Stewart Copeland set to tour Australia and New Zealand after 18-year hiatus
Stewart Copeland, the renowned drummer known for his time in The Police, will be making a long-awaited return to Australia and New Zealand in 2026 after almost 20 years. He will bring his spoken-word and storytelling show, ‘Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood, And Other Adventures’, following a series of successful shows in the UK.
Copeland has been a significant figure in the music industry for over forty years, seamlessly blending rock, classical, opera, and world music. As a seven-time Grammy winner, he founded The Police, a band that revolutionized rock music in the 1980s. His drumming played a vital role in the band’s global success from 1977 to 1986, with a reunion tour in 2007–2008 solidifying their place in music history.
Apart from rock music, Copeland has established himself as a composer in classical and operatic genres. His works like ‘Tyrant’s Crush’ with the Pittsburgh Symphony, ‘Poltroons in Paradise’ with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and ‘Gamelan D’Drum’ with the Dallas Symphony showcase his versatility. Additionally, his operas, which include adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s literary works, have received critical acclaim.
In 2025, Copeland debuted ‘Wild Concerto’ in collaboration with Martyn Stewart and Platoon, premiering at King’s Place in London and a percussion commission premiering at The Juilliard School in New York and the Aspen Festival. His contributions to film and television scores, including ‘Rumble Fish’ and ‘Wall Street’, and his work on projects like ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Spyro the Dragon’ video game series, have further solidified his reputation as a versatile artist.
The upcoming tour will be hosted by Perth broadcaster, Sarah Tout, a seasoned interviewer with a background in music. With her expertise and experience in engaging with artists, Tout will be a perfect guide for Copeland’s extensive and diverse storytelling.
Stewart Copeland’s ‘Have I Said Too Much?’ Australian and New Zealand tour dates for 2026 are as follows:
– Sunday 11th January: Regal Theatre, Perth WA
– Wednesday 14th January: Forum 2, Melbourne VIC
– Friday 16th January: State Theatre, Sydney NSW
– Saturday 17th January: The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
– Tuesday 20th January: Opera House, Wellington NZ
– Wednesday 21st January: Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland NZ
Fans can find ticket information on the tour’s official website.