Stewart Copeland - Strange Things Happen

One of the world’s most influential drummers and one my favorite musicians has an interesting autobiography now available.

While Stewart and his publishing company are engaged with a full blown marketing campaign regarding his new publication, I was lucky enough to have a trio of questions answered by the man himself.

RockAByeDad: As a new father myself I am curious, how has your profession as a touring artist shaped your relationship with your children?

Stewart Copeland: During the lifetimes of most of my children I haven’t been touring for extended periods. I don’t want them to get used to me not being around. The fame thing is an invasion for the little girls but the big boys think it’s kind of cool.

RockAByeDad: Now that they are older, how involved have they been in your music?

Stewart Copeland: They earn extra pocket money by demanding to hear my music in the morning when I drive them to school. We do a lot of cornball singing in my family but that could only loosely be described as music. Jordan toured with The Police and shot the documentary so he got more immersion in my work than he needs.

RockAByeDad: Tell us about your book, what challenges did you face while developing your story on paper?

Stewart Copeland: It’s more of a collection of stories than a real narrative. The challenge was to keep the momentum going from one story to the next.

RockAByeDad: Thanks Stewart for your valuable time. You’ve given us all a definite Winter read.

Here’s more about the book:

Stewart Copeland is a genuine rock legend. As the drummer with The Police he was part of the biggest rock band in the world. They sold over 50 million records, won 2 Brits and 6 Grammys and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. When they reformed in 2007 they played to nearly 4 million fans on a record-breaking world tour which grossed over $400m.

But his time with The Police is just a tiny part of his story.

Growing up in Lebanon, unaware that his dad was a major US spy. Being best friends with Kim Philby’s son. Singing in the choir in Wells Cathedral. Performing arts college in San Diego. Drumming with prog-rock gods Curved Air. Appearing on TOTP as Klark Kent in full camoflage make-up. Spray painting The Police logos around London at night. Rock stardom and fan obsessions. Filming experimental movies with a pygmy tribe. Playing polo against Prince Charles. Recording the score to Rumblefish with Francis Ford Coppola looking on. Composing operas. Reforming the band. Arguing with Sting. Embarking on one of the biggest tours of all time as he approaches sixty.

These are just a few of the episodes covered in this revelatory autobiography. It is destined to be a must-read for thousands of Police fans and music enthusiasts.

Strange Things Happen is an unforgettable memoir from a musician who has earned his place in rock history.