Sting Pays Former Police Bandmates Over $800,000 in Royalties Amid Lawsuit

Sting has paid his former Police bandmates over $800,000 in royalties since their ongoing legal battle over unpaid earnings.

A Rocky Tune: Sting’s Royalty Payment Amidst Legal Drama

When it comes to legendary rock bands, few names carry the weight and timeless appeal of The Police. Yet beneath the iconic hits and sold-out tours lies a tangled web of legal disputes. Recently, Sting has reportedly shelled out over $800,000 to his former bandmates Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland in royalties, following a lawsuit that reignited old tensions.

The Lawsuit That Resurrected Old Scores

Back in September, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland took Sting and his publishing company to court in London, seeking “substantial damages” after years of simmering disagreements. Their claim? Sting owed them somewhere between $2 million and $10.75 million in unpaid royalties from the band’s extensive catalog.

At a high court hearing on January 14, their lawyers argued that the claim could balloon even further, highlighting what they called “historic underpayment” — a figure that did not yet include interest. It’s a hefty sum, but with The Police’s musical legacy, perhaps not surprising.

Over $800,000 Paid So Far

According to reports, Summers and Copeland have already received a payment exceeding $800,000 since proceedings began. This marks a significant milestone, but the legal battle is far from over.

The Police reunited for their 2008 world tour, which made them some of the highest earning musicians that year.

The Streaming Struggle: What Sting Disputes

One of the core disputes revolves around modern music formats. Sting denies his former bandmates’ entitlement to income from streaming and digital downloads, insisting these should be classified as “public performance” revenues rather than direct sales. This distinction impacts how royalties are calculated and distributed—a slippery slope in today’s digital era.

The Ghosts Behind the Hits: Credits and Royalties

Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland didn’t receive writing credits on most of The Police’s smash hits, including the iconic “Every Breath You Take.” That track alone reportedly pulls in £550,000 annually for Sting.

Despite the lack of official songwriting credits, Summers and Copeland argue they are owed “arranger’s fees” connected to the digital exploitation of the band's back catalog. It’s a complex argument about contribution versus credit — a recurring theme in band royalty disputes.

The Band’s Origin and Royalty Agreements

Formed in 1977, The Police’s journey has been marked by creativity and conflict. Early on, Sting agreed to pay Summers and Copeland 15 percent of certain royalties for songs he penned. This agreement was tweaked several times, with the latest revision in 2016. Sting’s legal team, however, sees the current lawsuit as an “illegitimate attempt” to reinterpret their past deals.

The Police: A Legacy of Hits and Awards

There’s no denying The Police’s impact: over 75 million records sold, six Grammy wins, two BRIT Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Although they parted ways in 1984, the band reunited sporadically, with their 2008 world tour standing out as their most lucrative reunion — catapulting them to the top of the earnings chart for that year.

Sting’s Take on Reunions and Solo Freedom

In 2021, Sting candidly expressed regret over the 2007 Police reunion. He called the subsequent tour “an exercise in nostalgia,” revealing a preference for his solo career, which grants him “total freedom” to craft exactly the music he feels passionate about.

“It’s not a power thing, at all; it’s just about producing exactly the brand and style of music that feels right for you.”
— Sting

Looking Ahead: Sting at the Super Bowl Spinoff

Despite this turbulent chapter, Sting remains as active as ever. He is slated to perform at a Super Bowl spinoff concert in San Francisco on February 6, just two days before the main event in Santa Clara, reminding fans that even amid legal battles, the music goes on.

The Timelessness of The Police and Their Royalties Battle

Who wouldn’t want a slice of that legendary Police pie? But as this saga shows, the complexities of band royalties, especially in the digital age, can sour even the strongest bonds. Sting’s recent payments mark a step forward — yet the legal drama hints at deeper disputes simmering beneath the surface.

FAQ

• What is the main reason for the lawsuit between Sting and his former bandmates?
  Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland claim Sting owes them millions in unpaid royalties from The Police’s catalog, especially from digital sales and streaming.
• How much has Sting paid so far to Summers and Copeland?
  Reports indicate that Sting has paid more than $800,000 in royalties since the lawsuit began.
• Why do Summers and Copeland not receive songwriting credits?
  They were not credited as writers on many Police hits, including “Every Breath You Take,” which has caused disputes about royalty entitlements.
• What is Sting’s stance on streaming royalties?
  Sting argues that streaming and download revenues should be treated as public performance income, not sales, affecting how royalties are shared.
• Has The Police reunited recently?
  Their most notable recent reunion was in 2008 during a world tour, though Sting has expressed regret about reforming the band.

For fans wanting to celebrate The Police’s timeless music, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store? It’s a stylish way to bring those classic vibes into your space.

Shop now at Architeg Prints