Overshadowed by bandmates

Speaking of overshadowed drummers, Stewart Copeland was as much responsible for the sound of the Police as were Sting or Andy Summers.

I think Copeland might be the near the top of the list of exceptionally talented, influential, and overshadowed musicians. The Police simply would not have been The Police without his unique sound.

Apologies in advance to anyone who has already mentioned him above.

I agree with the Copeland assertion. I don't listen to the Police as I did during the 80s but when I do I can't help but notice the percussion work going on.

Copeland did a lot of soundtracks - he's got some recognition in that vein. Summers has quite a range outside of the Police as well - his 'Geeen Chimneys' is an interesting listen among others. I've always liked the Police, Sting by default - however Summers and Copleand deserve a lot of credit. Got me through college with a bag of green and a tasty malt anyways. By the way, Roxy Music is a great band - Eno got more credit than Manzanera (he was a roadie at one time) - still great a great group. Good thread to reflect on (under) appreciated talent anyways.

>>05-18-09: Gawdbless
My simple point (seems to have also missed by some) is every band depends on its drummer to keep an accurate (as humanly possible) beat<<

Well then you should have stated that more succinctly as your original quote is "A band is only as good as its drummer".

Your simple point (as you state) and the original quote address separate issues.

Don't blame the readership for your own inconsistencies.

My comments about less than stellar rhythm sections was in response to Shadrone's earlier post.

Drummers and bass players are most often overlooked - to me they form the foundation for much of modern music. IMHO, a good drummer and bass player can carry the whole band with a solid foundation of great grooves even if the antics of lead guitar and vocalist typically get all the spotlight attention.

I agree that Charlie Watts or Ringo Starr may not have been the most talented members of their respective bands. Or to put it another way, we would have heard of Lennon/McCartney Jagger/Richards even if there were no Watts or Starr. That said, the internal dynamics of bands are both mysterious and volatile. It's an unprovable point, but there is no guarantee that a Watt-less Rolling Stones would have achieved greatness. We just don't know. I believe it was McCartney who said that Ringo wasn't a better drummer than Pete Best, but he was a far better Beatle. Being a bandmate can trump the musicianship/talent thing.