To say I\'m a disciple of Stewart Copeland is an understatement. I first heard of Stewart and the Police in \'79 when I was a freshman in high school. I had been playing drums since the age of 3, and loved playing jazz. I was frustrated that my style didn\'t fit the rock mode of the time, that was until I heard Stewart play. I got him immediately and have enjoyed playing all styles since.
To have the Police play again is such a personal healing for me. They were my band, my musical voice, and Stewart was my drum major. When they went away my musical \"Bed was too big without them\". I was lucky enough to continue playing and was even in a band that Miles Copeland was interested in signing to his IRS label in the early 90s. Still I missed my band.
I ran into the guys that play in the PoliceExperiance tribute band, and realizing I was a kindred spirit, let me in on the possibility of a reunion. When I happened I bought tickets to all the shows in California. In two weeks I saw them in Oakland, in L.A. Staples Center, O.C\'s Honda Center, and at Dodger Stadium.
My seats were in the same section the last time I saw them 24 years earlier in Oakland. At Staples I sat 3 rows behind Stewart and took a keen eye at his set up, his technique, and his approach to the songs, and his concentration on Sting and Andy... Seeing 4 shows, the improve these 3 guys threw down was like hanging over a cliff. Sometimes the rocks gave way, but mostly they fell into it each time. It was such a joy to see the band play up close and hopefully learn some things.
One day I hope to meet Stewart and hopefully not make an idiot of myself, because I really and truly take musical percussion seriously, but the reality is and was, Stewart showed it all and communicated it all to me that beautiful night at Staples. It was the greatest conversation ever!
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Paiste cymbals unveils the complete tour set-up of Stewart Copeland during his reunion tour with The Police. As you can see on the images Stewart actually has two risers with drums and cymbals. Behind his drums there is an all percussive riser. Take a look at his Cymbal, Gong, Percussive Sound and Tuned Percussion setup, all part of the Police Reunion Tour that will keep the three guys occupied until at least October 19, 2007, when they play the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Great Britain.
