would tape his fingers though. Maybe it´s the same thing as drummers you occassionally see wearing gloves - I never quite figured out that one either, but I reckon it is to get a better grip or something?

Copeland is a hard hitter and he uses a traditional grip - perhaps the tape strengthens his grip or something? Perhaps he is a bit sloppy and uses it as scratch-protection?

[Bright Antics]

no one really knows what kind of hi-hats he used. some people say that he used paiste 2002 13" medium hats. others say that he used paiste 602 which are not made anymore either way I don't think anyone can recreate copelands hi-hat work. oh and gettting back to the conversation above...stewart copeland admited that he would some times do extra drum work in the recording process like message in a bottle sounds different live in some of the cymbal work. there was also the echo machine he work with that he put alot of his equipment through like his hi-hats on walking on the moon. he then stated that he did not redo anyof hid drum work after a while. one world (not three) wasthe first take of that song!!! one of his best drumming songs ever. I too have the DVD and the complete recordings so that added to my knowlege of stewart copeland and that after he inspired me to play drums I spent everyday researching him. the other thing is that he could play reggae which changes everyone's knowlege of druming, he was raised on jazz started with punk with the police then moved in to rock regge fusion. the best (rock) drummer out there.

[mr. inards]

Hello people, Im new on here and I figured my first post on a drummers forum should be about my favorite drummer! Stewart copeland is Gods gift to the hi hat, period.

MURDER BY NUMBERS!
Need I say more?

[mr. inards]

Yeah, I´ve noticed that - and that he has a towel taped along his snare drum - probably to protect his leg from scratching against it I would think. I never really figured out why he would tape his fingers though. Maybe it´s the same thing as drummers you occassionally see wearing gloves - I never quite figured out that one either, but I reckon it is to get a better grip or something?

Copeland is a hard hitter and he uses a traditional grip - perhaps the tape strengthens his grip or something? Perhaps he is a bit sloppy and uses it as scratch-protection?

I tend to think the tape was strictly for the horrible blistering touring so much caused. In thier day The Police toured a hell of a lot more than most of thier peers.

[DruManiac19]

plus he's a hang of a composer. he did the soundtrack for 'blade runner' i heard.

j


yeah also "Tyson" based on Mike Tyson.
great drummer with a unique style and one of the best drum sounds of his era.

[Womble]

(Sorry to drag this back up, Nutha)

Stewart Copeland did not write the Blade Runner soundtrack!! Let's be sure of this. It was Vangelis. And what a masterpiece it is. A lesson in crafting sound. Ahhhh the analogue fatness. I don't think I've ever heard another 'album' (that word seems inappropriate) that transports me away from earth like this one does. Anyone who has the slightest liking of or interest in electronic music must own this soundtrack.

Sorry, now back to Stewy....

[rendezvous_drummer]

I heard he was very cocky and a pain to be around. A friend of mine said that he watched an interview where he was saying that there is no greater drummer than him and all that. Despite all of this, he is one hell of a drummer and is very talented!

[TopCat]

Amazingly talented. Not too sure about his ego though.

[Stu_Strib]

Stewart Copeland was one of the three main rock influences when I first started playing (Steve Smith and Jeff Porcaro being the other two).

His style is so unique yet pretty subtle. You don't see him drawing attention to himself. You find yourself listening closely to his hats and other intricate parts and thinking...wow...that is so much harder than it sounds.

This is my favorite bit of his that is a bit more showy than his normal stuff. This was the first drum part I ever broke down piece by piece to learn:

3293

I find that I use that first break probably 3 or 4 times a night per gig! I almost forgot where I even picked it up, until No Time This Time came on my mp3 player for the first time in forever.

[TopCat]

I find that I use that first break probably 3 or 4 times a night per gig!I can see why. That was hot. Second one is monstrous.

[Stu_Strib]

I can see why. That was hot. Second one is monstrous.

Come to think of it, I use that one way too much too! (That was the first "cool" fill I learned, thanks to Bonham stuff!). I like the last one which is just single strokes on the snare (then around the toms), but with a really interesting grouping (like 7s or something..they fade it out, so its hard to tell).

[averypoordrummer]

i like his playing a lot, he's got a very intricate way of playing and i havent got a clue haw he does half the things he does.
i didnt know he was such a prolific composer though!

[CheeseCake]

Excellent drummer, he's so fun to watch. One of those guys where you think,"That sounds easy," than you sit down and its a whole different story. Extremely creative.
On the Synchronicity DVD he tapes his hands, any one know what kind of tape, and in what configuration? I've been trying that lately and haven't found a solution. Thanks

[intooder]

As per http://www.stewartcopeland.net/ he uses Paiste Signature - Dark Crisp Hi-Hat 13". Go to the "drums" tab and hover over the hats.
From the drummerworld pics, seems like he used the RUDE series for cymbals; my guess would be that the hi-hats were too.

[foghorn2]

By far one of the greatest drummers of all time. Take a listen to "Driven to Tears". No way anyone can re-create his stuff on that song! During the 80's I touted him as the best while my friends loved Neil. Neil was great then but I found him to robotic for my taste. Stewart was a monster an articulate artist at the same time. Not until I heared Neil during the "test for echo" years that I ranked them both equal.

Now if just Stewart would get out of his little hole and put out a drumming DVD and show us all what he is all about, then I could kick him up a notch again!

PS.
He used the 602's and Rude in the old days. A clue to his high hat tricks has to do with the tension on the foot pedal at any particular time during the varied angles, locations, and intensities of hits on the hats. Certainly no disco!

[shuffle]

Every little thing he does is magic

I mostly like his earlier work..

The cross-stick work on the song "Reggatta de Blanc" ...."The bed's too big..."

Great great ideas.

