Did an 80s Rocker Just Get Sued by His Former Bandmates Over Royalties?

Sting, the legendary frontman of The Police, is facing a significant legal challenge from his former bandmates, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland. The musicians are suing him for millions of pounds in allegedly unpaid royalties, marking a complicated chapter in the history of the iconic rock band. This legal dispute has escalated after attempts at an out-of-court settlement failed, leading to a High Court writ against Sting and his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Sting is being sued for millions by former bandmates over missing royalties.
• The legal dispute follows failed attempts at an out-of-court settlement.
• The case is listed under 'general commercial contracts and arrangements' at London's High Court.
• Sting's royalties from his solo and Police career have been a point of contention for years.
• Past royalty disputes include a well-known case involving Sean Diddy Combs.

Background of The Police

The Police were formed in London in 1977 and quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of rock, reggae, and punk influences. The band comprised Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, each contributing to their distinctive sound. They achieved critical and commercial success, releasing five albums and numerous hits before disbanding in 1984. Despite their split, the band has reunited several times, notably for a world tour in 2008.

The Nature of the Lawsuit

The current lawsuit centres on allegations of substantial unpaid royalties. According to sources, Summers and Copeland claim that they are owed millions, resulting from Sting's exclusive rights to the band's most successful tracks. While exact figures have not been disclosed, both musicians have expressed frustration over their financial arrangements, feeling that they have been sidelined in the distribution of royalties.

Previous Attempts to Resolve the Issue

Prior to escalating to legal action, both Summers and Copeland reportedly sought to negotiate a settlement with Sting through their lawyers. However, these discussions reportedly reached a stalemate, prompting the decision to file a lawsuit. This legal move illustrates the deepening rifts within the band, which had previously managed to maintain a level of camaraderie despite their differences.

Sting's Royalty Earnings

Sting, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, has enjoyed a lucrative career both as a member of The Police and as a solo artist. His most successful tracks, such as "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," and "Every Breath You Take" have generated significant income through royalties. Reportedly, Sting earns approximately £550,000 a year in royalties alone. However, this income has been the subject of scrutiny, particularly from his former bandmates, who argue that the financial distribution has been inequitable.

Understanding Royalties in the Music Industry

Royalties are payments made to artists and songwriters for the use of their music. In the case of The Police, Sting was the primary songwriter for many of their hits, which means he has collected the majority of the royalties generated from their music. This reflects a common practice in the music industry, where songwriters often receive the most significant share of earnings from their work.

Sting's Solo Career and Continued Success

After The Police disbanded, Sting embarked on a successful solo career, releasing 15 albums between 1985 and 2021. His solo hits, including "Desert Rose," "Fields of Gold," and "Englishman in New York," have further bolstered his financial success. Despite his accomplishments, the ongoing legal battles with his former bandmates have raised questions about the financial arrangements established during their time together.

Other Notable Royalty Disputes

Sting is not new to legal battles concerning royalties. A notable case involved Sean Diddy Combs, who sampled Sting's track "Every Breath You Take" for his 1997 single "I'll Be Missing You." Combs did not seek permission before using the song, resulting in a high-profile legal dispute. Reports suggest that Sting now receives substantial daily payments related to this sample, highlighting the complexities of copyright and royalties in the music industry.

The Implications of the Lawsuit

The ongoing lawsuit could have significant implications for Sting and his financial future. If Summers and Copeland are successful in their claims, it could lead to a substantial payout, potentially impacting Sting's earnings from both his solo work and The Police's legacy. Furthermore, this dispute may also affect the band's reputation, as it shines a light on the often-hidden financial aspects of successful music groups.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?

The legal battle between Sting and his former bandmates underscores the complexities of financial relationships in the music industry, particularly amongst artists who have experienced both collaboration and conflict. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this impacts the legacy of The Police and whether Sting's former bandmates will secure the royalties they believe they are owed. The outcome could set a precedent for how royalty disputes are handled in the future.

With the world watching, will this lawsuit reshape the landscape of music royalties? Only time will tell. #Sting #ThePolice #MusicRoyalties

FAQs

What are the allegations against Sting in the lawsuit?

Sting is being sued by former bandmates Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland for allegedly unpaid royalties amounting to millions of pounds.

What prompted the lawsuit after previous settlement attempts?

After multiple attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement failed, Summers and Copeland decided to proceed with legal action due to unresolved financial issues.

How does the royalties system work in the music industry?

In the music industry, royalties are payments made to artists and songwriters for the use of their music. The primary songwriter typically receives a larger share of these earnings.

What was Sting's solo career like after The Police?

Sting enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing 15 albums from 1985 to 2021, with hits like "Desert Rose" and "Fields of Gold," significantly contributing to his financial success.

Has Sting faced other legal battles over royalties?

Yes, Sting has been involved in other notable royalty disputes, including a high-profile case with Sean Diddy Combs regarding the sampling of "Every Breath You Take."