Former Police Member Files Lawsuit Against Sting

A former member of the band The Police has filed a lawsuit against Sting, claiming that the renowned singer owes substantial unpaid royalties for the hit song “Every Breath You Take.”

Andy Summers, the band’s guitarist, and drummer Stewart Copeland, both 73, initiated legal action regarding the popular 1983 track. The lawsuit, which has been described as seeking “substantial” damages, marks a continuation of ongoing disputes over royalties in recent years.

Reportedly, attempts to settle the matter outside of court have repeatedly stalled, leaving both parties at an impasse.

The lawsuit was filed in London’s High Court.

It appears that Summers and Copeland felt that no resolution could be reached without court intervention. They decided to take that step.

Sting is known to earn considerable royalties from many of the group’s tracks, including those that are among the best-selling of the 1980s. However, his bandmates assert that they were not given songwriting credits for the single.

Additionally, Sting’s publishing company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, has also been named as a defendant.

A representative for Sting has denied that the lawsuit pertains directly to the song but did not provide any further details.

The Police, formed in 1977, rose to international fame with the release of their second album, “Reggatta de Blanc,” in 1979.

The band enjoyed significant success, with five UK number-one singles to their name. Notable hits include “Roxanne,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” and “Message in a Bottle.” The group’s members have historically had strained relationships, which contributed to their breakup shortly after their final tour in 1984.