Stewart Copeland names the most overrated artist

(Credits: Alamy)

Sun 28 December 2025 9:58, UK

Stewart Copeland has revealed who he considers to be the most overrated artist.

While speaking with The Guardian in support of his upcoming tour in conversation around Australia and New Zealand, the musician was asked to share what he believes to be the most overrated album.

Beyond picking a singular album, he shared that he believes “anything by David Bowie” receives more flowers than it’s worth.

He went on to explain, “I recognise the great mark that Bowie left on the world. He was innovative in 10 different ways, an inspiration for a generation.”

The Police musician added that “His credentials as one of the most important artists of our time cannot be questioned.”

Nonetheless, in the spirit of honesty, Copeland admitted, “It didn’t work for me. I never wanted to look like that, I never wanted to sound like that, I didn’t get it. I was into Jimi Hendrix.”

Despite Copeland’s confession, there has been a heightened interest in the glam rock star lately. Consequently, a new Channel 4 documentary on the life and times of Bowie is in the works. It will explore his last years and is provisionally titled The Final Act.

Additionally, another Bowie documentary is in the works, this time on the BBC’s side; instead of focusing on his final years, their take will explore his time in Berlin between 1976 and 1978.

In 2025, Copeland released the album Wild Concerto, a project that blended orchestral music with authentic animal sounds, such as hyenas, owls, birds, and frogs.

In the Guardian interview, Copeland was also asked to name the most “underrated drummer”, and he settled on Simon Kirke, who played with Free and Bad Company. Copeland explained: “He had a simplicity. He is a great example of the fact that great drummers are born, not made.”