[finnhiggins]

If anybody is after a somewhat geeky/film music oriented laugh, have a listen to this:

http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail342.html

It's Stewart at a presentation/Q&A thing as part of what appears to be an Apple OSX conference. Funny stuff, and if you're wondering about the personality thing I think this goes a long way towards getting an idea of what he's like.

[Sonorholic]

My band has been working on 'Message in a Bottle' ... I'm very intimidated by the drumming, but finally taking it beat-by-beat and getting it broken down ... actually quite fun to play. I'll definitely be listening to other Copeland stuff to try.

Be careful with that one.. there are actually two drum tracks running for the entire song. He did this a lot and it's so great. Some times it's real obvious as when the back beat goes right through the fills (Ghost in the Machine) .. but on the early records it's harder to hear, but it's there. It's just the way a guitar player would do it and it's brilliant. Check out the last verse of Message in a Bottle .. you're hearing two hands on the hi hat and ride cymbal and snare. The whole thing just lifts off the ground from the extra "hands" as it were.

Stewart is one of the great ones. I can't wait to see his home movies. I also wish the Police would tour again, but I'm not holding my breath.

[TopCat]

For those in the UK, Stewart is currently judging a singing reality TV thing..called 'Just the 2 of us' or something. It's where b-list celebs sing in pairs blahblahblah. I was disappointed he went on the show..its just cheesey crap...they must be paying him a bundle.

**edit

http://www.stewartcopeland.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=490

That explains it. Can't say i agree with him though.

[CheeseCake]

According to an interview I read, Stewart Copeland was the only person Buddy Rich ever asked for an autograph. But the funny thing is, that it was for his daughter. It was actually pretty funny when Stewart said it, I wish I could find the link.

[helldrummer]

i love the way stewart copland pushes the beat forward.. i.e. plays a little bit ahead of the 2 and 4 on the snare... ..his drumming in every little thing she does is magic is brilliant !!

by the way is it just me or is there quite a lot of room for double bass in some police songs (message in a bottle, can't stand losing, every little thing... etc.) ?

i tried putting some 16ths in one day when i was practicing my singles on the double pedal and i noticed how well it can fit in.. mainly because of the intensity of some of andy summers's playing

......or i am just killing the songs ??
...

[TopCat]

i love the way stewart copland pushes the beat forward.. i.e. plays a little bit ahead of the 2 and 4 on the snare... ..his drumming in every little thing she does is magic is brilliant !!

by the way is it just me or is there quite a lot of room for double bass in some police songs (message in a bottle, can't stand losing, every little thing... etc.) ?

i tried putting some 16ths in one day when i was practicing my singles on the double pedal and i noticed how well it can fit in.. mainly because of the intensity of some of andy summers's playing

......or i am just killing the songs ??
...
Unless you're copeland. then yes.

[KR3]

Stewart Copeland was just on HD.net's Steve Wilonsky show. Stewart recently filmed a new documentary about the Police. I think it will be premiered at Sundance.

He said that back then all they did was fight and would never rehearse, just one take to record. He also said that he likes being in bands where he can collaborate with other musicians. Sting was the opposite, he is a born leader and Andy is a cross between the 2 of them. He loves them and are all very supportive of each other.

[CheeseCake]

The dvd is called "Everyone Stares", it looks pretty good. Man do I love that band, I think Stewart Copeland is quite possibly the funnest drummer to watch ever.

[helldrummer]

Unless you're copeland. then yes.

gee thanks that was a well thought out response.
real funny too.
thanks mate.

[TopCat]

gee thanks that was a well thought out response.
real funny too.
thanks mate.Now, now, we've established you can use the full-stops for that 'I'm pissed at you' effect, but you asked a question, and i gave my answer. If you don't like being criticised dont ask questions about yourself.

And on topic, i had no idea Copeland and Andy Summers performed with Incubus, that must've been awesome.

Check it out at stewartcopeland.net under tours or something.

[helldrummer]

Now, now, we've established you can use the full-stops for that 'I'm pissed at you' effect, but you asked a question, and i gave my answer. If you don't like being criticised dont ask questions about yourself

you didn't even give any thought to what i said about the double bassing potential in the choruses of those songs i mentioned, you just took the opportunity to try and be funny. good on ya.

are you even interested in experimenting with new ideas? don't you find it fun to try and find new and creative ways to approach these songs, e.g. to ask yourself "how would copland play this if he were to record it a second time?"

btw, does anyone know if he plays on dirty drowning man, track 9 on antipop by primus? i'm pretty sure he helped produce it, so it would make sense that he played on it as well

[foghorn2]

I think there is a hint of double bass work in "Oysterhead", but I think double bass work would be out of place in the landscape of the Police.

But listen to "Voices in My Head" from Zenyatta Mondatta and you will hear fast bass work done gracefully with just one pedal.

[nuppy the wombat]

He is an outstanding musician IMO. He gives the songs so much drive! He is both powerful and elaborate. Some drummers I really love listening to, and he's definitely one of them... to say he's "tasteful" would be a massive understatement.

[sovereign_76]

here's a link to a recent rolling stone interview about the new dvd

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/9317669/copelands_police_doc_to_hit_dvd?rnd=1142752144868&has-player=unknown

[(no-logo)]

Oysterhead are cood, nice grooves.
right 'in the pocket!'

i think he works very well with Les Claypool, which is good going by anyones standards!

[LinearDrummer]

Hey I'm new here and I was wondering has anyone ever seen Stewart do an open solo....I think hes an incredible groove master but I've never seen him solo...not that it takes away from his skill but he does do alot of hi-hat overdubbing in the studio and though it sounds good live its not the same....

[CheeseCake]

I remember reading an article with him saying that he hated taking solos and had never done one in his career, but I here's something close. Im pretty sure this video has already been posted on here, but it's cool anyways. http://www.stewartcopeland.co.uk/videomonserratst.html
He does some slick stuff in the beginning, I really admire his approach.

