Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland have taken their dispute with Sting to London’s High Court, accusing the former Police frontman of withholding millions in royalties under general commercial contracts and arrangements. The filing, the specifics of which have not been disclosed publicly, appears to center on royalties tied to the Police hit “Every Breath You Take” from the 1983 album Synchronicity. Sting, credited as the song’s co-writer since its release, is named in the case alongside Magnetic Publishing Limited, with Summers contending that he wrote the song’s signature guitar figure but was never properly credited or compensated.
The legal action marks a rare public disagreement among former Police members who largely went their separate ways after the band dissolved in 1986. The trio never released new music during their 2007-08 reunion tour or afterward, and Summers’ and Copeland’s suit underscores how disputes over songwriting credits and royalties can persist long after a group’s commercial peak. Sting, Summers, and Copeland have not issued a joint public statement, but the case illustrates how enduring fame can be entangled with complex rights and revenue splits.
In related musical moves, Sting and Summers appear together on a jazz-inflected update of the 1983 track “Murder by Numbers” from jazz trumpeter Christian McBride’s Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, slated for release Friday. This collaboration, the first between Police members since Sting contributed to Summers’ 1990 album Charming Snakes, suggests that professional ties among the musicians can remain intact even amid ongoing legal battles over past work.
The broader conversation about royalties from “Every Breath You Take” continues to surface in pop culture. In 2023, Sean “Diddy” Combs prompted headlines by claiming he continued to pay Sting a considerable daily sum for life for the use of the song’s sample in the Notorious B.I.G. tribute “I’ll Be Missing You.” The figure cited—whether $5,000 per day or another amount—was controversial and led to anecdotes about how artists profit from classic material long after its release, including Sting’s own acknowledgment that the money helped fund his family’s education and that he and Diddy remained on good terms.
Summary: Summers and Copeland are pursuing a royalties dispute with Sting in the High Court over “Every Breath You Take,” with Summers arguing he contributed the iconic guitar hook and deserves proper credit and compensation. The case sits alongside recent musical collaborations among the former band members and a broader debate about songwriting credits and legacy earnings for iconic songs.
Additional context and value:
– What to watch for next: The High Court proceedings could reveal more about how royalties from enduring hits are split among band members and contributors, potentially influencing similar cases in the industry.
– Why this matters: Songwriting credits determine long-term revenue streams for decades-old hits. A ruling could prompt a re-examination of credits on other classic tracks and shape negotiations for reissues, film, and streaming uses.
– Positive note: The ongoing collaboration between Sting and Summers on new material highlights that, despite disputes over past earnings, the music itself continues to evolve and reach new audiences, keeping the legacy of The Police vibrant for fans old and new.
If helpful, I can draft a version tailored for a headline and a short lead suitable for a homepage slot, or expand the explainer with a simple timeline of events related to this dispute.