RIP: Ian Copeland

Ian Copeland served in Vietnam, dated Courteney Cox and served up hot tuna melts in Beverly Hills. In between, he helped give rise to no less than a new musical wave known as new wave.

Copeland, the agent and promoter who worked with R.E.M., the Bangles, the Go-Gos, Squeeze, and the Police, featuring younger brother Stewart Copeland on drums, and many more, died Tuesday of melanoma at his Los Angeles home. He was 57.

In addition to Stewart Copeland, Ian Copeland's survivors include older brother Miles Copeland, the music impresario and founder of the influential I.R.S. label.

On the message boards for Backstage Cafe, the 90210 eatery that Copeland ran and held court at in recent years, there were posts credited to both Miles and Stewart Copeland.

"It is hard to believe [he is gone], but he had an exciting life and was grateful for it," read a Wednesday post credited to Miles Copeland. "...He was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed."

In a message credited to Stewart Copeland, it was noted that Ian Copeland's final weeks "were peaceful and serene, surrounded by his family."

"I am devastated beyond words," the post said.

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