[jamsjr44]

I picked up the 1984 Police Synchronicity Live DVD last night and it was awesome. I have always loved his playing and new got to see them live, but I was amazed at how hard he hit his kit I loved it. I love watching drummers lay into their kits but do it in a way were they are composed and playing great stuff. I love his grooves and the sound of his kit!

[CheeseCake]

Yeah, that's an awesome dvd, I love when they play the theme from "Bonanza".

[LinearDrummer]

I remember reading an article with him saying that he hated taking solos and had never done one in his career, but I here's something close. Im pretty sure this video has already been posted on here, but it's cool anyways. http://www.stewartcopeland.co.uk/videomonserratst.html
He does some slick stuff in the beginning, I really admire his approach.

Thanks man....
I love his power and speed but I don't think he's much of a solo player...

[Poncho86]

Copeland boggles my mind with all of his shuffling and rim clicks. I havent really heard any amazing bass drum work but his hands compensate.

[Rory]

does he perform drums on a regular basis. i know that the police have broken up and that he composes soundtracks for movies, videogames, etc. I think it would be really cool to see him play. does anybody know if will ever perform publically anytime soon. that would be cool if he did.
PS. when i mean on a regular basis, i mean does he perform publicly on a regular basis (in front of an audience) i'm pretty sure he practices his ass off in privacy.

[infernal drummer]

Love this guy, fantastic drummer... first time i heard the police i was hooked. bring on the night i think it was. live track.. i love the deepth of HIS octobans live.. why is that his octobans are so deep live, on the new live dvd, and on driven to tears live from france, compared to others octobans?

[IgorDrumMan]

Can anyone tell me what the snare pattern is that Stuart plays at the beginning of No Time This Time? Too fast for Igor to pick out.

Igor

[stewart]

hi,by overall stewart still the main influence.actually the police sound always new,the first thing i've loved is his flams with this high tuned snare and his ride sound,very penetrating swing and infinitly musical.this is rare for me to heard swing on the ride in rock like we get in jazz.what's interesting is the space between the notes,the place according to each note especially on the bass drum;always though the swing.he wrote an half of reggatta de blanc and still the best album that is the much sold.what make something to art is how it can be universal,it can get everyone and through the years.i think that what he has done.

[Anduin]

Check this video out!

A tribute band's dream come true!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8G496auOPQ

[LinearDrummer]

Anybody know how his MD fest 06 performance went??
Hope it comes out on DVD...

[Skitch]

Love this guy, fantastic drummer... first time i heard the police i was hooked. bring on the night i think it was. live track.. i love the deepth of HIS octobans live.. why is that his octobans are so deep live, on the new live dvd, and on driven to tears live from france, compared to others octobans?

It may be backline gear...rented from a music store or he may have had more than one set of octabans. One of my friends was a Tama endorsee and he said that it was incredible the amount of gear they used to give him. This is mostly due to the rigors of the road. If you have a snare stand break, you can't really down to the music store at 10:00 pm and get another one while in the middle of a concert.


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[Skitch]

His use of textures in his playing was great...also, I don't recall any other albums with delay effect on the kick drum or on the hi hats. This may be groundbreaking.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[Mapex589]

[QUOTE=TopCat;89633]For those in the UK, Stewart is currently judging a singing reality TV thing..called 'Just the 2 of us' or something. It's where b-list celebs sing in pairs blahblahblah. I was disappointed he went on the show..its just cheesey crap...they must be paying him a bundle.

**edit
QUOTE]
Man that is how I felt when Jason Newstead did the whole Rock Star show. I can not look at him the same....at least he got some cred back by leaving the band before the tour. At least Stewart is judging and not playing the drums for a crap ass tv show band. Copeland still rules!!!

[Lewis Mudford]

Anybody know how his MD fest 06 performance went??
Hope it comes out on DVD...

Just wondering do you know of any videos/dvd's of which copeland appears on apart from the obviouse police related stuff?

[caul]

His use of textures in his playing was great...also, I don't recall any other albums with delay effect on the kick drum or on the hi hats. This may be groundbreaking.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

Nope, he was heavily influenced by reggae and dub, both of which use effects on the drums, especially dub.

[stagecustom]

i know copeland did the original burn 4 you song by the police, by has anyone seen the live performance of that song with omar hakim (its on drummerworld under omar hakim.. is it recorded or is that the only clip i can see of omar hakim play burn for you? is there more more omar hakim stuff being recorded with the police?

stewart copeland drums well on alot of the songs ... for instance Message in a bottle... but i think omar hakim did better with the police then copeland

[infernal drummer]

i know copeland did the original burn 4 you song by the police, by has anyone seen the live performance of that song with omar hakim (its on drummerworld under omar hakim.. is it recorded or is that the only clip i can see of omar hakim play burn for you? is there more more omar hakim stuff being recorded with the police?

stewart copeland drums well on alot of the songs ... for instance Message in a bottle... but i think omar hakim did better with the police then copeland

as far as i know omar never played with the police.. the concert burn for you, is from, is from the first concert sting did alone. called bring on the night.
and btw copeland IS the police !! :D hes the best

[LinearDrummer]

Just wondering do you know of any videos/dvd's of which copeland appears on apart from the obviouse police related stuff?

Hopefully MD fest thats commin in Feb 2007...
Also check out the RumbleFish soundtrack....

[Disco Stu]

How is it that I've never commented on the Stewart Copeland thread? He was my primary influence when I first started drumming, and I know I am not nearly alone in that. My first pro-level kit was a Tama Imperialstar, which is what Copeland used for a while with The Police. I'm sure Tama sold a lot of Imperialstar kits based on this association.

Here's a guy who is just a great musician, who absorbs music from different places and genres, churns it around in his brain, and translates it into his own unique and innovative style. He's one of those guys who has such a distinctive sound, you recognize it immediately when you hear it. And yes, he was integral to the success of The Police. The band would never have existed without him.

