The Police Members Sue Sting Over Unpaid Royalties for 'Every Breath You Take
Former members of The Police have filed a lawsuit against Sting, claiming unpaid royalties for their hit song "Every Breath You Take." Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland are seeking substantial damages in the U.K. over the 1983 track. Legal documents have been filed at London's High Court after failed attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement.
Sting reportedly earns significant royalties from the song, which was one of the best-selling tracks of the 1980s. Summers and Copeland allege that they were not credited as songwriters on the single. Sting's company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
The Police, formed in 1977, achieved global success with hits like "Roxanne," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and "Message in a Bottle." Despite their success, the band members had conflicts and eventually split after their final tour in 1984.
In conclusion, the legal battle between Sting and his former bandmates over unpaid royalties for "Every Breath You Take" has escalated to a lawsuit filed in the U.K. The dispute highlights the complexities of royalty distribution in the music industry and the challenges faced by artists in ensuring fair compensation for their work.