Legal conflict escalates between Sting and The Police regarding authorship rights of the song "Every Breath You Take"

In the world of music, the financial stakes and legacy of a song can often be as significant as the song itself. This is particularly true for the iconic hit "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.

The song, written by Sting during a stay in Jamaica, is a timeless classic, with its origins not in dispute. Sting has always claimed that he penned the words, chords, and melody in one burst of inspiration. However, the contributions of Andy Summers, particularly his distinctive guitar arpeggio riff, have been a subject of debate.

Summers has long suggested he deserved a share in the songwriting credits for "Every Breath You Take." This dispute has never gone before a judge before, but that is about to change. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland have sued Sting and his company Magnetic Publishing Limited in London's High Court, claiming they are owed millions in royalties which currently only Sting receives.

The lawsuit claims they should be recognised and paid as co-writers of the song, which is one of the most played songs in radio history. The financial stakes are enormous, as the song has generated millions in royalties since its release. For veteran musicians, song credits determine not only their income but also their legacy.

The disagreement revolves around the contributions of Andy Summers in transforming the song into a timeless hit. Summers has described his part as rescuing the song from being discarded. Sting, on the other hand, insists that he is the sole composer of the structure and composition of the song, but acknowledges Summers added his own touch.

The lawsuit marks a new chapter in the long-standing feud between Sting and his former Police bandmates. The band, known for their internal conflicts, split soon after the album's release, citing irreconcilable tensions. They reunited only briefly, most notably for a lucrative 2007 world tour.

Recording sessions for The Police's album Synchronicity, which includes "Every Breath You Take," were fraught, with fistfights breaking out in the studio. Despite these challenges, the album went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The song itself is often mistaken for a romantic ballad, but it is about obsession and control. This theme reflects the internal dynamics of The Police, a band that, despite their success, was plagued by tensions and disagreements. The lawsuit regarding "Every Breath You Take" could force a renegotiation of royalties on one of the most valuable catalogues in popular music.

In 2022, Sting sold his entire music catalogue to Universal Music for an estimated $250m. Whether this sale will impact the outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen. Regardless, the dispute over "Every Breath You Take" is set to redefine the legacy of The Police and reshape the music industry landscape.