The Police Bandmates Sue Sting Over Millions in Lost Royalties

The Police, one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s, are embroiled in a legal dispute as frontman Sting faces a lawsuit from former bandmates guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland over millions in claimed lost royalties. The trio, who formed in 1977 and disbanded in 1984, never officially reconciled, with tensions and personal grievances persisting for decades despite occasional reunions. Summers and Copeland allege that Sting, the sole credited songwriter on the band's biggest hits including 'Every Breath You Take,' owes them substantial royalties, a claim Sting's representatives have not fully commented on. Sting has previously described the band's internal dynamics as complex, marked by strong personalities and creative conflicts, referring to their working relationship as far from a simple friendship. The legal case is currently listed in London's High Court under general commercial contracts, following failed attempts at out-of-court settlements. This dispute highlights the lasting impact of The Police's contentious breakup and the ongoing struggles over financial and creative recognition within the band.