The Police Feud: The Lawsuit and the Legacy

Former Police members Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are suing Sting for "millions in lost royalties," reportedly stemming from the lucrative earnings of their hit song, "Every Breath You Take."

The three-piece band known as The Police was a force of nature in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a perfect fusion of punk energy, reggae rhythms, and pop sensibility. But behind the iconic hits and sold-out stadiums, the group was a volatile blend of clashing egos and creative ambitions. Now, decades after their peak, the band’s old tensions have once again spilled into the public eye as guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland are reportedly suing frontman Gordon "Sting" Sumner for millions in lost royalties.

This latest legal skirmish in London's High Court is the dramatic culmination of a long-simmering dispute over the band’s legacy and, more specifically, the financial rewards from their work. The core of the issue dates back to the very structure of the band. As The Police’s primary songwriter, Sting was the sole recipient of publishing royalties for a majority of their biggest hits. This arrangement, which is common in the music industry, has been a source of contention for years.

The most prominent example of this is the mega-hit "Every Breath You Take," a song that remains a constant on radio, in film, and on streaming services. While the song’s famous guitar riff was created by Summers and its syncopated drum beat was a signature of Copeland's, the songwriting credit belongs solely to Sting. Reports indicate that Sting earns a staggering sum, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, from this single track alone. This staggering disparity in earnings, coupled with the song's immense popularity, has reportedly fueled the current lawsuit.

The lawsuit reportedly names both Sting and his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, as defendants. While a spokesperson for the rock icon has denied that the lawsuit is related to "Every Breath You Take," the filing comes after years of failed attempts at an out-of-court settlement. The decision by Summers and Copeland to “press the button” on legal action suggests that the two sides reached an impasse in negotiations, leaving the court as the only option to resolve the matter.

For fans, the lawsuit is a sad reminder of the fractured relationship at the heart of the band. While their 2007-2008 reunion tour was a massive financial success, Sting himself has admitted to regretting the experience, calling it an “exercise in nostalgia.” The public disputes and the constant back-and-forth over money have overshadowed the musical legacy of one of rock's most influential groups. It seems that even after all these years, The Police are still entangled in a web of personal and financial conflicts that simply refuse to be put to rest.

Sources:

• Music-News.com
• iHeartRadio
• Parade
• UNN

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