Ian by Stewart

[giovanni]

Go to THE COPELANDS

[Fefi]

Oh, my. I can't avoid the tears. What deep words and feelings, what a beautiful brother he was/is (I can't speak in past tense about my brother either...)

[conroy]

Wow thanks so much for sharing.

I hope anyone here who has not read Ian's amazing autobiography WILD THING will immediately seek it out and read it after reading this.

I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse into this amazing world when I traveled out to Tucson and Phoenix in the Spring of 2005 to witness the Dares, the last band Ian managed before his death (and recently signed to the Jive music label), as they made their first road trip out of Southern California. The three days I spent hanging out with them, Barbara (his wonderful and beautiful daughter), Joules (his charming manager at the Backstage Cafe) Don Richner (Dares Photographer/Videographer and Backstage patron) and everyone else associated with them were the most magical days I've ever experienced in my entire life (and sadly probably will) and I've gotten to see some amazing things in my life. The Magic Kingdom has nothing to do with Walt Disney; it was all Ian Copeland. It was because of my love for Stewart's music that I learned of Ian and eventually discovered the Backstage Cafe and I've always wanted to express my gratitude to Stewart because he was indirectly a part of this magical experience. Even what I've just described doesn't do justice to what a wonderful human being he was.

The world just hasn't seemed right since he passed. I miss his inisight into things like politics, the Middle East situation, Barbara's gorgeous new tattoos , Sting's new lute CD and what he would have thought of Andy's wonderful biography.

[Kim]

Thank you Stewart! You should post this on AUI, because some AUI’ers don’t visit here.

the Good Conduct Medal, (go figure…) LOL!

I agree with Conroy. I remember when Wild Thing was released that I didn’t buy it for some reason, and then it went out of print. After Sting said some nice things about him in Broken Music, I figured it was about time and I picked up a used copy. Boy, did I wish I had read it sooner. He was so sweet and funny and smart and tough. I never met him but he warmed my heart through his book and his funny and intelligent posts on AUI. I thought it was cool that he was a war hero, and that I got to thank him for his service to our country. He launched the careers of some of the best acts of the 80’s, and I still choke up when I hear Simple Minds or Squeeze on the radio, because I know he loved them as much as I do. I was so happy for him that he rediscovered his “fire” for the business after he found the Dares. I’m glad his last year was spent enjoying that fire with the Dares. He will be missed.

[Marcie]

Thank you for sharing this with us, Stewart. I also have tears in my eyes.

[Mrs. Gradenko]

When I was little, and my Grandmother was ill, I asked her if she would rather die from the cancer or quick in a car crash. She said from the cancer, it gave her time to spend with us, say her goodbyes, and really apriciate the time she had left. I wish I could remember her words....

Great now I'm crying.

[georgygirl]

Just because:

He deserves the best of whatever comes next.

and also he made this world a better place

I think Heaven now is getting more fun with Ian there.

[copelandos_damour]

Very touching words. Ian was obviously an incredible man.
I hope Stewart feels better in time, he doesn't deserve feeling misery.

[Lady P]

What a beautiful soul is Ian... And what a wonderful brother... Thank you Stewart, your words are really a gift to all of us...

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Awww, that is so sad, Stewart. Thanks for sharing it with us. I guess that means you realize we're really your friends hereabouts...even if you can't hang out here with us all day long, we know you value your fans. It's great.

I read Wild Thing about four months ago, and literally could not put it down. Think I read it darn near straight through. I logged on AUI a couple of months after Ian died and damn if I don't feel awfully sorry to have missed him. At least we still have Stewart and Miles.

Losing someone you love just never gets any easier. I lost my dad about five years ago and it just sucks. About the only upside is you do appreciate the people around you maybe just a bit more.

Give those in your life a hug today. As for me, I'm glad I have the best music-nerd penpals on Earth. You guys rule. DotD

[Mrs. Gradenko]

This thread is so sad....

I know it's cleshay, but remember the good times, there is so much more to a persons life then how it ended.

[georgygirl]

Everytime when I look in the news section his image, I notice that Ian had very pretty eyes.

So expressive.

[georgygirl]

What can I do,

All I want is to be next to you.

Thanks God, the man invented Internet

[georgygirl]

I have been thinking that for brother-uncle Ian, being Police's agent was a hobby more than a work, because he enjoy every step he took with my favorite band.



God bless Ian wherever he is now.