[gcarlet]

Heard anything about a Police Reunion coming in 2007? It'd be great to see Stewart jammin' out live with The Police again.

[gcarlet]

Police reunion rumors reaching fever pitch
Wed Jan 3, 2007 5:56 PM ET



By Jonathan Cohen

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Rumors are swirling that the Police will reunite for 2007 dates in England and the United States, which would be the rock trio's first since disbanding in 1986.

Sources told Billboard.com the reports -- in the British press -- were legitimate, but they would not publicly comment until final details are nearer to completion.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of "Roxanne," the single that broke the Police in the United States. In a statement issued last month, A&M Records said, "It is our intention to mark the anniversary by doing something special with the band's catalog of songs. Needless to say, everyone is hopeful the band will support our plans and while early discussions have taken place, nothing has been decided."

Sources say in addition to DVD releases, A&M is planning another multi-disc collection in the vein of 1993's "Message in a Box," which featured the band's complete studio recordings and a handful of rarities.

A Police reunion has been the concert industry's dream for two decades, as it is believed the band could play stadiums internationally should it choose to reunite. But besides an impromptu set at Sting's 1992 wedding to Trudie Styler, the Police's only other post-breakup performance was in celebration of its 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

And while Sting has repeatedly expressed reluctance at reuniting, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers have kept the flame alive. This summer, Summers told Billboard he was certain the group could have continued past its 1983 commercial peak with "Synchronicity."

"The more rational approach would have been, 'OK, Sting, go make a solo record, and let's get back together in two or three years,'" he said. "I'm certain we could have done that. Of course we could have. We were definitely not in a creative dry space. We could have easily carried on, and we could probably still be there. That wasn't to be our fate. It went in another way. I regret we never paid it off with a last tour."

Reuters/Billboard

[Drum-Head]

The band would never have existed without him.

That goes without saying since it was Stewart who put the band together in 1977. However, Sting was also a big part of it, from what Stewart says, he brought most of the musical ideas to the table. I see it as a whole, great musicians came together to make great music. The Police was Andy, Stewart and Sting and would not have been what is was/is any other way - one of the biggest bands ever!

My girlfriend just bought me the Synchronicity Concert Dvd for my birthday and I'm loving it (and her of course.) I just dig the way Copeland looks high and hyperactive on that kit!

[TopCat]

That goes without saying since it was Stewart who put the band together in 1977. However, Sting was the soul (so to say) of the band since, from what Stewart says, he brought most of the musical ideas to the table. I see it as a whole, great musicians came together to make great music. The Police was Andy, Stewart and Sting and would not have been what is was/is any other way - one of the biggest bands ever!

My girlfriend just bought me the Synchronicity Concert Dvd for my birthday and I'm loving it (and her of course.) I just dig the way Copeland looks high and hyperactive on that kit!

That is a fantastic dvd. I can't remember which song exactly, but i remember this great part where copeland is over on his percussion table thing, playing away, and then has to leap back over onto the kit, in time, to continue the song. It cracked me up.

[Drum-Head]

That is a fantastic dvd. I can't remember which song exactly, but i remember this great part where copeland is over on his percussion table thing, playing away, and then has to leap back over onto the kit, in time, to continue the song. It cracked me up.

If I'm not mistaken that occurs twice, I laughed also. The other funny/weird thing is Sting's trampoline to "pogo" on his side of the stage.

[TopCat]

The other funny/weird thing is Sting's trampoline to "pogo" on his side of the stage.
It's bizarre. All I could think about when I saw him was 'How lazy is that?'

[rendezvous_drummer]

Have any of you seen the Stewart Copeland documentary "Everyone Stares. The Police Inside Out". It's great and really goes though about how the Police really were. Very interesting.

[Drum-Head]

It's bizarre. All I could think about when I saw him was 'How lazy is that?'

lol. Yes you could see it that way also!

[Mapex589]

Have any of you seen the Stewart Copeland documentary "Everyone Stares. The Police Inside Out". It's great and really goes though about how the Police really were. Very interesting.

That DVD is great! My drum teacher has had it now for far too long now that you mention it. I really enjoyed seeing that footage from the early days. Now if they would just put out some older concerts on DVD...that would be awesome.

[Disco Stu]

That goes without saying since it was Stewart who put the band together in 1977. However, Sting was also a big part of it, from what Stewart says, he brought most of the musical ideas to the table. I see it as a whole, great musicians came together to make great music. The Police was Andy, Stewart and Sting and would not have been what is was/is any other way - one of the biggest bands ever!
Indeed, Sting was definitely the primary songwriter. In the documentary "Everyone Stares," Copeland himself acknowledges Sting's brilliance in this area. And as you said, it was Copeland that formed the band, and I was alluding to that fact with my comment, but also that he was integral in shaping the overall sound of The Police.

[Disco Stu]

If I'm not mistaken that occurs twice, I laughed also. The other funny/weird thing is Sting's trampoline to "pogo" on his side of the stage.
Ha! I had that video too. I had forgotten all about the trampoline. Sting also wore that crazy getup from the Synchronicity 2 video....with all the tattered, colorful ribbons and the tail.

[Disco Stu]

That DVD is great! My drum teacher has had it now for far too long now that you mention it. I really enjoyed seeing that footage from the early days. Now if they would just put out some older concerts on DVD...that would be awesome.
There are some gems to be found on YouTube. Here's a 30 minute clip of a 1979 Police concert from Beat Club.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-s2XIw7vk

Additionally, this user has posted a bunch of clips from another '79 concert at Hatfield Polytechnic.

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=maxider

(The crowd is more into it at the Hatfield concert.)

[Drum-Head]

Indeed, Sting was definitely the primary songwriter. In the documentary "Everyone Stares," Copeland himself acknowledges Sting's brilliance in this area. And as you said, it was Copeland that formed the band, and I was alluding to that fact with my comment, but also that he was integral in shaping the overall sound of The Police.

