STEWART COPELAND

....is a DRUM SOLO somewhere in the set!

Why is there no drum solo? Has there been any on this tour yet? If not, I'd really like to know why not. StingO? Surely he could grant us Copelandians a wee solo at every gig. It doesn't have to be much........only a minute or two is all I ask. Please Stewart, please?

Don't get me wrong, I'm truly grateful for the tour, but can anyone blame me for wanting to hear more of the Stew?

Please tell StingO if it happens I promise to get floors to six more shows, and buy every piece of merch I don't already have!!

I thought Stewart was on record of having said he hates drum solos, that they're far too self-indulgent (I tend to agree myself, and *I'm* a drummer...)

drum solo's are all meaningless toss. there is nothing musical in them, unless you are terry bozzio and there is only one of them. stewart is correct in recognising that drums are an accompanying instrument. a true composer is he, with the musicality to match his status.
no drum solo's for a pop band like the police, thank you

I vote for anything that is more Copeland, but it's indulgent -- and even just a minute is actually a pretty long time.

Live Stewart throws in enough details and variations that he doesn't need to solo. I'd love to hear it and go nuts for it -- but because he's not just keeping time back there but actually playing an instrument, he just doesn't need it to be noticed/spotlighted. He's in the spotlight for the whole show.

I don't mind a drum solo now and again but, in my humble opinion, the best way to appreciate Stewart's skill is to listen to him playing with the band.

[quote="DirtyMartini"]Live Stewart throws in enough details and variations that he doesn't need to solo. I'd love to hear it and go nuts for it -- but because he's not just keep time back there but actually playing an instrument, he just doesn't need it to be noticed/spotlighted. He's in the spotlight for the whole show.[/quote]


Well-said. I went to Toronto Show #1 with friends who could have been classified as casual but appreciative fans. Upon exiting the Air Canada Centre, all three noted Sting's charisma but were in awe of Stewart's talent and passion and deemed him the band MVP.

Isn't the Stewart Copeland show bit of So Lonely, sort of a drum solo,? At least it has the effect of showcasing him and giving him a bit of props.

I've always loved drum solos. But then I am rather self-indulgent.

What this tour needs is more COWBELL. I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.

All kidding aside, I'm not sure I've ever heard a Copeland solo. The closest thing to a solo I've heard is his brilliant little bit on Roger Daltrey's Under a Raging Moon. Given that, I think I would be more satisfied with the guys just playing a song that a Copeland buffet like No Time This Time,. However, they are already playing MIAB and Driven to Tears, which are two of my favorite Copeland buffets so I really can't complain.

Why I used the term "buffets," I don't know. Can't think of a better term right now. Maybe cuz I live in Las Vegas and maybe because I'm just hungry.

[quote="DirtyMartini"]I vote for anything that is more Copeland, but it's indulgent -- and even just a minute is actually a pretty long time.

Live Stewart throws in enough details and variations that he doesn't need to solo. I'd love to hear it and go nuts for it -- but because he's not just keep time back there but actually playing an instrument, he just doesn't need it to be noticed/spotlighted. He's in the spotlight for the whole show.[/quote]

Well stated dear; it ain't gonna happen and never did.
The man is undispuitedly a virtuoso amongst ANY drummers, past or present.
As a drummer I love solos when they fit the bill...like Peart and Bonzo do.
I'm content to listen to YYZ or Moby Dick when I need a dose of full on drums.
As Stingo said..."Welcome to the Stewart Copeland Show!"

[quote="sockii"]I thought Stewart was on record of having said he hates drum solos, that they're far too self-indulgent[/quote]

If MR. C said that, then I digress.........

Can anyone find out where he said that?

No worries, Tamadude.

SC has said it a few times, but here's a quick link of a Modern Drummer interview: http://www.effingham.com/bishop/CopelandInterview.htm

(There's a better site out there with multiple articles, but I can't remember it right now.)


SC: To my ears drums are an accompanying instrument. I know that I'm speaking in a drumming magazine, which is in existence to glorify drummers and drums, but really, it has to be recognised that drums are to accompany other instruments. Solos are of limited importance to the repertory. In fact, I've gotten where I've gotten without ever playing drum solos; I refuse to play them. That's how important drum solos are to having a career in music! I've got my own style, and you just told me how identifiable I am, and I've been able to make my mark without playing a drum solo.

All of my work has been as an accompanist, and that's how I've been effective. I don't think drummers realise that the total concentration and knowledge needed to be a good accompanist is far greater than being a great soloist. For example, when playing reggae, even more so than rock'n'roll, the actual rhythm that the drums play isn't all there is to it. A singer can sing rock 'n' roll with just drums - you'd kind of like to hear a guitar - but the rock'n'roll' rhythm would still be there without it. In reggae, it isn't there until you've got that upbeat on the guitar. So in that style the drums are only a part of the rhythm. The point is, you have to know that sort of thing; there's a lot to it.

WFM: Besides not soloing - and I guess this goes along with that thinking - you don't even get involved with longer fills. You seem to just play short little flourishes on the set.

SC: I think you can make a little go a long way when it comes to fills. I think what this all gets back to is making the music happen. As a drummer you shouldn't be thinking in terms of "How am I going to get the attention away from that singer standing in front of me?" That type of attitude isn't going to get you anywhere, except frustrated. It's an attitude I've seen a lot of sidemen have, which frankly is just jealousy. If you enjoy playing drums, just enjoy the sensation of playing drums. Don't expect to be the frontman of a group; it looks ridiculous. Take it for what it is and not for the star quality that it will bestow upon you.



[quote="caligula"]As Stingo said..."Welcome to the Stewart Copeland Show!" [/quote]

And as every audience has replied, RROOOOAAAARRRR!!!!

sigh.


I wonder if the Police will ever get back together?

(Hasn't he dealt with this question about as much?)

I think of it as he is ALWAYS doing a small drum solo...hi-hats...ride ...octo's...

Thanks how I see it.
BB

[quote="TheEqualizer"]What this tour needs is more COWBELL. I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.[/quote]

Couldn't agree more on the cowbell

Maybe not a traditional drum solo, but I'd love an extended percussion intro for Walking!

Hellllooooo? Has anyone seen Spinal Tap?


I mean, come on. Stewart is so xplosive as it is behind that kit- if there was a drum solo we might seriously be talking spontaneous combustion!

please NOOOOOOOOO!

He's not a "wanking" drummer. He has, if possible, added more subtlety to his powerful, unique, variegated style. The marimba in WAYF. Lots more percussion than he used to, and more intricated arrangements.

Besides, if you are NOT a drummer, a drum solo is always a good time for a bathroom or bar break (I am not saying that *I* would do it, but most people would, witnessed many times). And a drum solo is not Police at all. The only one who is allowed to solo is ANDY.