Phil Collins’ issue with Stewart Copeland
Phil Collins has long been a polarising figure in music. While he earned acclaim as a progressive rock virtuoso with Genesis and achieved immense commercial success in the 1980s with his blend of blue-eyed soul and progressive pop, Collins has often faced criticism from rock purists, those who frequently take issue with Collins’ broad appeal and mainstream success.
Collins’ divisive reputation can partly be attributed to the contrast between his work with Genesis and the punk and post-punk movements of the time. Genesis, with their elaborate sound and association with progressive rock, stood in stark opposition to the raw energy of punk. Additionally, Collins’ solo pop hits became emblematic of the 1980s yuppie culture—a conservative, materialistic lifestyle that many found deeply unappealing.
A misunderstanding in the British media further fuelled the controversy surrounding Collins. During the 1992 UK general election, a newspaper incorrectly reported that Collins, along with other prominent figures, would leave the country if the Labour Party came to power. This erroneous claim was later compounded by reports that Collins moved to Switzerland after Labour’s victory in 1997. While Collins has explained that his relocation was due to personal reasons involving a relationship, the narrative of his political stance had already taken hold.
The following quote ahead of the 2005 election from Noel Gallagher lucidly outlines Collins’ polarising nature: “Vote Labour. If you don’t and the Tories get in, Phil Collins is threatening to come back and live here. And let’s face it, none of us want that.”
Given Collins’ association with the ostentatious style of ’80s pop music and his knack for provoking strong reactions, it’s not surprising that he is close friends with Sting, another artist some consider slightly irritating. Sting, of course, earned substantial credibility with The Police, who emerged from the post-punk wave with a distinctive reggae-inflected sound. However, as The Police began to explore more artful and sophisticated directions, they alienated many of their original fans.
Then, after the group split in 1986 with much acrimony between Sting and drummer Stewart Copeland, the former’s solo career and tales of tantric sex odysseys would see him become one of the most divisive men in music. However, Collins wouldn’t be one of the haters. He would even come to defend Sting in light of his old drummer, one of the best around, who was also iron-willed in the songwriting process. This constant butting of heads led to the friction that split The Police up.
During an interview with David Sheff, Collins was asked to give quick assessments of various peers, including Sting and his old band, The Police. In his response, Collins, a revered drummer himself, regardless of individual opinions of his work, outlined his main issue with Copeland. It was a matter of ego.
Collins said: “A great band. That is, I think they’re still together. They have a love-hate relationship. Depending on who you talk to, one of them is always leaving the band. Stewart Copeland is an amazing drummer. I just wish he didn’t think he was amazing. Sting is a lovely bloke. We’ve become friends. I felt honoured to be on stage with him at Live Aid.”
Phil Collins clearly knows something that we don’t; the general argument condemning Sting has always been precisely the one he makes against Copeland. However, the 1980s have never been characterised by self-awareness, and it produced some genuinely mind-boggling moments that are unfathomable to those who weren’t around.
