Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: My Life In The Music Business

by Miles Copeland III

My real story starts with a disaster, an unmitigated, pull-the-rug-from-under-you, clean-out-the-bank-account disaster. But had it not happened, The Police would never have risen to become the biggest rock band in the world; Jools Holland would not have ended up on TV; The Bangles, The Go-Go’s, R.E.M., and many other music stars might never have made it either. It’s strange how a fluke, a disaster, an unlikely event can lead to incredible results. But that is in essence what happened to me . . .

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back tells the extraordinary story of a maverick manager, promoter, label owner, and all-round legend of the music industry. It opens in the Middle East, where Miles grew up with his father, a CIA agent who was stationed in Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon. It then shifts to London in the late 60s and the beginnings of a career managing bands like Wishbone Ash and Curved Air—only for Miles’s life and work to be turned upside down by a disastrous European tour.

From the ashes of near bankruptcy, Miles entered the world of punk, sharing a building with Malcolm McLaren and Sniffin’ Glue, before shifting gears again as manager of The Police, featuring his brother Stewart on drums. Then, after founding IRS Records, he launched the careers of some of the most potent musical acts of the new wave scene and beyond, from Squeeze and The Go-Go’s to The Bangles and R.E.M.

The story comes full circle as Miles finds himself advising the Pentagon on how to win over hearts and minds in the Middle East and introducing Arabic music to the United States. ‘Never let the truth get in the way of a good story,’ his father would tell him. In the end, though, the truth is what counts—and it’s all here.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Autobiography

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose I should start by saying that Miles A. Copeland III is a bit of a twat and never shies away from self-promotion. You certainly can’t accuse him of false modesty or under selling his perceived achievements and success. This made me laugh as I forgot that so many American men still do that weird thing where in a desperate bid to make themselves sound more distinguished they tag on a cute wittle number at the end of their name.

“So, as inadvertent and unplanned as it was, my father could rightly claim to have aided the overthrow of a foreign government by covert means – the first such action by the new CIA.”

This is him talking about living in Syria in 1949.

Copeland III’s dad who I’m thinking must have been Copeland II?... was apparently one of the founders of the CIA, and one of the key operatives to have helped “overthrow” the communist leaning Iraqi PM al-Bakar and installed Saddam Hussein – as his father says, “He is a bad guy, but he is our bad guy.” God bless America eh?...

“Don’t you get it? I get more media attention saying no one will touch the group than I would get if I actually played dates.”

This is what Malcolm McLaren told Copeland III after his repeated requests to try and get them play a gig failed. Later on he is contacted by Steven Seagal, who wished to embark on a music career and apparently, “he was a pretty fuckin’ good guitar player.” But “stiffed” him on payment for a thousand CDs or T-shirts he made for the martial artist.

There’s clearly so much BS, lies, egos and needy insecurity in the music industry and at times it can be exhausting to read, though I will say I thought he was spot on with his assessment on what he had to say about India, which was quite refreshing.

Without doubt this is an interesting enough read from a man who seems to have had a fair number of memorable experiences in many memorable places with many memorable people, even if he comes across as a total twat. This should be of particular interest to those fans of the era or have knowledge and experience of the many bands and artists featured.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much here in terms of band anecdotes for the 80s New Wave music fan. Mostly covers the business of music management and record production during the late 70s and through the 80s. Which could be of interest to some —but I was left wanting more insider info on my favorite bands and performers of the era. So fair to middling review from me as a result. Also warning: big ego ahead!

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine Needless to say, I had the last laugh stamping on a human face forever

[Barry Graubart · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was worth a read, in that there were some really interesting anecdotes and stories. And Imwhile I was aware the Copelands had grown up “overseas” I had no idea of his backstory in the Middle East, which was fascinating.
If you grew up with punk and new wave, you’ll appreciate the stories he shares.
It’s also an interesting perspective in entrepreneurism and how to bootstrap a startup.
That said, the book oozes with his arrogance, which can get annoying. But once you get past that, it’s a fun read.

[Dave]

Podcast chat with Mile Copeland

Miles Copeland: Two Stops Forward: One Step Back

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting look at the music business in the '70s and '80s, from the point of view of a character who seems too fascinating to be real.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve never heard of Miles Copeland, well, you have definitely felt his impact. In Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: My Life in the Music Business, he details events from the 1970s and on in the music business. Reading this, he was influential in the direction that music took by signing bands no one else was interested in and giving rise to the commercial punk and new wave.

For anyone who doesn’t know his background, Miles’ father was a CIA operative. In fact, he was one of the original CIA operatives after World War II that helped form what is today’s CIA. Miles and his brothers and sister were raised in various countries in the Middle East. They grew up rather affluent but also learned to live with a variety of different people. Upon graduating college, Miles wasn’t sure what he wanted to do and gravitated to the music business. He began managing bands like Wishbone Ash and Curved Air. Just when it seemed he was about to be on top of the world, it came crashing down with a poorly-conceived European music festival.

Starting over again from scratch, Miles looked at bands of the time that were being largely ignored by the music industry. The Sex Pistols were one and Squeeze was another. I cannot think of two more opposite bands, but Copeland saw their potential. Facing resistance in England, he found ways to market the band such as creating his own guides to booking agents and venue contacts.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...