Absolutely. There is this show over here which goes on at about 00:30 on the franco-german channel (Arte) in which two artists of the same kind (two actors, two musicians, other...) are put together to talk about their art in general, their careers and many other stuff and not too long ago they got together Stewart Copeland and an English violinist (sorry I can not remember his name.)

They were in L.A. dining in Stewart's favorite restaurant and the violinist asked Stewart what he thought about Sting. He answered that even though they had a hard time getting on, he does consider Sting as a friend and that he will always be grateful for the way he changed Andy and his lives. He said many other things concerning Sting, and he always spoke of him with great respect. Stewart came off as a nice, fun guy. I was really happy to see that show.

[Mapex589]

Disco Stu - thank you very much for the links. I am watching the show from the Beat Club. This is great!! Much better footage than I had expected. Thanks Stu!

[TopCat]

Stu, you are the man. Great finds.

[Disco Stu]

Cool...glad you like the videos. I was fortunate enough to see The Police live during the Synchronicity tour, but I wish I could have seen them earlier in one of those small venues.

[Mapex589]

I wish I had seen the Synchronicity tour, I did see them on the Ghost In The Machine tour though. That show is the reason I play drums today. I was blown away!! Thanks again for the links.

[CheeseCake]

For any of you guys with the Synchronicity dvd, go to the alternate angle tracks and watch Synchronicity II on angles 2 and 3, you can catch some decent angle 4, but only at the very beginning. Check out 2 and 3 near the end, that left hand is ridiculous.

[gcarlet]

The Police reunite for Grammys

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Police will reunite to open the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 11, The Recording Academy said on Tuesday, fueling speculation that the hit 1980s band is planning a reunion tour.

The five-time Grammy-winning band, led by frontman Sting, with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, split up in 1984 and was last seen playing together in 2003 to commemorate their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The band, known for such hits as "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle" and "Every Breath You Take," has never performed at the annual telecast for the music industry's most prestigious awards that are given by The Recording Academy.

"The Police join a stellar list of past Grammy Awards opening acts, which includes reunions and once-in-a-lifetime performances," said a statement from the academy.

Members of The Police have so far refused to confirm rumors that the band is planning to reunite in 2007 for dates in Britain and the United States, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the release of "Roxanne."

Last month the band's label A&M Records, which is owned by Universal Music, said in a statement that they would mark the year somehow.

"It is our intention to mark the anniversary by doing something special with the band's catalog of songs. Needless to say, everyone is hopeful the band will support our plans and while early discussions have taken place, nothing has been decided," said the statement.

[crumbdrums]

Members of The Police have so far refused to confirm rumors that the band is planning to reunite in 2007 for dates in Britain and the United States, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the release of "Roxanne."

I'd buy tickets for that in a heartbeat.

[Mapex589]

This news is so awesome. I cant wait to see The Police live again. I assume there will be a live DVD eventually as well. Sweet!!

[pcmckay]

Did anyone see the Police on the Grammy's last night? I have to say I thought they sounded great, and Stewart is still the man! It was really cool to see Stewart playing again he is just a phenominal player. They also announced today a reunion tour this summer, I definately have to check it out. Stewart is going to show all of the top rock drummers out there how it's done!

[rendezvous_drummer]

Finally I will have the chance to see Copeland play on MAY 29TH!!!

[Drum-Head]

I haven't seen them on the Grammy's, but I have seen a few excerpts on the news in which they sounded real good and have heard many fans say that Stewart has still got the magic.

I have to be honest in saying that I was at the same time exited and afraid of this reunion, because I was indeed wondering if Stewart (and the hole band) would still be up to it knowing that he had not really been drumming that much in the past years. I am so glad to hear that he has not lost that "Stew magic." (lol)

If they made a live Dvd that would be great!

[fusssion]

There are some gems to be found on YouTube. Here's a 30 minute clip of a 1979 Police concert from Beat Club.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-s2XIw7vk

Additionally, this user has posted a bunch of clips from another '79 concert at Hatfield Polytechnic.

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=maxider

(The crowd is more into it at the Hatfield concert.)

Ludwigs ?! cool 20202020

[murphinelli]

Here's a gem I found on jambase: http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=9947

Apparently, Stewart has some issues with jazz...

[foursticks]

Here's a gem I found on jambase: http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=9947

Apparently, Stewart has some issues with jazz...

Seems more like a vandetta from all that hatred toward jazz musicians. S'pose it could be from his up-bringing or something...

Still, he's a great drummer and the power from that traditional whip could put any matched grip player to shame...

[rendezvous_drummer]

That was a great interview haha, made me laugh. Best line though: "Rock musicians get laid, Jazz musicians don't". THAT made me chuckle.

[jonescrusher]

Lol, the guys a wind up merchant. Agree wih him on the snobbery bit though. Quite interminable some of them.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I'm not going to let it bother me, it's his opinion and nothing other than that. I love Copeland as a drummer, but his attitude is something else.

[infernal drummer]

I'm not going to let it bother me, it's his opinion and nothing other than that. I love Copeland as a drummer, but his attitude is something else.

yeah.. you either agree or you dont.. we cant persuade him to think different, even if we wanted. :) no point in arguing that.

[dawg]

was this a put on by copeland? there is good and bad in every music genre..thank goodness he had the common sense not to diss de johnette or tony to the interviewer. he would have been laughing stock if he had done that. and his having played with stanley clarke, a negative comment towards his talent would have been stupid. but he's right somewhat about miles.. the album "four and more" recorded live with tony and others was very sloppy playing by miles...missed notes, out of tune...but tony williams and the rest of the band was superb. maybe that's what he was alluding to,not ALL jazz players. it sounds like he has some kind of deep-seated rebellion against jazz going back to his childhood.

[the skin man]

Steward Copeland-based Concept lesson

One thing you might want to doing for these is play a groove several times through, then stop, then say how you're going to change it, then play through that new groove and then add fills. That might have a little more educational value.

