One Train Later

1. The Guitar: A Sacred Space and Lifelong Obsession.

It is an immediate bond, and possibly in that moment there is a shift in the universe because this is the moment, the point from which my life unfolds.

Discovery ignites passion. A battered Spanish guitar, a gift from an uncle, marked the pivotal moment that redirected a young boy's life. Despite its imperfections, the instrument became an instant object of love and fascination, sparking an obsession that would define his future. This initial connection felt cosmic, a destiny revealed.

Practice fuels mastery. With no formal training available, learning was a painstaking process of observation, experimentation, and relentless practice. Hours were spent hunched over the instrument, copying licks from records played at half speed, gradually building calluses and understanding the language of music. This dedication laid the foundation for future skill.

More than an instrument. The guitar quickly became more than just a hobby; it was a source of identity, confidence, and a way to connect with the world. It offered an escape, a means of expression, and a path that felt sacred, providing a constant touchstone amidst life's uncertainties and challenges.

2. Early Lessons: Finding Your Path Amidst Chaos.

Through the bright and shadowed years of childhood the pop songs of the time... fill my head like a tinny pink-colored soundtrack: the optimism of a world now under the shadow of the bomb.

Childhood shapes perspective. Growing up in postwar England, marked by ruins and lingering fear, the author's childhood was a mix of wild exploration in nature and exposure to the harsh realities of life, including parental struggles and a brief stint in an orphanage. These early experiences fostered resilience and a complex view of the world.

Music offers solace. Amidst the chaos and difficulties, music emerged as a powerful escape and source of joy. Early piano lessons, though initially a chore, introduced the structure of harmony, while radio shows and records opened up the exotic world of jazz and American music, planting seeds of future aspiration.

Unexpected encounters teach. Life presented bizarre and sometimes disturbing lessons, from a strange request by a piano teacher's husband to the brutal reality of schoolyard boxing. These moments, though unsettling, contributed to a growing awareness of the world's complexities and the need to find strength and purpose.

3. London Calling: Hustling and Surviving in the Scene.

We have been in London for five minutes and have landed a plum gig in the West End; in fact, we have taken it right from under the noses of all the other London bands who want to play there.

Ambition drives migration. Recognizing that opportunities were limited in their hometown, the author and his bandmates made the daunting move to London, the epicenter of the music scene. This leap of faith, despite having no place to stay or guaranteed work, was fueled by the conviction that they had to be where the action was.

Survival requires hustle. Life in London was a constant struggle for survival, marked by cramped living conditions, financial precarity, and the challenge of breaking into a competitive industry. Networking, taking any gig available, and navigating the often-unscrupulous world of club owners and promoters were daily necessities.

The Flamingo provides a base. Landing a residency at the Flamingo club in Soho offered a crucial foothold. Playing multiple nights a week provided income and exposure, immersing the band in the vibrant, chaotic, and sometimes dangerous world of London's late-night music scene, a melting pot of musicians, fans, and underworld figures.

4. Psychedelic Shift: Expanding Music and Mind.

'Sixty-six and the rainbow flag of freedom rolls out, flaps in the breeze, and climbs the pole to herald the news.

Cultural revolution arrives. The mid-1960s brought a seismic cultural shift, marked by the rise of psychedelia, the influence of The Beatles, and the exploration of altered states of consciousness. This era felt like a liberation from the conservatism of the past, opening up new possibilities in music, art, and lifestyle.

LSD unlocks perception. Experimentation with LSD, often facilitated by connections within the music scene, profoundly altered the author's perception of reality, music, and self. These experiences, though sometimes terrifying, were seen as a path to higher consciousness and a deeper understanding of interconnectedness, influencing his musical approach.

Music reflects inner space. The psychedelic experience directly impacted the music created, moving away from traditional structures towards more experimental, improvisational, and modal forms. Bands sought to create soundscapes that mirrored the inner journeys, incorporating exotic influences and pushing the boundaries of conventional pop and rock.

5. California Interlude: Seeking Identity and Facing Reality.

With its hot sun, dirt, fulminating nature, and warm spontaneous girls, L.A. is seductive.

West Coast allure beckons. After the intensity of the London scene and the psychedelic era, California offered a seductive alternative – a land of sunshine, freedom, and perceived opportunity. The move felt like a chance for a fresh start, away from past entanglements and towards a more relaxed, sensory-driven existence.

The scene offers temporary refuge. Immersing himself in the vibrant but often superficial L.A. scene, surrounded by musicians, actors, and hangers-on, provided a temporary sense of belonging and excitement. However, the constant partying, drug use, and lack of structure often masked deeper feelings of isolation and uncertainty about the future.

