Sting, the renowned musician and former frontman of The Police, is facing a lawsuit filed by his former bandmates, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland. The lawsuit, which claims they are owed “millions in lost royalties,” centers around the band’s extensive catalog, including the iconic hit “Every Breath You Take.”
According to reports from The Sun, the legal action comes after unsuccessful attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement. A source familiar with the situation stated, “This has been coming for quite some time. Lawyers tried repeatedly to reach an out-of-court settlement but hit a stalemate.” Ultimately, Summers and Copeland felt they had no choice but to pursue legal action.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit has been filed in London’s High Court under the category of “general commercial contracts and arrangements.” Sting, who is officially known as Gordon Matthew Sumner, is named as a defendant, alongside his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited. The legal proceedings highlight a significant dispute over financial entitlements stemming from the band’s storied history.
The Police, formed in 1977, enjoyed immense success during their active years before disbanding in the mid-1980s. In a surprising move, the band reunited for a tour between 2007 and 2008, which saw them perform 151 concerts globally. Despite the tour’s success, Sting has expressed regret over the experience. In a past interview with Reader’s Digest, he referred to the tour as “an exercise in nostalgia,” revealing that he felt a disconnect from that period.
Reflections on the Reunion Tour
Sting elaborated on his feelings about the reunion, stating, “I think it’s OK to be honest about your feelings and that was the way it went for me.” He indicated that his emotional response at the end of the tour did not align with his expectations, sharing, “If I thought that would be the emotion I’d be leaving with, I wouldn’t have done it in the first place.”
He highlighted the contrast between being part of a band and pursuing solo endeavors, expressing that being a solo artist provides a sense of freedom. “To have total career freedom is, for me, the ultimate thrill of being a solo artist,” he remarked. Sting’s insights reflect the complexities of collaboration in music, where balancing individual creativity with group dynamics can be challenging.
As this legal battle unfolds, the outcome may have significant implications for the financial arrangements of not just Sting, but also Summers and Copeland, as they seek to resolve their claims regarding past royalties. The case will likely draw attention from fans and industry observers alike, given the lasting impact of The Police’s music on popular culture.
