Sting's Former Police Bandmates File Lawsuit Over Unpaid Royalties for 'Every Breath You Take'

What's Happening?

Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, former bandmates of Sting in The Police, have filed a lawsuit in London High Court against Sting and his publishing company, Magnetic Publishing. The lawsuit claims that Summers and Copeland were not properly credited as songwriters for the hit song 'Every Breath You Take' and have not received royalties for their contributions. The song, which was The Police's first and only Number One hit in the U.S., gained further popularity when sampled in Puff Daddy and Faith Evans' tribute to Notorious B.I.G., 'I'll Be Missing You.' Despite attempts to settle the matter out of court, the bandmates decided to proceed with legal action, claiming they are owed millions in lost royalties.

Why It's Important?

The lawsuit highlights ongoing issues in the music industry regarding songwriting credits and royalty payments. If Summers and Copeland succeed, it could set a precedent for other artists seeking recognition and compensation for their contributions to popular songs. The case also underscores the complexities of music rights, especially when songs are sampled or covered by other artists. The outcome could impact Sting's financial interests, particularly after selling his songwriting catalog to Universal Music Group for an estimated $250 million.

What's Next?

The legal proceedings will likely involve detailed examination of songwriting credits and royalty agreements. The court's decision could influence future negotiations and settlements in similar cases. Stakeholders in the music industry, including artists and publishing companies, will be closely monitoring the case for its implications on intellectual property rights and financial compensation.