Sting now faces a new legal dispute with his former bandmates from The Police. Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland filed a lawsuit in London High Court and claimed that he never gave them proper credit or royalties for their contributions to the hit “Every Breath You Take.”
The track, released in 1983, became one of the most defining songs of the decade. It topped the charts around the world before regaining popularity when it was featured in Diddy and Faith Evans’ song “I’ll Be Missing You.” Despite its great success, Summers and Copeland claim they were left out of the composition credits, denying them a fair portion of income.
According to the suit, Sting remains the sole credited writer, while the others maintain they played an essential role in shaping the song. Their claim suggests that decades of missed payments have now pushed them to take legal action.
Long History of Tensions Within The Police
The Police formed in 1977 and quickly rose to international stardom. By the early ’80s, they were one of the world’s biggest rock acts, but personal and creative conflicts often surfaced. The band dissolved in 1984, shortly after scoring a No. 1 hit in the US with “Every Breath You Take.”
Despite rocky relationships, they reunited in 2007 for a global tour that became one of the highest-grossing reunions in music history. Still, disputes over credit and earnings have continued to shadow the group.
Sting’s Solo Success and Catalog Sale
During the breakup, Sting established a successful solo career with hits such as “Fields of Gold” and “Englishman in New York.” In 2022, he sold his entire songwriting repertoire to Universal Music for an estimated $300 million, joining the ranks of famous artists who profited from their publication rights.
The timing of the lawsuit highlights growing tensions, as Summers and Copeland now push for recognition and compensation they believe is long overdue.
This lawsuit highlights a broader debate about royalties and proper credit in the music business. As catalog sales surge and songs generate revenue for decades, disputes over authorship appear more often.
If Summers and Copeland win their claim, they could reshape how the industry recognizes and rewards contributions to iconic tracks. The case revives old band tensions and shines a spotlight on fairness in music rights.