The OFFICIAL Stewart's book thread: SPOILER

[luddite lady]

Okay, I didn't drink the entire vat of Kool-aid. There were a few things that I found curious or less than perfect about the book.
First of all, the flag chapter gave me pause. I thought it was amazing that Stewart wrote about the green phenomena as an afterword and used it to sum up the themes of shamanism and rock idoltry that ran throughout the book. It was a huge tip of the hat to each and every Nutter. It showed how much that nasty thing meant to Stewart. He gets it. He gets us. He understood just how that daft project touched us and brought about, or at least deepened, a sense of community. That indeed gladdens my heart. That chapter was just for us.
But there lies the problem. I don't think anybody previously unfamiliar with the Flag would have really had a clue what Stewart was nattering on about. While he was getting all metaphysical about it, he didn't really explain the actual concrete Flag very clearly. It was a case of a bit too much spirit and not enough material world. I can't blame him though. Most of us know just how hard it is to explain the Flag briefly. If you want to add that whole extra layer of the voodoo stuff, you could go on for days about El Verde. It categorically did not help though that a MSG stage shot with the flag flying proudly was used to illustrate the Singapore chapter. (It's a great shot. Just poorly placed.) To the average reader this gave the impression that the Flag was hoisted on stage every night of the tour. That really changes the whole dynamic of the thing. Plus, the MSG photo with the many Flag Juniors in the foreground is equally misleading without an explanation. Huh? So all the people in the front rows were given flags every night? Maybe you could pick 'em up at the merch. table. It made it seem kind of crass.
Almost on the opposite end, I didn't get at first why Stewart was calling the logo on the Flag a woven image. He knows the image is painted on and, before getting it framed, he probably had some paint flakes lying around his studio to prove it. I conjured up some drole imaginings of DM and Moeskido toiling away on their apartment loom preparing the woven image for Vancouver. Finally though, I understood that Stewart was just riffing on the expression graven image. That burst of Judeo-Christianity at the end of the book seemed rather odd. I put it down to over exposure to Franz Abram's zeal during the scoring of Ben Hur. Don't get me wrong. I've no problem with talking about God. But Stewart referred to Him in more religious neutral terms until the afterword. The sudden mention of God with the big G and everything along with Stewart's apologetic tone made us "children of the Flag" sound a little cultish.
I'm probably thinking way too hard about this. Maybe the average reader was fine with it and got the sentiment of the thing without really understanding. I'll have to find me that average reader and ask 'em.
And what about the quality of printing for some of the photos? Was it just my edition, or does the Oyster Head picture look like it was taken at a Chernobyl gig?
Lastly, DM was right months ago when she said that I'd go crazy if I came across any slip ups in proof reading and copy editing. I know it is a really small thing, but I hate to see the poor misunderstood comma abused in any way. Lots of times its use is optional, but if you do opt in, you need to be consistent about always opting in when faced with the same scenario. Then there were a few non-optional times when the poor comma was nowhere to be found. Enough of my quibbling. Let me end by repeating my initial comment. I freakin' loved this book.
(Edit required because my geographic confusion seems to reach well beyond Edmonton/Calgary to include Malibu/Singapore!)

[policefan]

I also love for my own nefarious reasons that Stewart referred to that moment later in the book as the time they were "grumpy in Calgary".

Ha! I noticed that too!

[Grace]

I am (as usual) late for the party which leaves me with little in the way of original thoughts to express. But don’t think that’s going to stop me!

I felt throughout that the Nutters were the “Gentle Reader” to whom the anecdotes were being dictated. Indeed, if not written specifically to this audience then it would have been a rather confusing read for the uninitiated and that is a shame IMHO. As much as I enjoy that I understand the inside jokes, I remain aware that I could not recommend the book to friends who are merely casual fans for the same reason. (e.g. the reference to Dietmar in the Disaster Gig chapter is never explained even with an Appendix reference).

I agree entirely with LL’s observation about the lack of flag backstory, for instance. It’s too bad that it wasn’t fleshed out a little more to provide some context. And the Afterword (Flag) section really threw me for a loop. My initial reaction was on the brink of being offended (I have since relaxed a little!). I neither offer nor owe any apologies for the joy that green cloth delivered.

