Before any journalist decides to write a story about Stewart Copeland, just know that the chances of you surprising him with a double entendre about the Police are very slim. In the myriad articles written about the drummer over the last three decades, he's heard 'em all, no matter what new product he's selling...

The ex-Police drummer's latest work, 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' based on Poe's short story, has its U.S. debut at Long Beach Opera this week. Though it's been 27 years since the Police disbanded, Stewart Copeland, its American drummer, remains best known for his nine years with the seminal British rock band. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been busy beyond the Police's 2007 reunion tour. From the mid-1980s through the mid-2000s, Copeland was a prolific composer of movie and TV scores. More recently, he's been writing operas and ballets...

''On a Friday, I’ll have been at work since 8am, all brisk and businesslike. Composing is two very different jobs. The first is easy, creating something that sounds good coming out of my speakers. The hard part is turning that into precise instructions 90 players can follow. You have to specify exactly what you want, so the second violinists on one side of the room are playing what you want, as are the oboes, 40 or 50 yards away. There’s even a term for when you want them to slow down gradually – slargando..."

The Police were unlikely bedfellows right from the start of their career, one that ended acrimoniously in 1984 after five best selling albums. A quarter of a century on and the band are preparing to split for the second time...

Sting confirms that The Police concert at Hard Rock Calling in London's Hyde Park on June 29 will be the last chance to see the band on British soil... ever.

Sting is a rock icon who wants to save the rainforest. But how does he square his green credentials with his seven homes? Taking a break at the one in Malibu during his world tour with the reformed Police he talks about lyrics, politics and the cook who took him to court...

The Police, Still Playing by Their Rules - Stewart Copeland Discusses the Reunion, The Tour and His Rock-Out Face...

Police Man - The Police's Andy Summers' latest solo set is a collaboration with classical guitarist Ben Verdery, First You Build A Cloud (RAR). RC asked Summers about it...

Outlandish D'Tour - You reform after 20 years and you're ten times as big. What's not to like, says Andy Summers?

Back on the beat... As The Police drum hero Stewart Copeland returns to the spotlight with a monster kit and matching confidence, he reveals exclusively to Rhythm why he's sure glad to be back...

Hot Fuzz - For The Police Reunion Tour, Patrick Woodroffe brings on the lights.

'Whatever we do, this will always be the seminal band...' In 1978 John Pidgeon covered the Police's first US tour. Nearly 30 years later he joined the reunited band as they took to the road once more...