The Police Legal Battle: Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland Sue Sting Over 'Every Breath You Take' Royalties
The former members of The Police, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, are taking legal action against their ex-bandmate Sting over royalties for the hit song "Every Breath You Take." They claim they were not properly credited as songwriters and have not received royalties for their contributions. The lawsuit was filed in the High Court in London, with Sting and his publishing company named as defendants.
"Every Breath You Take" was released in 1983 as the lead single from The Police's album Synchronicity. The song topped the charts in the US, UK, and other countries, becoming one of the best-selling singles of the decade. Despite its success, Summers and Copeland allege that they were not credited for their role in the song's creation.
During a podcast interview in 2023, Andy Summers hinted at a potential legal challenge regarding his involvement in the song. He claimed that the track was almost discarded until he contributed to it. The guitarist's comments suggested that a legal dispute was brewing, leading to the eventual court case against Sting.
According to a source close to Summers and Copeland, efforts to settle the matter out of court were unsuccessful, prompting the decision to pursue legal action. The former bandmates believe they are owed significant royalties for their contributions to "Every Breath You Take" and are seeking compensation through the legal system.
In conclusion, the legal battle between Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, and Sting over royalties for "Every Breath You Take" highlights the complexities of songwriting credits and royalties in the music industry. The outcome of the court case will determine whether the former Police members receive the recognition and compensation they believe they are entitled to for their contributions to the iconic song.