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 the 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.
The filing points out that Sting is officially listed as the sole songwriter, but his former bandmates argue their input shaped the track in essential ways. They contend that years of missed royalty checks have left them with little choice but to pursue compensation legally.
Long History of Tensions
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
Sting’s post-Police years proved fruitful, with solo staples like Fields of Gold and Englishman in New York cementing his legacy. In 2022, he struck a blockbuster deal with Universal Music, selling his entire catalog for around $300 million, a move that placed him among the many legendary artists cashing in on their publishing rights.
The lawsuit’s timing adds another layer, as Summers and Copeland push harder for acknowledgment—and for the payouts they say should have come long ago.
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.