[TopCat]

Got the new Rhythm yesterday got a long but fairly mediocre interview with Copeland. I found this interesting though - his current favourite drummers are Igor Cavalera (Sepultura), Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Danny Carey (Tool) and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters).

'While I'm into metal, I'm also listening to Latin American and Bluegrass'

[intooder]

Got the new Rhythm yesterday got a long but fairly mediocre interview with Copeland. I found this interesting though - his current favourite drummers are Igor Cavalera (Sepultura), Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Danny Carey (Tool) and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters).

'While I'm into metal, I'm also listening to Latin American and Bluegrass'
That is interesting. I would pick Copeland over any of those guys. Carey might be a close runner up, though.

[potential-h-bomb]

"Message in a Bottle" is amazing! Probably one of my favourite songs to play on drums, especially the end.

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned anything about Copeland's snare sound yet. I love it! You can kind of hear a similar "crack" in the snare sounds of todays drummers that he influenced e.g. Travis Barker.

[AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken]

Lol, the guys a wind up merchant. Agree wih him on the snobbery bit though. Quite interminable some of them.

Well, that's the whole thing, innit? He's playing off a stereotype, and stereotypes come about because people tend to act a certain way.

A lot of jazz is crap. But a lot of jazz is also amazing. I love playing jazz, as best I can, but I would never want to hang out with "jazz fans". I think fans of just about anything are pretty annoying.

[churchdrummer]

Stewart Copeland shall always be my #1 drummer of all time,He is the reason in 1978
i got in Jr high school band.The man rocks,have you checked out the video from the drum
fest, great, ON tracks like "Bombs Away" the open measures are great,I try to play some
of his style when i play,Sometimes at church in pratice i will get caught up in a few bars,
and start banging on the ride on forget sometimes .well stewart rocks

[TopCat]

You chaps might find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYozg1QJHAA

Check all that moongel..

[TitanSound]

Cheers for that Tom.

I must say...his kit sounded awesome through that PA at the Millenium Stadium :)

[TopCat]

Cheers for that Tom.

I must say...his kit sounded awesome through that PA at the Millenium Stadium :)

Sure did, where were you at? I was lucky enough to get tickets down in the second section of the pitch seating.

[TitanSound]

I was just to the left of the stage, sitting in the stands...pretty decent view!

[punkdrummer1]

he is a mind blowing drummer Mr. Copeland. I think he is a legend, and will always be for sure :D

[milkbetweenorangejuice]

What a genius this man is. Message In A Bottle and Murder By Numbers are two of the greatest drum tracks of all time. And the breaks at the end of No Time This Time (especially the tripelet-y one monster at 2:49) are awesome.

[Erik Lund]

Do you think Copeland was pissed when Sting went off and did a bunch of years/albums/tours with strictly jazz musicians? Was that the reason for his [laughable] quotes? Dunno. Anyway - good drummer. Good in one band (like Moon in the Who...Probably wouldn't care to hear him in another group) and that's all you need in this world.


Fortunately, despite being a "jazz drummer" I get laid sometimes too.

[milkbetweenorangejuice]

Do you think Copeland was pissed when Sting went off and did a bunch of years/albums/tours with strictly jazz musicians? Was that the reason for his [laughable] quotes? Dunno. Anyway - good drummer. Good in one band (like Moon in the Who...Probably wouldn't care to hear him in another group) and that's all you need in this world.


Fortunately, despite being a "jazz drummer" I get laid sometimes too.

I disagree.

I think that Copeland would have been great in lots of groups for many of the reasons that Moon wouldn't have been.

Moon's problem was twofold: overplaying and timing (and you could certainly break that down further to other problems like technique and such, but generally speaking, these were the main issues).

Copeland had excellent timing and rarely overplayed. Most of his major fills came in real rockers (e.g. Bombs Away), however on tunes like Murder By Numbers, it is really tasteful and fitting.

[shuffle]

I disagree.

Copeland had excellent timing


Not sure if solid timing is his greatest asset.

[Erik Lund]

Well okay. But what other bands did he play in? Were people clamoring to get him in their band? What I meant by the Moon comparison is that Copeland's playing seemed perfectly suited for that band. His feel/influences seemed to really give that group their specific sound, much like Moon. But I couldn't imagine Moon playing with another group and I haven't heard a band that would utilize Copeland's strengths with what he did with the Police - those reggae-inspired grooves, etc.

[drum.lad]

i saw him in dublin a few weeks back with the police was amazing well he was anyway never took my eyes off him

[milkbetweenorangejuice]

Well okay. But what other bands did he play in? Were people clamoring to get him in their band? What I meant by the Moon comparison is that Copeland's playing seemed perfectly suited for that band. His feel/influences seemed to really give that group their specific sound, much like Moon. But I couldn't imagine Moon playing with another group and I haven't heard a band that would utilize Copeland's strengths with what he did with the Police - those reggae-inspired grooves, etc.

Put that way it makes sense. The Police did utilize his reggae-strengths perfectly, and he probably wouldn't have ever sounded better with anyone else. I agree with that. I just think he could have done lots of non-reggae influenced stuff. Somewhere near the beginning of this thread is a very impressive list of songs he worked for movies and the like that no doubt requires serious versatility.

[gcarlet]

You chaps might find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYozg1QJHAA

Check all that moongel..

Cool clip. I use a lot of similar items on my kit.

[Kirsh]

i saw him yesterday, in the police tour he came all the way to Argentina i cant believe it
he is such an influence in my playing and he was the one who made me start playing drums.

[aydee]

You chaps might find this interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYozg1QJHAA

Check all that moongel..

That was interesting. Thanks!

[m1ck]

Went to a company BBQ today, played games and won swag.

I won two tickets to The Police at the Gorge in George, Washington, on July 12.

