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Stewart Copeland is a talk show/podcast host’s dream. Especially when that host is newly recovering from Omicron.
A natural story teller with a boundless engaging and joyful energy left me only wanting more time to talk to the legendary drummer and now 5...
Stewart Copeland is a talk show/podcast host’s dream. Especially when that host is newly recovering from Omicron.
A natural story teller with a boundless engaging and joyful energy left me only wanting more time to talk to the legendary drummer and now 5 time Grammy winner after taking home Best New Age Album for Divine Tides, his collaborative effort with Indian composer Ricky Kej at the 64th annual Grammy Awards!
We talk about his humble beginnings starting out idolizing his brother which lead him to play in his first band, traveling the world, his secret desire to be a guitarist, his knowledge of touring and running a band which helped him when he was in The Police, building a community and space for his buddies to jam in, being the “Hendrix” for up and comers, his idols growing up, navigating social media, giving advice to his kids, composing music for Spyro The Dragon, his relationship with Sting, the passing of Taylor Hawkins and what he describes as being “Open Season” on drummers and so much more. It was a true honor getting to speak with him. Enjoy!
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Musician / Composer / Rock Drummer
Stewart Copeland was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but soon relocated with his family to Beirut, Lebanon, where his father served as the Middle Eastern city’s CIA Station Chief. It was here that Stewart discovered his talent on — and love for — the drums. His older brother Ian played drums in a local band and, following in his brother’s footsteps, Stewart picked up a pair of sticks and began to play. His knack for the instrument distinguished him from his sibling almost immediately. While Ian quickly gave up the drums, Stewart found his aim and purpose in them.
Encouraged and assisted by his father, who in addition to his intelligence career was once a trumpeter in The Glenn Miller Band, Stewart’s first teacher was an old jazz drummer. Copeland was a quick study with a good ear and scored his first real gig playing drums while still barely in his teens.
A sudden family move to England opened new opportunities for Stewart pursue rock and roll, first as a journalist for a drummer magazine, then as a roadie, for, among others British prog-rock group Curved Air. In 1974/1975, when the band found itself in need of a new drummer, Curved Air hired Stewart, who made his recording debut on the successful Midnight Wire andAirborne. In addition, Curved Air introduced him to vocalist Sonja Kristina, who would later become his wife and the mother of three of his sons.
Restless, Stewart decided to form a trio fashioned on the vibe and energy of punk music. He would call this project “The Police,” a provocative name in its time that capitalized on the everyday … Read More
