Sting and his former band “The Police” are currently embroiled in a legal dispute over unpaid streaming royalties, a situation that has led the celebrated lead singer to pay each of his former bandmates hundreds of thousands of dollars. Drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers initiated the lawsuit in 2025, alleging that Sting has been withholding streaming income for their iconic track “Every Breath You Take.”
Recent reports indicate that Sting has already paid both musicians $870,000 each since the initiation of the lawsuit. However, legal representatives for Copeland and Summers have articulated that the former bandmates may pursue claims amounting to over $8 million. Their argument hinges on a 1977 agreement among the group to equally share specific publishing income, a commitment they argue should extend to the revenues generated from modern streaming platforms, which were non-existent at the time of their original agreement.
In contrast, Sting’s legal team contests this interpretation, suggesting that the original terms should not encompass newer revenue streams like digital downloads and streaming. The significance of “Every Breath You Take” is underscored by its impressive performance on streaming platforms, with The Guardian noting that the song remains among the top 10 most-streamed tracks worldwide on Spotify, racking up over three million plays daily.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the evolving nature of music royalties in the digital age, raising questions about how old agreements are adapted in light of new technologies. As the case continues, it remains to be seen how the courts will interpret these longstanding arrangements and what it means for artists navigating the modern music landscape.