The quality and placement of the photos was also a disappointment to me but I was still glad to have them. (Why are there pictures of Rio in the Aftershow Ritual (Toronto) chapter? Challowe’en photos in Singapore Showdown? And why do they all look like they were dipped in a bathtub?)

Now that I have all of that out of the way, on to the higher points. I really relished the new content - opera, the Rhythmatist, polo, Grateful Dad (ha!), etc. It left me hungry for some more personal revelations, but I respect that Stewart plays those cards close to his chest. Naturally, I also enjoyed all of the Tourzilla content and particularly the contrast in the environment between the ’07 superstadium tour and the ’08 smaller venues tour. I also felt like I was aware of that change in atmosphere. And I was moved by the Conquering Heroes anecdote as it reignited the elation I would feel after a good show. It was fun as well to get an insight on some Stewartness in real life (showers, ice cold shirts, protein, the off-the-cuff quips… classic!).

I have no complaints about punctuation as I am also a fan of ,commas, and (brackets). I also like dot dot dots… tee hee.

So, in conclusion I am so glad to have this book and I’m privileged to have been part of its target audience. I could only love it more if it had Stewart’s signature inside and this Gentle Reader can make herself available for that at any time at the author’s convenience.

[Mary]

I'm reading, I'm reading....having lots of fun, but I have hundreds of questions for him...
putting down a few questions on my notebook for a futur conversation.

[MariaH]

I have read some of the reviews but I cant read them all through cuz Im only on the opera chapter.

I haven't gotten my hard copy yet. Im listening [& slowly savouring the audio]. I cant actually imagine trying to read these stories. Stewart's narration [almost like an audio play] is just excellent and really is like sitting at a table with him just recanting all his fun times. *Yes, the opera applause meter is hilarious*

I love that at some posh opera party he throws broccoli at "the french guy".

I love the way he talks about the horses & polo. In his reading you can really tell his passion for the subjects. I find that to be inspirational because even with all its incohesiveness [yes, its more like a collection of short stories] the one main thing you can capture about the Copelands is the fact they are men who love Adventure!
I get the feeling he was never afraid to play polo which he never did until 20s, to score a film, to write a ballet, an opera [things Sting has not done though he portrays himself as being so high brow]. Fearless.

I havent gotten to The Police chapter yet but if this is a book about Stewart then The Police was only 8 years and the band was just one of many stepping stones into a very diverse musical career.

One thing I found sort of odd is he doesn't talk much about being a drummer really. He always talk about rhythm and sound and his ear not being able to hit balls.
I never realized until after the band that Stewart was a true musician and not just a drummer and to me thats what this book has "fleshed out" making him a real 3-dimensional talented, intelligent, well-educated character that I had one small opportunity to engage with in my fan bumbling life.

I would recommend this book to any of my musician friends or fans who are interested in more than just the superficial mention of being in a pop band. There is alot more to being in a band than simply playing your instrument and there is an underlying conveyance of that in many of the stories.

My 2 cents until I get through the rest.

Let the flaming begin...

[olipunker]

I ordered the book yesterday on Amazon.Fr. Can't wait to read it.

[ltwoman]

I wanted to thank njperry for mentioning Ian's book. I didn't know! So as soon as I finished Stewart's book (tres good, but I am in mourning for more; can't wait for the audiobook!) I had Ian's book waiting and am reading that now. So if anyone hasn't read it I highly recommend it! Rest In Peace, brother Ian.

[TheEqualizer]

I wanted to thank njperry for mentioning Ian's book. I didn't know! So as soon as I finished Stewart's book (tres good, but I am in mourning for more; can't wait for the audiobook!) I had Ian's book waiting and am reading that now. So if anyone hasn't read it I highly recommend it! Rest In Peace, brother Ian.

Word. Wild Thing is FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC.

[Maud138]

Oke, my turn.