Wooo HOOO! I finally get to see one of my favorite drummers (and favorite bands) of all time, live, at one of the most spectacular venues in North America. On the company dime!

I'm jazzed.

:D

[hilcem]

Visit this site
http://stewartcopeland.societeg.com/

Updated regularly

[Pavlos]

Well okay. But what other bands did he play in? Were people clamoring to get him in their band? What I meant by the Moon comparison is that Copeland's playing seemed perfectly suited for that band. His feel/influences seemed to really give that group their specific sound, much like Moon. But I couldn't imagine Moon playing with another group and I haven't heard a band that would utilize Copeland's strengths with what he did with the Police - those reggae-inspired grooves, etc.

Stew hasn't played with a ton of groups but did play with Oysterhead and Animal Logic. I wasn't crazy about Animal Logic but I loved Oysterhead which he said in a recent interview he wants to do again after the Police reunion tour. He also worked with Stan Ridgeway (wall of voodoo) for the Rumblefish soundtrack and on one of the MD fests he played with a band called Gizmo which sounded great to me,

I think he could be good in lots of bands but maybe preferred all the soundtrack composing work after being in the Police, maybe because he had more control over the project that way.

Then there's this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3F8rB1waAQ
I love that video!

[Forage17]

love his style and love his drumming he has a major influence on my drumming

love his tama signature kit too

this vid highlights his style

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=q45sg06K4yI

[ZildjianMan1023]

idk what nationality he is, because his accent is kind of confusing

but hes an amazing drummer


and probably a cool guy for putting up with sting all these years


LOL

[Jackofalldrums]

Copeland is my favourite, his grooves are so different and unique the fact that as a person he is very inteligent enforces his position on drums.


Murder by numbers, pure genius

[Klark Kent]

idk what nationality he is, because his accent is kind of confusing

but hes an amazing drummer


and probably a cool guy for putting up with sting all these years


LOL

Stewart was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but his family relocated to the middle east particularly Beirut when he was a few months old. So, his accent is a combination of his American roots, his fluent arabic and years of touring with british musicians, haha

[trkdrmr]

I have been watching the "Synchronicity" tour on my mp3 player. One jam I really like is "One world is enough (for all of us)". It convinced me to get a low pitched set of octabans. I love the accents and fills in this tune.

[Aggressivec]

Copeland does stuff with the hi-hat that I wish I had thought of. I always try to do some of his tricks but sometimes they come out horrible! I wish I could do it as articulate and clean as he did.

[trkdrmr]

Copeland does stuff with the hi-hat that I wish I had thought of. I always try to do some of his tricks but sometimes they come out horrible! I wish I could do it as articulate and clean as he did.

The intro to "Walking on the moon" always intruiged me. It's his work, but there is some reverb added for effect.

His kit has always sounded good, and his playing crisp and tasetful along the raggae groove lines.

[trkdrmr]

At the end of this month, I am picking up 24/22/20/18" set of DDRUM deccabons so that my kit will be more like Stewarts.

[trkdrmr]

Then vs now...

Then... Synchronicity tour:
Stewart and the guys played IMO, just what needed to be played. It was pretty straight forward and they grooved where they needed. I did not like the remake of "Don't stand so close to me" as much as the original version. To me, it lost impact. One of the highlights was "One world (not three)" and the jam they did.

Now: latest tour:
The dvd performance and extra features indicate to me they were vying for more personal space on each tune. It seems like extra things were stuck in the drum parts where they weren't needed. Sting, of course had to over-stylize the vocals to what was perfect the first time around. While I like this dvd, I prefer the original performances, without the added gloss. At some points, Sting was almost a lilting, Vegas lounge-lizard version of earlier efforts.

[Davo-London]

Placement of the kick drum where the snare hit would normally be is a wonderful thing to play and you almost have to unlearn everything to do it.

His inventiveness is what I appreciate about him and the ability to flit from reggae to rock within the gap of a flam. I have an instruction DVD on Copeland but rather annoyingly the tutor is left-handed, which is rather useless to a RHer like me. Now clearly if you are LHed than you are the lucky ones for a change.

Davo

[grifter]

According to the man himself, these are the 6 records that shaped his career - as told to Rhythm Mag/Musicradar in the UK.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/stewart-copelands-6-career-shaping-records-198232

[nhzoso]

Copeland does stuff with the hi-hat that I wish I had thought of. I always try to do some of his tricks but sometimes they come out horrible! I wish I could do it as articulate and clean as he did.

Just started really getting into his drumming can you give me some examples of this hi hat stuff?

[DrumEatDrum]

Just started really getting into his drumming can you give me some examples of this hi hat stuff?

The best example, in my opinion, is the song "Walking on the Moon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLndLjMibyM

The basic groove is 8th on the hi-hat, but Copeland throws in lots of 16ths, and then starts throwing in some poly rhythms and various assorted syncopations on the hi-hats as drum fills.

2nd great example is the original version of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" (there is a 2nd version the Police put out a few years later with a drum machine).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXU8kCrRHJY
Copelands dynamics on the hi-hat are what drive the verses.

[LinearDrummer]

Just started really getting into his drumming can you give me some examples of this hi hat stuff?

I would say listen to Driven to Tears

[bamdrummer]

Stewart Copeland is a frickin' amazing drummer. I probably wouldn't have known what a splash cymbal was without him.

[DanGordon]

Have you guys ever noticed that Copeland uses a kind of unique traditional grip?

He uses - most of the time - his middle finger under the stick, so having three - and not two fingers - as the supporting ones.
The only finger on top of the stick is the index finger.

Incredibly I just noticed this today as I'm now paying more attention to traditional grip players cause I started practicing traditional grip a few moths ago after 24 years playing exclusively matched.

And curiously, two days ago I moved my middle finger to the bottom of the stick just to try new things and experiment.
And I liked the way it feels.

