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Legendary Band The Police Faces Legal Battle Over Royalty Dispute
Music icon Sting, born Gordon Matthew Sumner, is facing a major lawsuit from his former Police bandmates Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland. The legal action, filed at London's High Court, alleges that the 73-year-old musician owes millions in unpaid royalties from the band's extensive catalog.
The Core of the Dispute
According to court documents obtained by British media, Summers and Copeland claim they have been systematically excluded from royalty payments for songs they contributed to during their time with The Police. The band, formed in 1977 and disbanded in the mid-1980s, sold over 75 million records worldwide and produced some of the most iconic songs of the era.
The dispute reportedly centers around the massive royalties generated by hits like "Every Breath You Take," which alone earns approximately £550,000 annually. While Sting is credited as the sole songwriter on many tracks, his former bandmates argue they made significant creative contributions that should entitle them to a share of the earnings.
Failed Negotiations and Legal Action
Sources close to the situation reveal that multiple attempts were made to resolve the matter out of court through legal mediation. "Lawyers tried repeatedly to reach an out-of-court settlement but hit a stalemate," a source told The Sun. "Andy and Stewart decided there was no alternative than court so pressed the button. They say they are owed millions in lost royalties."
The case has been listed under "general commercial contracts and arrangements" at London's High Court. Both Sting (under his legal name Gordon Matthew Sumner) and his company Magnetic Publishing Limited are named as defendants.
The Police's Complicated History
The band's history has been marked by tension since their formation. Despite their massive success with albums like "Synchronicity" and hits including "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle," the trio struggled with internal conflicts. Their recording sessions were often fractious, with band members sometimes recording in separate rooms to avoid direct confrontation.
The Police surprisingly reunited for a highly successful world tour between 2007-2008, which reportedly earned the band £292 million. Summers previously described the reunion as "a giant pay-off for all of us and quite incredible: the most money I've ever made."
Industry Implications
This lawsuit highlights the complex nature of music royalty distribution in the industry. Songwriting credits and publishing rights often become contentious issues years after songs are created, particularly when compositions become evergreen hits that continue generating substantial income decades later.
Sting's spokesperson has denied that the legal action relates specifically to "Every Breath You Take," though no further explanation was provided. The case is expected to shed light on the inner workings of band agreements and royalty distribution practices from the 1980s music scene.