I finished the audio-book. And finally I could read this thread
I LOVED the book.
I don't have the hard copy yet, only the audio-version, because I have to wait till my birthday . So I only "heard" the book, just like MariaH, and I haven't read it for myself. I was afraid it would be too difficult for me. Because, one, I'm a non-native english speaking person, two, Stewart is known for his speed and three, because Stewart is very eloquent and always uses a lot of difficult words.
This audio-version however is perfect! Stewart keeps his pace and I surely missed some things because of the language and the difficult words, but overall I understood what he was saying. And, man, how he says it! You immediately get the feeling that he's your best friend telling you stories. There is no question how things are meant. There can be no misunderstanding about intonation, sarcasm, anger, etc. I loved to hear him scream, curse, sing, tell and relive the stories he tells.

I haven't read the book through the eyes of an average Police-fan, or somebody who doesn't know a lot about the Police and it's history. I've read the book as me, super SC-fan and for me it was perfect.
I can understand that people maybe miss the old-Police-fundaments, but for me that part isn't necessary. I agree with Sockii on this , that Stewart told that part with "Everything Stares".

That doesn't mean that I wouldn't love to read Stewarts point of view on the old-Police. Hell, Stewart could go on and on and on and on for ever, telling stories in my ears! It would never be enough.

The book touched me. There were many times I laughed out loud: Gene Simmons "the man with the tongue", Rage against the Machine, the tuba-thing etc. But it also brought tears to my eyes. The constant struggle with Stingo. When you get to the age of 40/50, there are things from your past that you don't want to experience or do again. The realization of Stewart that the fun-stuff (being the drummer in this great band) was inseparable connected with the struggles and fights with the bass-player, something he left behind him a long time ago, broke my heart.
The chapter about the day after the disaster-gig, broke my heart.
The chapter (I don't know the title because the audio-version only has numbers) where he describes his feelings and rituals during one of the shows in the reunion-tour, made my cry with happiness. That chapter is such a beautiful addition to my own memories and photo's.
I loved the chapter about Rumble Fish. Man I got to see that movie again!
And I was touched by the way he talks about Fiona and his children, with so much love and affection.

About the Green Flag chapter: this is where my non-native aspect kicks in. No idea what he is talking about. I'm looking forward to get the hard copy, so I can read it for myself.

I'm gonna read the whole book again of course. And then I'm gonna read it while Stewart tells it in my ear .

Stewart, if you are reading this: Please don't stop with the Dinner Tales! This book asks for more and more and more and we know you have a lot more to tell!

[Maud138]

I'm somewhat surprised that no one has mentioned the first line of the Acknowledgements yet.

What does it say? There are no acknowledgements in audio.

[sockii]

I wanted to thank njperry for mentioning Ian's book. I didn't know! So as soon as I finished Stewart's book (tres good, but I am in mourning for more; can't wait for the audiobook!) I had Ian's book waiting and am reading that now. So if anyone hasn't read it I highly recommend it! Rest In Peace, brother Ian.

Oh hell yes. If anyone here HASN'T read "Wild Thing", you really need to, and immediately.

That was a book I just could not put down from the moment I first began reading it until I was finished. From growing up Copeland to Vietnam to the 80s music scene...you must. read. this. book.

(And know you have a rarity if you manage to find a copy that Ian himself DIDN'T sign, LOL!!!!)

[luddite lady]

Maud, don't feel bad about not understanding the flag chapter. A lot of us native speakers have read it over a few times and are not entirely sure what Stewart is talking about.

And I heartily agree with you for the call for more Dinner Tales. I read in one of the recent interviews that Stewart wrote a lot more stories than what appear in the book. Instead of releasing another book he hopes to publish these tales in magazines or newspapers from time to time. I love the idea of random acts of Stewartness popping up in various publications around the globe. I can't remember in which article he said this. If anyone does, could you remind me. I'd like to read that interview again.

