Nearly four decades after “Every Breath You Take” topped charts worldwide, the iconic hit has become the center of a bitter legal dispute between former Police bandmates. Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland have filed suit against Sting in London High Court, claiming millions in unpaid royalties and demanding recognition for their alleged songwriting contributions to the 1983 smash hit.
The lawsuit names Gordon Matthew Sumner (Sting) and his publishing company Magnetic Publishing Limited as defendants, following failed attempts at an out-of-court settlement. At stake is a considerable fortune, as the song reportedly generates approximately £550,000 annually in royalties, accounting for as much as one-third of Sting’s publishing income.
Central to Summers’ claim is the song’s distinctive guitar riff, which he maintains he created in a single improvised take when the band was struggling to finalize the arrangement. This guitar line, now instantly recognizable worldwide, forms the backbone of his argument for co-authorship rights that have been denied for decades. Summers had previously hinted at potential legal action during a 2010 interview where he expressed frustration about the credit situation.
The financial implications are substantial, particularly following Sting’s 2022 sale of his entire songwriting catalog to Universal Music for approximately $300 million. The transaction included rights to “Every Breath You Take,” which was not only the best-selling single of 1983 in the United States but remains one of the most played songs on American radio. The case highlights the crucial importance of proper registration with Performance Rights Organizations like ASCAP or BMI to ensure fair distribution of royalties to all contributing songwriters.
The legal battle erupts after a complex history between the bandmates, who formed The Police in 1977 and disbanded in 1984 shortly after “Every Breath You Take” cemented their legacy. Despite personal and professional tensions, they reunited for a tour in 2007, making this lawsuit a surprising new chapter in their relationship. Prior to this dispute, Sting and Summers had shown signs of reconciliation when they collaborated with McBride earlier this year.
If successful, the lawsuit could retroactively redistribute millions in accumulated royalties and permanently alter the song’s official credits, acknowledging Summers and Copeland as co-creators of one of rock’s most enduring and profitable compositions. The dispute underscores the importance of artists understanding royalty structures across various music distribution platforms to protect their creative contributions and financial interests.
