Stewart Copeland, drummer of The Police, recently shared his controversial opinion about David Bowie’s musical legacy in an interview with The Guardian.
The musician’s comments came in response to a question about what he considers the most overrated album in music history.
When asked “What’s the most overrated album, and why?” Copeland offered a surprising answer that targeted the entire Bowie catalog.
“Anything by David Bowie,” Copeland responded. “I recognize the great mark that Bowie left on the world. He was innovative in 10 different ways, an inspiration for a generation. His credentials as one of the most important artists of our time cannot be questioned.”
Despite acknowledging Bowie’s influence and importance, Copeland explained his personal disconnect with the artist’s work.
“However, it didn’t work for me,” he continued. “I never wanted to look like that, I never wanted to sound like that, I didn’t get it. I was into Jimi Hendrix.”
Copeland’s dismissal of Bowie’s catalog stands in stark contrast to the commercial and critical success the artist achieved throughout his career.
Wikipedia documented that Bowie’s RCA albums including Aladdin Sane, Pin Ups (both 1973), Diamond Dogs (1974), and Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980) all reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. His 1983 album Let’s Dance topped both UK and US charts, marking one of his biggest commercial successes.
However, some critics have questioned certain periods of Bowie’s output. Far Out Magazine suggested that Let’s Dance was the album where Bowie “lost his way,” as he pushed for hits while working with producer Nile Rodgers. The publication noted that Bowie explicitly told Rodgers, “I really want you to make hits.”
Despite such criticisms, Bowie’s later work received renewed acclaim. Album Reviews reported that his final two albums, 2013’s The Next Day and 2016’s Blackstar (released two days before his death), were among his best received works by critics and fans alike.
The interview was part of a broader conversation where Copeland discussed various aspects of his career and personal encounters in the music industry. This included what he described as “cringeworthy celebrity encounters” and his experiences with other legendary musicians.
