Music icon Sting is at the centre of a sensational multi-million pound legal battle, sued by his former bandmate and The Police drummer, Stewart Copeland.
The rock and roll feud has erupted over disputed songwriting royalties, threatening to permanently fracture one of Britain's most iconic bands. Court documents reveal Copeland is demanding a significant share of earnings from hits like 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Roxanne'.
A Legendary Partnership Turns Sour
The rift strikes at the heart of The Police's legacy. For years, the public believed the trio had amicably resolved their past disputes. This lawsuit, however, reveals deep-seated financial grievances that have simmered for decades.
Copeland's claim argues that his foundational contributions to the band's distinctive sound—his iconic drum patterns and rhythmic arrangements—were integral to the success of the songs, warranting a greater share of the publishing rights and royalties.
Millions in Royalties at Stake
The financial stakes are enormous. The Police's catalogue remains a streaming and radio giant, generating substantial income years after the band's dissolution. This lawsuit puts a precise monetary value on the creative contributions of band members beyond the lead singer and primary lyricist.
Legal experts suggest the case could set a significant precedent for how songwriting credits are determined and contested in the music industry, potentially opening the floodgates for similar claims from other musicians.
The End of a Reconciliation?
This legal action undoes years of public reconciliation. After a famously acrimonious split in the 1980s, the band members had managed a cautious peace, even reuniting for a critically acclaimed world tour in 2007-2008.
This lawsuit suggests that behind the scenes, the old wounds never truly healed, casting a shadow over their celebrated reunion and the band's enduring legacy.
