Stewart Copeland Enjoying Life and Music on His Own Terms
Joann Butler In Studio With...
15,071 views
Joann Butler In Studio With... | Episode 11
Stewart Copeland, legendary drummer and co-founder of The Police, sits down with Joann Butler for an exclusive interview about the band’s origins, Sting, his iconic drumming style, and the stories behind one of rock’s most influential careers.
When you ask Stewart Copeland about his drumming, he says he likes to “bang stuff.” That instinct helped turn him into one of the most important and innovative drummers and artists in music history.
A composer, innovator, seven-time Grammy winner, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Copeland joins Joann Butler In Studio With… to talk about the moments that shaped his extraordinary journey.
00:00 - Introduction & The Sting "Rib-Breaking" Myth
00:54 - Stewart’s New Tour: From Stadiums to Intimate Theaters
02:11 - Why Playing Music is Now a Hobby
03:17 - Growing Up in the CIA: Life in the Middle East
04:14 - Finding Music: From Roadie to Drummer
05:30 - The History of the Orthodox Drum Grip
06:11 - Musical Technique: Negative Space and Reggae
08:20 - The "Most Important Managers" in Rock History (Miles & Ian Copeland)
10:12 - Crossing Over: From Crew Member to "The Talent"
11:15 - Early Musical Influences: Jazz, Stravinsky, and Hendrix
13:10 - Appreciating The Beatles & Ringo’s Artistry
14:50 - Social Vertigo: Dealing with Fame and the "Avatar"
17:13 - Drumming Advice: Relax for Power
18:13 - Discovering Dynamics: Playing with an Orchestra
21:03 - The Gift of Composition vs. Performance
22:31 - Scoring for Film and TV: The Craftsman’s Path
25:54 - How The Police Formed: Finding Sting and Andy Summers
28:49 - Survival Guide for "The Mojo": Stewart’s Upcoming Book
30:52 - Musician vs. Actor: The Differences in Persona
33:17 - The Buddy Rich Autograph Story
34:42 - Remembering Taylor Hawkins & Jamming at "The Sacred Grove"
36:09 - The Truth About Record Sales Numbers
38:41 - Recording "Reggatta de Blanc"
39:35 - The Story Behind "Clark Kent" and "Don't Care"
42:43 - Why The Police Don’t Play Music Together Anymore 4
5:04 - Advice to His Younger Self: "It’s Going to be Fine"
46:52 - The Truth Behind the Police "Fighting" Myths
48:24 - Favorite Modern Drummers: Slipknot to Rush
50:52 - The Deep History and Human Connection of Music
56:11 - Tips for a Successful 50-Year Marriage
59:36 - What Stewart Would Have Been If Not a Musician
In this candid conversation, Copeland shares how The Police came together, what first drew him to Sting, why he believed the band had to remain a three-piece, and how those early decisions helped create one of rock’s most iconic groups. He also opens up about his favorite Police album, Reggatta de Blanc, his unique drumming style, growing up in the Middle East, and the surprising story behind his first drum teacher.
Copeland reflects on his friendships and musical connections with legendary drummers including Neil Peart, Taylor Hawkins, and Buddy Rich, while sharing the experiences that helped define his unmistakable sound behind the kit.
He also talks about this new chapter of his career, explaining why he considers himself “kind of retired from show business” — while still creating music, performing, and focusing on projects that genuinely inspire him, including his spoken-word tour, “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures.”
Watch the full interview with Stewart Copeland and Joann Butler for the stories behind The Police, his legendary drumming career, and the music that continues to influence generations.
20 Comments
Stew is the sort of bloke that you’d want at a dinner party.. very entertaining.. even off stage.
Thank you for inspiring all of us.
🎶🥁🇦🇺
Kraftwerk - Boing Boom Tschak. The initial moments hit me like an initiation.
To this day I don’t care about text in music, even the refrain. Instrumental music with no lyrics at all were and are the best: Techno.
I am so glad having been born early enough to ride on the wave of Front 242 and early to mid 90th techno, I love drums, bass, 4 to the floor beats - spare me the damn lyrics.
So I get what Copeland means with being on a different path. 👍🏻
Stewart Copeland Enjoying Life and Music on His Own Terms
Joann Butler In Studio With...
15,071 views
Joann Butler In Studio With... | Episode 11
Stewart Copeland, legendary drummer and co-founder of The Police, sits down with Joann Butler for an exclusive interview about the band’s origins, Sting, his iconic drumming style, and the stories behind one of rock’s most influential careers.
When you ask Stewart Copeland about his drumming, he says he likes to “bang stuff.” That instinct helped turn him into one of the most important and innovative drummers and artists in music history.
A composer, innovator, seven-time Grammy winner, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Copeland joins Joann Butler In Studio With… to talk about the moments that shaped his extraordinary journey.
00:00 - Introduction & The Sting "Rib-Breaking" Myth
00:54 - Stewart’s New Tour: From Stadiums to Intimate Theaters
02:11 - Why Playing Music is Now a Hobby
03:17 - Growing Up in the CIA: Life in the Middle East
04:14 - Finding Music: From Roadie to Drummer
05:30 - The History of the Orthodox Drum Grip
06:11 - Musical Technique: Negative Space and Reggae
08:20 - The "Most Important Managers" in Rock History (Miles & Ian Copeland)
10:12 - Crossing Over: From Crew Member to "The Talent"
11:15 - Early Musical Influences: Jazz, Stravinsky, and Hendrix
13:10 - Appreciating The Beatles & Ringo’s Artistry
14:50 - Social Vertigo: Dealing with Fame and the "Avatar"
17:13 - Drumming Advice: Relax for Power
18:13 - Discovering Dynamics: Playing with an Orchestra
21:03 - The Gift of Composition vs. Performance
22:31 - Scoring for Film and TV: The Craftsman’s Path
25:54 - How The Police Formed: Finding Sting and Andy Summers
28:49 - Survival Guide for "The Mojo": Stewart’s Upcoming Book
30:52 - Musician vs. Actor: The Differences in Persona
33:17 - The Buddy Rich Autograph Story
34:42 - Remembering Taylor Hawkins & Jamming at "The Sacred Grove"
36:09 - The Truth About Record Sales Numbers
38:41 - Recording "Reggatta de Blanc"
39:35 - The Story Behind "Clark Kent" and "Don't Care"
42:43 - Why The Police Don’t Play Music Together Anymore 4
5:04 - Advice to His Younger Self: "It’s Going to be Fine"
46:52 - The Truth Behind the Police "Fighting" Myths
48:24 - Favorite Modern Drummers: Slipknot to Rush
50:52 - The Deep History and Human Connection of Music
56:11 - Tips for a Successful 50-Year Marriage
59:36 - What Stewart Would Have Been If Not a Musician
In this candid conversation, Copeland shares how The Police came together, what first drew him to Sting, why he believed the band had to remain a three-piece, and how those early decisions helped create one of rock’s most iconic groups. He also opens up about his favorite Police album, Reggatta de Blanc, his unique drumming style, growing up in the Middle East, and the surprising story behind his first drum teacher.
Copeland reflects on his friendships and musical connections with legendary drummers including Neil Peart, Taylor Hawkins, and Buddy Rich, while sharing the experiences that helped define his unmistakable sound behind the kit.
He also talks about this new chapter of his career, explaining why he considers himself “kind of retired from show business” — while still creating music, performing, and focusing on projects that genuinely inspire him, including his spoken-word tour, “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures.”
Watch the full interview with Stewart Copeland and Joann Butler for the stories behind The Police, his legendary drumming career, and the music that continues to influence generations.