Reality bites hard. Despite initial hopes and fleeting opportunities (like joining The Animals), the California dream eventually crumbled. Financial struggles, failed relationships, and a brush with the law exposed the harsh realities beneath the glamorous surface, leading to a period of introspection and a realization that a fundamental change was needed.

6. The Relentless Grind: Touring as the Path to Mastery.

We become gigbots. Wake up, piss, get in van, drive to gig, do gig, piss, get back in van, drive home, piss, get back in bed, sleep.

Touring defines existence. Life on the road became a monotonous cycle of travel, performance, and brief moments of rest. The constant movement across the country, often in uncomfortable conditions, blurred the lines between locations and days, reducing existence to a repetitive, physically demanding routine centered solely around the next gig.

Hardship builds resilience. Despite the tedium and physical toll, the relentless touring schedule served as a crucible, forging resilience and honing musical skills through sheer repetition and exposure to diverse audiences. The shared experience of hardship also fostered camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose among band members.

Moments of connection sustain. Amidst the blur of highways and anonymous venues, fleeting moments of connection with audiences, other musicians, or the occasional friendly face in a truck stop provided bursts of energy and validation. These interactions, though brief, offered reminders of why they were enduring the grind – the shared love of music.

7. The Police Emergence: Chance, Chemistry, and Conflict.

But this is the brilliant collision: one train later and it might have all turned out differently.

Serendipity plays a hand. A series of seemingly random encounters – meeting Stewart Copeland at a hotel, connecting with Mike Howlett, and a chance meeting with Stewart on the tube – converged to bring the core members of The Police together. These moments felt fated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of how significant connections are made.

Chemistry is undeniable. Despite initial reservations and the awkwardness of replacing the original guitarist, the musical chemistry between the author, Sting, and Stewart was immediately apparent. Playing together felt raw but powerful, hinting at a unique potential that transcended their individual abilities and the limitations of the current punk scene.

Conflict fuels progress. The early days of the band were marked by tension and disagreement, particularly regarding musical direction and personnel. These conflicts, though challenging, were often productive, pushing the band to define their sound and solidify their lineup, ultimately strengthening the core unit.

8. Forging a Sound: Blending Genres and Embracing Innovation.

Suddenly a set of natural responses converge to bring about a sound that no trio in rock has possessed before, but we are too buried in it to hear it ourselves.

Beyond punk's confines. While initially attempting to fit into the prevailing punk scene, the band quickly realized their musical instincts lay elsewhere. Their diverse influences, including jazz, reggae, and classical music, pushed them beyond punk's limited palette, leading to a search for a unique sonic identity.

Experimentation unlocks potential. The band's sound evolved through experimentation, particularly incorporating reggae rhythms and using effects like the Echoplex. This created a spacious, textured sound that contrasted with the dense, aggressive music of their contemporaries, allowing for more complex interplay and melodicism.

Tension defines the music. The creative process was often a battleground of competing ideas and egos, but this friction became integral to the band's sound. The resulting tension between the instruments and members created a dynamic energy that was both tight and expansive, a signature blend of control and freedom.

9. The American Breakthrough: Proving Worth Beyond Hype.

We are fighting to make it and maybe we enjoy a good fight.

Early struggles persist. Despite some initial buzz and a single release, The Police faced significant challenges gaining traction, particularly in the UK where they were often dismissed by critics. This period required immense perseverance, playing to small crowds and enduring financial hardship.

America offers a fresh start. A strategic decision to tour the United States, starting with small clubs like CBGB's, provided a crucial opportunity. Away from the rigid expectations of the London scene, American audiences responded enthusiastically to their unique sound, appreciating the music on its own terms.

Momentum builds through touring. The grueling US tours, though physically demanding, were instrumental in honing the band's live performance and building a grassroots following. Each gig, regardless of size, was treated as a chance to win over an audience, gradually building momentum that would eventually translate into mainstream success.

10. The Price of Fame: Success, Excess, and Disintegration.

The monster begins rising from the dark of the lake, and we set out on the path of success and mutually assured destruction.

Success brings new pressures. As The Police achieved global fame, the demands and pressures escalated dramatically. Constant touring, media scrutiny, and the influx of money and temptations created an environment that tested relationships and personal well-being.

Excess becomes commonplace. The rock and roll lifestyle, with its access to drugs, parties, and adulation, became increasingly pervasive. Navigating this world required a constant effort to maintain perspective and avoid succumbing to the excesses that surrounded them.

Internal bonds fray. The intense pressure and individual fame began to strain the relationships within the band. Competing egos, creative differences, and personal struggles led to conflict and distance, ultimately contributing to the band's eventual disintegration despite their immense success.

Last updated: May 8, 2025