Talk about a blast from the past with a sting in the tail! Sting is reportedly being sued by his former Police bandmates over alleged missing royalties for their massive hit, ‘Every Breath You Take.’ Who knew rock and roll disputes could last this long? Find out what’s really going on behind the scenes!
The legendary musician Sting finds himself embroiled in a significant legal battle, as former bandmates Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland of The Police have reportedly initiated a lawsuit claiming a lack of proper recognition and unpaid royalties for their most iconic song, “Every Breath You Take.” This high-profile dispute sheds light on the often-complex financial arrangements within the music industry and the enduring legacy of one of the 20th century’s most successful bands.
Filed in the London High Court, the lawsuit by Summers and Copeland specifically asserts that they were never adequately credited as songwriters on “Every Breath You Take,” a track that became a global phenomenon. Beyond the credit, the core of their grievance lies in the alleged non-receipt of music royalties, which they contend are due for their substantial contributions to the enduring hit.
Released in 1983, “Every Breath You Take” quickly ascended to become The Police band’s biggest hit in the United States, spending an impressive eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart – a feat unmatched by any other single that year. The song garnered significant critical acclaim, earning the band prestigious Grammy Awards for both Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, solidifying its place in music history.
The song’s influence extended well beyond its initial release, notably being sampled by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans in their 1997 tribute to Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You.” This sampling itself generated headlines years later when Puff Daddy commented on paying Sting a substantial daily sum for its use, a statement he subsequently clarified, underscoring the lucrative and sometimes contentious nature of music rights.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the current Sting lawsuit is Sting’s strategic business decision in 2022 to sell his extensive music catalog. This massive deal, encompassing his early works with The Police and his solo career, was acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group, a move designed to reunite his music publishing rights with his master recordings under a single entity.
While the precise terms of Sting’s catalog sale were kept confidential, reports circulated that the asset bundle generated an annual royalty income stream estimated between $12 million and $13 million. Industry observers speculated that the sale could have resulted in a staggering payday for Sting, potentially reaching around $360 million, highlighting the immense value tied to classic musical works within the music industry news landscape.
During their active years, The Police, characterized by their distinctive sound, tight performances, and an array of radio-friendly hits such as “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” were arguably the biggest band globally for a significant period. Their unique blend of rock, reggae, and punk earned them a revered status in the pantheon of music legends.
Despite previous periods of creative tension, the former bandmates did manage to settle their differences for a highly successful 2007–08 world tour, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their formation. This reunion, however, stands in stark contrast to the present legal skirmish involving Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, which reopens old wounds concerning the financial remuneration for their collective artistic endeavors.
This ongoing Sting lawsuit over music royalties serves as a potent reminder of the complex financial ecosystems governing artistic creation and the perennial disputes that can arise, even decades after a song’s release. The outcome will undoubtedly be keenly watched across the music industry, potentially setting precedents for how past contributions are valued and compensated.
