The Beat of Life: A Conversation with Stewart Copeland

Twiggy shares a cup of tea with legendary drummer from The Police, Stewart Copeland. Known not only for his musical prowess but also for his wit and vibrant use of language (warning: expect some strong words!), Stewart shares anecdotes that span continents, cultures, and the very evolution of music genres.

We delve into his multicultural upbringing in Beirut and England, offering a glimpse into how it shaped him both personally and musically.

Discover fascinating details about his family’s history - including his mother’s role in WWII intelligence efforts at Bletchley Park and his father’s involvement as one of the founding members of the CIA.

Musical Beginnings: Learn about Stewart's initial steps towards a career in music – from playing gigs at embassy beach clubs to being entranced by Janet Roberts' dance moves which fueled his passion for drumming.

Stewart recalls two profound moments that solidified his path as a musician; an empowering experience during a Christmas event at Wells Cathedral and witnessing the raw energy unleashed by punk rock at an industry party.

Formation of The Police: 

Get an insider look into how he formed The Police after being inspired by punk's DIY ethic. Hear about finding Sting through sheer persistence (and a bit of luck), their starting struggles with crafting hit songs like "Every Breath You Take," "Message in a Bottle," etc., and choosing 'The Police' as their band name from Stuart's list of potential names.

From discussions on tea preferences to touching family stories intertwined with historical events like meeting Kim Philby’s son Harry before Philby was exposed as a double agent – these personal tidbits offer depth beyond just music talk.

Whether you're tuning in out of nostalgia or curiosity about one of rock's most iconic drummers, this episode promises engaging storytelling peppered with humor, insights into the world behind global hits, cultural intersections influencing artistry, familial ties to significant historical narratives—and above all—a testament to following your calling no matter where life takes you.

The music for the podcast is Twiggy's version of "Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks and can be found on Apple Music at this link https://music.apple.com/gb/album/romantically-yours/693460953

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My thanks go to all the people that have helped this podcast happen:

● Thanks to all the team at Stripped Media including Ben Williams, who edits the show, my producer Kobi Omenaka and Executive Producers Tom Whalley and Dave Corkery

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