ETA: With regards to your curiosity about the acknowledgements, the page can be read at the below link. The Canadian subsidiary of HarperStudios put almost half the book, including the acknowledgements, on-line in the browse the book section. Go to the very end to find them. You audio-bookers will also get to see a few of the book's photos. Unfortunately, they are of no better quality in the book's hard copy form.

http://browseinside.harpercollins.ca/in ... 0061791499

[ltwoman]

The book touched me. There were many times I laughed out loud: Gene Simmons "the man with the tongue", Rage against the Machine, the tuba-thing etc. But it also brought tears to my eyes. The constant struggle with Stingo. When you get to the age of 40/50, there are things from your past that you don't want to experience or do again. The realization of Stewart that the fun-stuff (being the drummer in this great band) was inseparable connected with the struggles and fights with the bass-player, something he left behind him a long time ago, broke my heart.
The chapter about the day after the disaster-gig, broke my heart.
And I was touched by the way he talks about Fiona and his children, with so much love and affection.

My heart is not only broken having finished the book, but that something so wonderful (the reunion of the Police)could also be so bittersweet. They should have been on top of the world, at the top of their game, but instead the infighting tarnished the good times and the memories afterwards.

[Rusty James]

Vancouver Sun/Reuters review of Stewart's book
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Police ... story.html

[TheEqualizer]

Vancouver Sun/Reuters review of Stewart's book
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Police ... story.html

The Police's Stewart Copeland holds nothing back

By Bob Tourtellotte, ReutersOctober 9, 2009

Stewart Copeland, drummer for the Police, has always had a few choice, four-letter words for his bandmate Sting. And while that is not news for fans of the 1980s megagroup, his new word may be. It is "love."

Well, strange things happen, which is the title of Copeland's new autobiography. It spans his 57 years from learning to beat on drums to The Police reunion of 2007/2008.

Still, Copeland being who he is and his relationship with the bassist he calls "Stingo" being what it is, the idea of love is not arrived at easily. In fact, it is preceded by words like "claw" at his mate's neck or worse, "murder" him.

"The Police is not a cosy place. We push and prod and challenge each other. We rattle each other's cage," Copeland said.

Yet, he is quick to explain that all the conflict that led to their bitter breakup 20 years ago is not rooted in the sort of deep-seated animosity that fans may assume, given their history. Rather, they are artists who often have different visions but who share the same passion for music.

Born of the creative need to get their songs right, the Police ushered into the musical arena their own blend of reggae- and punk-infused pop hits such as Roxanne, Message in a Bottle and Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.

"I don't think there is anything to hide in the story I have to tell," Copeland said. "I think it's pretty clear to the reader, the love and respect I have for my two colleagues [Sting and Andy Summers on guitar].

"I use some pretty colourful language to describe them because they are pretty colourful characters."

Copeland is the first to say there is no mystery to him, nor deep introspection that comes from Strange Things Happen. But upon a close read, fans discern that great art -- whether music, books, painting or theater -- is born from a combination of training, talent, luck, passion and sometimes conflict.

In Copeland's case, he had them all, but none of it came together in quite the way it did when the Police took the stage. The band formed in the late 1970s as punk rock was taking hold in clubs in London and New York, and after a lot of hard work and some experimentation, great music flowed.

Individually, however, the trio differed in the way they heard and felt music, and their arguments led to a bitter breakup in the late 1980s.

All that history has been covered before. Copeland even made a documentary movie about it in 2006, Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out. What his fans may not know is how Copeland's changed after the Police, which is what Strange Things Happen truly addresses.

There is Copeland's work composing musical scores for movies and operas; his playing with musicians in Italy and other countries; his adventures in tribal Africa and his life as a husband and father of seven kids living in Los Angeles.

What emerges is a picture of an artist as an everyday guy -- a sort of "everyday Joe" for music fans and artists.

Yet, always hanging over Copeland's adulthood is the long arm of the Police, and in 2007, the old group reunites.

"I can take not one more word from you about anything," Copeland writes about his thoughts when listening to Sting complain in their first rehearsals.

"Do not even make eye contact with me, let alone make another suggestion about how I would play my drums ... you [expletive] piece of [expletive]," he writes.

After the tour starts, things get better. Then, they get worse, before getting better, then worse once again. The tour, which encompassed 151 shows worldwide, sold more than three million tickets and took in $358 million. Fans loved it.

"Here's the thing: we wouldn't be any good at music unless we cared a lot about it," Copeland said. "We really care that we go out there and terrify the world, that we slash and burn. It's really important to us. That's why we start shouting."

Strange Things Happen is now in bookstores.

Reuters
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