Sting's iconic hit, "Every Breath You Take," is more than just a romantic ballad; its dark undertones have been festering for decades. The Police band members, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, are now locked in a bitter dispute with Sting over royalties, a conflict that threatens to derail the very foundation of their legendary collaboration.
The song's creation was a tumultuous process, marked by intense creative differences between the bandmates. According to Hugh Padgham, the album's producer, "Sting and Stewart hated each other," and the tension almost led to physical fights in the studio. The rifts only intensified during the Synchronicity tour, culminating in Copeland breaking Sting's rib during a heated argument.
Despite their on-stage camaraderie, the band members' personal relationship had long since soured. In fact, the Police's notorious reputation for infighting has become the stuff of rock legend. However, in recent years, both Copeland and Summers have sought to rehabilitate this image, with Copeland stating that the band's conflicts were "misunderstood" and that they still maintain a close relationship.
The dispute over royalties has been ongoing since 2016, with Copeland claiming that Sting has failed to adequately compensate him for his contributions to the song. In response, Sting has argued that their previous agreements do not include streaming revenue, which he believes would significantly alter the calculation of their royalties.
As the court hearings continue, it remains to be seen how this long-simmering conflict will be resolved. One thing is certain, however: "Every Breath You Take" has become a global phenomenon, with its haunting melody and lyrics continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. Yet, beneath its seemingly innocuous surface, the song's dark undertones – and the bitter disputes that gave it birth – continue to cast a shadow over the Police's legacy.
The true cost of Sting's "nasty little song" is now being calculated in terms of millions of dollars, with the stakes higher than ever. Will their differences be resolved, or will the very success of "Every Breath You Take" become the catalyst for further conflict? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this timeless hit has never been more divisive.
The song's creation was a tumultuous process, marked by intense creative differences between the bandmates. According to Hugh Padgham, the album's producer, "Sting and Stewart hated each other," and the tension almost led to physical fights in the studio. The rifts only intensified during the Synchronicity tour, culminating in Copeland breaking Sting's rib during a heated argument.
Despite their on-stage camaraderie, the band members' personal relationship had long since soured. In fact, the Police's notorious reputation for infighting has become the stuff of rock legend. However, in recent years, both Copeland and Summers have sought to rehabilitate this image, with Copeland stating that the band's conflicts were "misunderstood" and that they still maintain a close relationship.
The dispute over royalties has been ongoing since 2016, with Copeland claiming that Sting has failed to adequately compensate him for his contributions to the song. In response, Sting has argued that their previous agreements do not include streaming revenue, which he believes would significantly alter the calculation of their royalties.
As the court hearings continue, it remains to be seen how this long-simmering conflict will be resolved. One thing is certain, however: "Every Breath You Take" has become a global phenomenon, with its haunting melody and lyrics continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. Yet, beneath its seemingly innocuous surface, the song's dark undertones – and the bitter disputes that gave it birth – continue to cast a shadow over the Police's legacy.
The true cost of Sting's "nasty little song" is now being calculated in terms of millions of dollars, with the stakes higher than ever. Will their differences be resolved, or will the very success of "Every Breath You Take" become the catalyst for further conflict? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this timeless hit has never been more divisive.
. He's been through so much with Sting, and it's crazy how their relationship went from being super tight to totally toxic. I get why he's upset about not getting a fair share of the royalties - it's not cool that Sting is still trying to rework the deal now 
. But at the same time, I can see why Sting would be resistant to changing things up... it's like they're stuck in this weird limbo where they're supposed to be friends on stage but personal differences are killing them offstage 
.
. But Sting is still holding onto his original agreement, which is fair but also kinda selfish 
.
I'm not buying into the drama surrounding Sting and the Police. It's just business, right? 
And don't even get me started on how they're always trying to rewrite history - "we still maintain a close relationship" BS! 
We've seen their performances over the years, it's just not that complicated. Maybe they can settle this in court and move on with their lives... or not. 
, no matter what happens behind the scenes! 
. It's like they're still stuck in the studio, fighting over the same notes 
. I hope they can resolve this before it affects the rest of The Police's music... 
Like, didn't they get over the whole "hating each other" phase already? 
The fact that they're still making headlines over this stuff is kinda hilarious 
it's crazy to think about how much drama and tension was behind that iconic hit. i mean, who would've thought that one of the most romantic songs ever written could have such dark undertones? 
maybe this is a cautionary tale about the price of fame and success, where people will do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means burning bridges. 
. The fact that they're still fighting over royalties now is just a shame, millions of dollars should be the least of their concerns 
I mean, who knew that "Every Breath You Take" was more than just a romantic ballad? 
It's like, the song itself is already iconic, but now it's got this dark undertone of drama and betrayal. 
But at the same time, I get why Sting is being stubborn - it's like, they all knew what they were signing when they created the song. 
. The world is waiting with bated breath (or should I say, "Every Breath You Take"?) to see how this plays out 
.
. Let them resolve their differences and get back to making music that brings people together 
. Can't we all just get along? 
It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out in court - hopefully they can come to a resolution that doesn't leave anyone feeling too burned. 
their music meant so much to us back in the day 
. It's like they're trying to outdo each other in a game of "Who Can Be the Most Dramatic". I mean, come on, Sting and Stewart have been feuding for years, but now they're taking it to court? 
. Like, can't they just get along for the sake of their fans? 
. Maybe they should've just worked out their differences before we ended up with this mess.
oh boy, who knew Sting's 'nasty little song' was gonna be so... complicated 
i mean, come on, guys, 50 years of making music together and it all boils down to a fancy dispute over royalties? 
it's like the universe is testing their bromance. 
. And honestly, who cares about the royalties at this point? It's not like Sting and Copeland were exactly besties to begin with 
.