Strange Things Happen

A Life with The Police, Polo, and Pygmies

By: Stewart Copeland

Narrated by: Stewart Copeland

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

When Stewart Copeland gets dressed, he has an identity crisis. Should he put on "leather pants, hostile shirts, and pointy shoes"? Or wear something more appropriate to the "tax-paying, property-owning, investment-holding lotus eater" his success has allowed him to become? This dilemma is at the heart of Copeland's vastly entertaining memoir-in-stories, Strange Things Happen. The world knows Copeland as the drummer for The Police, one of the most successful bands in rock history. But they may not know as much about his childhood in the Middle East as the son of a CIA agent. Or be aware of his film-making adventures with the Pygmies in the deepest reaches of the Congo, and his passion for polo (Brideshead Revisited on horses).

In Strange Things Happen we move from Copeland's remarkable childhood to the formation of The Police, their rise to stardom, and the settled-down life that followed. It ends with a behind-the-scenes view of The Police's extraordinarily successful reunion tour. It's a book of amazing anecdotes, all completely true, which take us backstage in a life that is fully lived.

©2009 Stewart Copeland (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

The Kinetic Ritual Explained

Look, it takes several hours to break this down. You just have to listen.

What a life

Truly inspiring. Fearless creativity matched with physical focus and athletic gifts if you’re also lucky, pays off. If you stay open, warmed up and rewarded with endorphins earned at the end of a daily adventure, no regrets. Oh and by the way, first Police show in NYC, I grabbed Stewart’s guest list, scribbled my name on it and shot rolls of film fast since all photographers were banned thanks to Miles. I shot some of the early photos published in the US and Japan. Age 18. Nice start. Ended up one of the original art directors at MTV in 1983. Last time I saw Stewart, he was balancing on I a beat up wicker chair. I said no thanks, squinting thru the smoke. He fell backwards when the chair leg collapsed. Nothing is ever boring when in the presence of this guy. Listen and enjoy!

Stewart excels again!

If you are a Stewart Copeland fan, or even just a fan of the Police, you will LOVE this book. Engagingly narrated by Stewart himself, the book is full of the kinds of stories you’d want and expect to hear, with Stewart’s trademark humor throughout. One of my favorite listens yet! Cheers.

A drummer as cool as Stewart Copeland…

…that also hates jazz?!? I may be just another D**khead guitarist but that’s called “Unicorn” in most rehearsals studios around the globe,

Stewart Can Write!

Who knew Stewart Copeland could write? His career as musician, composer and actor are humorously documented here in great prose. Also included are great stories of his life. From childhood life in the Middle East as the son of a CIA spy -- to adulthood polo matches against Prince Charles (oh, and that whole Police thing), Stewart's gift of gab is entertaining and fun.

A good read for Police fans and non-Police fans alike.

Now I understand why there was tension.

Stewart Copeland comes across as a pompous know-it-all, but he pulls it off because it works and because the author is brutally honest and self-aware.

I'd prefer more show to the abundance of tell, but there's more than enough to thoroughly enjoy this artistic endeavor.

I now demand he co-author a book with Neil Peart.

Revealing look at Stewart and his personality

To be fair I was probably hoping for more about The Police. He didn't discuss The Police in the early days at all and The pygmies and polo stuff were just not that interesting to me. It was interesting to get a better sense of Stewart's personality. He is obviously a very intelligent person and it was great to hear his story told by him. but I almost walked away feeling like he didn't appreciate the life he led at times. His frequent rants and raves about his life almost came across as whiny at times. I would have liked to hear more about his family if he was not going to write about the Police. I think he has 7 children and they only get a quick mention twice. This guy is a musical genius in many ways, but he came across as a little over sensitive and annoying at times. He would talk about "mounting" the stage. No one says that. Why would anyone say that? it's not an actual thing people do or say.

It was a decent book that probably would have been better if he had some help writing it. Sometimes the things that we think are interesting about our own lives are not the things that others find interesting about our lives. Sometimes it takes another person to pick the stories to make the book the most interesting it can be.

On a positive note I loved the frequent original music clips throughout the book. I also really liked his narration. 70% of the book was really interesting and enjoyable. The other 30% was revealing, but just okay. What the hell. You can't make everybody happy I guess. I would recommend the book if you really want to know Steward Copeland's personality. I think that one gets a good sense of his thought processes and sense of humor.

great story, pounded out by the best snare.

Stewart is smart, funny and refreshing. my two favorite drummers are my two favorite writers.

The amazing Mr. Copeland

The ever interesting Stewart Copeland gives an entertaining performance of his well written memoir of his mysterious father. A born raconteur, Copeland gives an impassioned and clear eyed view of his unconventional family background. Brilliant, funny, and memorable!

I wonder what Stingo thought!

What a talented human being. Gives you a look at a different side of a rocker. Enjoyed every minute.