:)

Well, I'll keep practicing the classic traditional grip, but the way Copeland uses it is interesting. And as I suddenly liked the way it felt I think I'll try to develop that too.


Cheers!

[KlarkKent]

The best example, in my opinion, is the song "Walking on the Moon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLndLjMibyM

The basic groove is 8th on the hi-hat, but Copeland throws in lots of 16ths, and then starts throwing in some poly rhythms and various assorted syncopations on the hi-hats as drum fills.

2nd great example is the original version of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" (there is a 2nd version the Police put out a few years later with a drum machine).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXU8kCrRHJY
Copelands dynamics on the hi-hat are what drive the verses.

Another very good, clear example of his hi-hat work:

1. "Darkness," from Ghost in the Machine: the whole song is basically Stewart playing the hi-hat with accents on the bass drum, feathered.

2. The opening to Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain," from So: Stewart plays the hi-hat intro for this song (and plays the full session for "Big Time").

[paradiddler]

Hi everyone.

Recently, I had the privilege of having Mr. Copeland answer a few of my questions that I posed to him. I wrote an article at TheParadiddler.com based on those answers:

Stewart Copeland Answers Questions from The Paradiddler (http://theparadiddler.com/2009/11/02/stewart-copeland-answers-questions-from-the-paradiddler/)

I hope you enjoy the info!

[Davo-London]

Sat up last night and watched a ton of Copeland/Police youtube vids.

Boy, did he hit hard. I would love to have a fraction of his groove. He always was a very consistent player. My old tutor would critique the fact that he would speed up sections of a song (chorus), but I wonder whether he did that on purpose.

Very inspiring.

Davo

[Pollyanna]

Boy, did he hit hard. I would love to have a fraction of his groove. He always was a very consistent player. My old tutor would critique the fact that he would speed up sections of a song (chorus), but I wonder whether he did that on purpose.

Very inspiring.

Agree with all of that. YouTube just recommended to me this scorching performance of Driven to Tears: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LvCmsmJ8Xs

The question is ... does the music still sound great in the sped up parts? I say YES. When a band can rock out that hard and with so much pizazz, I couldn't care less about the details. Maybe he does it on purpose, but without realising it - going for major intensity ... and achieving it.

[Alesi]

I really don't care about how he speeds up. In fact, there's some tunes in the The Police Live album that have that kind of "lack of time". But, I think about Copeland most of an extremely intuitive-tasty player. I mean, if he doesn't speed up, it wouldn't be Stewart Copeland. John Bonham is another drummer that sped up in a lot of song, but how I would point that out in tunes like "trampled under foot", for instance. It works.

[Brundlefly]

I really don't care about how he speeds up. In fact, there's some tunes in the The Police Live album that have that kind of "lack of time". But, I think about Copeland most of an extremely intuitive-tasty player. I mean, if he doesn't speed up, it wouldn't be Stewart Copeland. John Bonham is another drummer that sped up in a lot of song, but how I would point that out in tunes like "trampled under foot", for instance. It works.

/agree. It wasn't always on purpose, which he has admitted. But that doesn't mean it sounds wrong either. In many cases, it's what made the song get up and move. A really great example of this can be found on the Oysterhead song Army's On Ecstasy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO2SDulPfJU). Besides, there tends to be a different view on this stuff today because everyone is so used to hearing gridded music. Back then, this was normal and nobody cared.

BTW, that Driven To Tears link may be one of the worst versions of that song I've heard from them. Go back a ways to the time before Sting sterilized everything (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6VXansqi-0&feature=related) and take listen.

[Brundlefly]

I got sucked in and followed a few links to find this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmFdIUQ16f4&feature=related) from the old Conan show. Damn, but I do love this band.

[LinearDrummer]

Sat up last night and watched a ton of Copeland/Police youtube vids.

Boy, did he hit hard. I would love to have a fraction of his groove. He always was a very consistent player. My old tutor would critique the fact that he would speed up sections of a song (chorus), but I wonder whether he did that on purpose.

Very inspiring.

Davo

Good points!
He definitely speed up alot live but...the man cracked those backbeats (T-grip) like no other!

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

love his drumming, his double strokes, so unique, he is a unique drummer, in playing and in looks as well....to me he doesnt fit in with all today's flashy head banging dudes!

[DarrenMcMaster-Smith]

I really don't care about how he speeds up. In fact, there's some tunes in the The Police Live album that have that kind of "lack of time". But, I think about Copeland most of an extremely intuitive-tasty player. I mean, if he doesn't speed up, it wouldn't be Stewart Copeland. John Bonham is another drummer that sped up in a lot of song, but how I would point that out in tunes like "trampled under foot", for instance. It works.

The old drummers had their own sound and style.

Now every drummer sounds the same.
All these flashy licks lol.

I could tell Bonham or Bruford or Giles or Cobham by their feel and tone,not their chops.

Todays scene seems so competititive.

The fastest drummer,who can play the most grips,who can out do each other instead of focussing on the music.

I 'd love to learn all that tech stuff but my heart is in't in to it.

I see a dvd of a bloke playing some flashy stuff and the song is usually really cheesy fusion stuff with really 80s sounds lol and that's the only time you can use those flashy techniques,with really cheesy music.

The soul of music has dimished somewhat for the purpose of compettitiveness.

My feelings.

You can hate me.

I hate myself more so fire away.

Just prefer something like Cobhams Spectrum with soul than todays shyte with cheesy cheesy tone and songs.

"that guy is no good"
Why
"he doesn't have trad grip for a start"

"and?"
"he doesn't know how to play moellor grip"

LMAO.

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

The old drummers had their own sound and style.

Now every drummer sounds the same.
All these flashy licks lol.


Todays scene seems so competititive.

The fastest drummer,who can play the most grips,who can out do each other instead of focussing on the music.

I 'd love to learn all that tech stuff but my heart is in't in to it.



my thoughts as well :)