Sting is facing legal action from his former Police bandmates, who claim they are owed millions in lost royalties. Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland have filed a High Court writ in London after years of failed negotiations.
The case, listed under “general commercial contracts and arrangements,” names Sting under his real name, Gordon Matthew Sumner, and his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, as defendants. A source told The Sun that attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement had repeatedly stalled, leaving Summers and Copeland “no alternative” but to proceed with legal action.
The Police, who formed in 1977 and sold more than 75 million records worldwide before splitting in the mid-1980s, remain one of the UK’s most iconic bands. Their 1983 hit ‘Every Breath You Take’ was the best-selling single of its year and continues to generate significant royalties for Sting, who reportedly earns £550,000 (over US$740,000) a year from the song alone. Summers and Copeland, however, were not credited as songwriters.
A spokesman for Sting denied the lawsuit was connected to ‘Every Breath You Take’ but did not provide further details.
It’s no secret that some bandmates clash, and in music history, legal disputes have torn groups apart. Curious to know which other musicians sued their own bands? Click through this gallery to find out.