Sting Pays £600k to Police Bandmates Amid Royalty Dispute

In late 2024, Summers and Copeland initiated legal proceedings against Sting, the primary composer for the British rock trio. Their complaint alleged "substantial damages" and claimed they were owed millions of pounds in digital royalties that had accumulated over decades. The musicians argued they had not received proper co-writer credits for many of the band's most successful songs.

The legal action specifically targeted revenue streams from the digital era, where classic tracks have found new life on streaming platforms and in media licensing. "Every Breath You Take" alone has been featured in popular television shows including Friends and Stranger Things, generating significant ongoing income.

The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the traditional division of royalties within one of rock's most successful bands. While Sting composed the majority of The Police's material, Summers and Copeland contend their creative contributions to the band's distinctive sound merit greater financial recognition.

Sting's legal defense confirmed this week that the singer has paid £600,000 (approximately €700,000) to his former bandmates since the lawsuit was filed. The payment was made after Sting acknowledged that Summers and Copeland had received lower royalty payments than they were entitled to receive.

The admission represents a significant development in the ongoing dispute, though it falls far short of the millions of pounds the plaintiffs are seeking. The payment appears to be a partial acknowledgment of the claims rather than a full settlement of the lawsuit.

Legal experts note that such payments during ongoing litigation often indicate a desire to maintain some goodwill while the larger legal questions are resolved through the court system. The acknowledgment of underpayment strengthens the plaintiffs' position while leaving the ultimate resolution uncertain.

The dispute involves some of rock music's most valuable intellectual property. "Every Breath You Take," released in 1983, has become one of the most recognizable songs in popular music history, with its haunting melody and lyrics becoming a cultural touchstone.

The song's enduring popularity has translated into substantial revenue through multiple channels:

• Streaming platform royalties from millions of monthly listeners
• Television and film licensing fees for major productions
• Radio airplay royalties across global markets
• Merchandise and compilation album sales

Additional tracks in the lawsuit include "Roxanne" and other Police classics that continue to generate revenue nearly 40 years after their initial release. The band's catalog represents a multi-million pound asset that has appreciated significantly in the digital age.

This case highlights ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding royalty distribution and songwriting credits for collaborative bands. Many groups from the 1970s and 1980s are now confronting similar disputes as digital platforms create new revenue streams that were not anticipated during original contract negotiations.

The digital revolution has fundamentally changed how music generates income, with streaming services providing detailed data about individual track performance. This transparency has empowered musicians to challenge traditional royalty structures that may have seemed fair decades ago.

Industry observers note that the outcome could influence how other bands structure their agreements and resolve similar disputes. The case demonstrates how classic rock catalogs have become increasingly valuable assets in the streaming era, often generating more revenue in their second decade than during their initial release period.

The £600,000 payment represents a significant step in the dispute, but the broader legal questions remain unresolved. The lawsuit continues as both parties navigate the complex issues of digital royalty accounting and historical songwriting credits for one of rock's most successful bands.

The case serves as a reminder of how music industry contracts from previous eras may not adequately address modern revenue streams. As streaming platforms continue to dominate music consumption, similar disputes are likely to emerge among other legendary bands whose catalogs have found new life in the digital age.

For now, fans of The Police can continue enjoying their favorite songs while the legal system determines the final resolution of this high-profile dispute between the band's founding members.