Stewart Copeland: Spies, Oil, and the Art of the Drum Beat
Stewart Copeland, the dynamic drummer of The Police, is currently touring with his engaging stage show, Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood, And Other Adventures. Beyond the music, Copeland’s life has been steeped in intrigue, shaped by a family history deeply intertwined with the world of intelligence. Let’s delve into his unique viewpoint on espionage, his father’s surprising career, and his musical tastes.
A Family Legacy of Intrigue
Copeland’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. Both his parents were involved in intelligence work – his father for the CIA and his mother for British intelligence. When asked if they imparted any “spy-craft” to him and his siblings, Copeland offers a concise answer: salesmanship and applied amorality.
He playfully declines to elaborate, leaving room for readers to draw their own conclusions about the subtle lessons learned growing up in such an environment. It’s a testament to a childhood where perception and influence were likely paramount.
Unveiling His Father’s True Work
Copeland recently explored his father’s past through a podcast, and the discoveries were revealing. The biggest shock? His father wasn’t actively working for the U.S. government during Copeland’s formative years.Instead, he was employed by oil companies, performing similar tasks – maintaining the status quo and supporting powerful interests.
This revelation, as Copeland notes, lacked the “sexiness” of conventional espionage. He explains that many intelligence professionals cycled between government service and private sector work,leveraging their connections and credentials for financial gain.
Beirut and a Double Agent Neighbour
Copeland’s childhood was spent in Beirut, where his family befriended Kim Philby and his son, Harry. Philby, as history reveals, was a notorious double agent working for the Soviet Union. Copeland recalls a close relationship with young Harry, onyl to learn years later that his father had vanished and was exposed as a traitor. This proximity to such a high-profile case undoubtedly left a lasting impression.
Musical opinions: Bowie, Hendrix, and Underrated Drummers
Moving beyond family history, Copeland doesn’t shy away from sharing his strong musical opinions. He acknowledges David Bowie’s immense influence and innovation, but admits his music simply didn’t resonate with him personally.
“I never wanted to look like that, I never wanted to sound like that, I didn’t get it,” he states candidly, revealing a preference for the raw energy of Jimi Hendrix.
When it comes to drumming, Copeland champions Simon Kirke of Free and Bad Company as a profoundly underrated talent. He praises Kirke’s simplicity and innate groove, arguing that true drumming talent is frequently enough born, not taught.
He also rightfully acknowledges the brilliance of Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts, but believes Kirke deserves to be mentioned alongside these legends. Here’s a speedy look at Copeland’s drumming heroes:
* Simon Kirke: Master of simplicity and groove.
* Ringo Starr: Iconic and influential.
* Charlie Watts: A legend of feel and restraint.
Copeland’s journey, from a childhood steeped in espionage to a celebrated career in music, is a testament to a life lived with curiosity, honesty, and a unique perspective. his current tour promises an engaging and insightful look into his extraordinary adventures.
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