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The Police

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The Police
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977
Headquarters
London
,
England, United Kingdom
ProductsMusic albums, singles, tours

The Police originated as a London-based English rock trio established in 1977. The principal members comprised Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, chief songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). Rising to international acclaim from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, they emerged from the British new wave movement, blending rock with influences drawn from punk, reggae, and jazz genres.

Their inaugural album, Outlandos d'Amour (1978), climbed to number six on the UK Albums Chart and featured singles such as "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You". The succeeding release, Reggatta de Blanc (1979), became the first among four successive studio albums to reach number one in both the UK and Australia. It produced their initial UK chart-toppers with singles like "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon". Subsequent albums Zenyatta Mondatta (1980) and Ghost in the Machine (1981) continued this commercial momentum, delivering UK number one hits including "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". Notably, Zenyatta Mondatta marked their breakthrough in the US market, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200.

Their final studio effort, Synchronicity (1983), achieved chart-topping status across multiple countries including the US, where it sold over eight million copies. The album's lead single, "Every Breath You Take", was their sole number one hit in the US and their fifth in the UK. The Police played a pivotal role during the Second British Invasion of America; in 1983, Rolling Stone recognized them as "the first British New Wave act to break through in America on a grand scale." Despite reaching peak popularity, the band dissolved in 1984 but reunited intermittently for select performances. Their 2007–2008 world tour became the highest-grossing tour of 2007, establishing them as the top-earning musical act worldwide that year.

Having sold over 75 million records globally, The Police rank among history’s best-selling bands. Their honors include six Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards—among them Best British Group—an MTV Video Music Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Four out of their five studio albums are featured on Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Additionally, they appear on both Rolling Stones and VH1's rankings of the 100 Greatest Artists ever.

History

1977: formation

On 25 September 1976, American drummer Stewart Copeland encountered singer-bassist Gordon Sumner—known professionally as Sting—while touring with British progressive rock band Curved Air in Newcastle upon Tyne. At that time, Sting was performing with jazz-rock fusion group Last Exit. After relocating to London on 12 January 1977, Sting promptly connected with Copeland for an impromptu jam session.

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Following Curved Air’s breakup and influenced by punk rock’s rise, Copeland aimed to establish a band suited for London’s punk scene. Recognizing commercial possibilities, Sting agreed to form The Police as a trio alongside Corsican guitarist Henry Padovani. Their debut performance occurred on 1 March 1977 at Alexandria Club in Newport, Wales. They played extensively in London’s pubs and punk venues supporting acts like Cherry Vanilla and Wayne County & the Electric Chairs. On 1 May 1977, they independently released their first single "Fall Out" via Illegal Records with a modest £150 budget; this recording uniquely features Padovani. Mick Jagger reviewed this single for Sounds magazine.

In May 1977, former Gong bassist Mike Howlett invited Sting to join his project Strontium 90. Due to unavailability of Howlett’s preferred drummer, Sting brought Copeland into the lineup. The fourth member was guitarist Andy Summers—a seasoned musician with prior experience playing alongside Eric Burdon & The Animals and Kevin Ayers. Strontium 90 performed at a Gong reunion concert in Paris on 28 May 1977 and later in London during July. Demo recordings were eventually compiled on the archival album Strontium 90: Police Academy.

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Impressed by Summers’ musicianship—and frustrated by Padovani’s limited technical skills hindering progress—Sting invited Summers to join The Police after Strontium 90 performances. This was contingent upon maintaining a trio format with Summers replacing Padovani. Initially loyal to Padovani, Copeland and Sting hesitated; thus The Police briefly performed as a quartet for two live shows before Summers insisted on Padovani's departure. Copeland acknowledged that Summers’ integration expanded their repertoire by incorporating more of Sting’s compositions.

The definitive trio consisting of Copeland, Sting, and Summers debuted publicly on 18 August 1977 at Rebecca's club in Birmingham; this lineup persisted throughout their career. Unlike many contemporary punk or progressive rock bands that expanded personnel, The Police maintained their power trio configuration. Their diverse musical backgrounds led some punk enthusiasts to question their authenticity; critic Christopher Gable noted that while adopting punk aesthetics visually, they were often criticized for lacking genuine street credibility. Musically they integrated elements from reggae, jazz, progressive rock, and pub rock traditions.

Alongside their work with The Police, members engaged in art rock collaborations during late 1977 and early 1978; Sting and Summers recorded with German experimental composer Eberhard Schoener—Copeland contributed briefly as well. These projects yielded three albums blending rock with electronica and jazz influences. Television appearances in Germany helped raise awareness of Sting’s distinctive vocal style ahead of The Police’s mainstream breakthrough.

The band’s signature bleached-blond hair look originated unexpectedly during February 1978 while filming a Wrigley’s Spearmint chewing gum advertisement directed by Tony Scott that required them to dye their hair blond for a punk-themed image. Although filmed—including scenes featuring an oversized gum packet—the commercial never aired.

1977–1978: signing record deal and Outlandos d'Amour

Miles Copeland III—Stewart’s brother—initially expressed reservations about Summers joining due to concerns over preserving punk credibility but ultimately invested £1,500 to finance recording The Police's debut album. Outlandos d'Amour was produced at Surrey Sound Studios in Leatherhead during off-hours without management or a record contract.

Miles was captivated by "Roxanne" during a studio visit and secured a contract with A&M Records based largely on that track. Released early in 1978 as a single, "Roxanne" initially failed to chart or receive BBC airplay—a consequence attributed by the band to its provocative theme involving prostitution. Capitalizing on this controversy for publicity purposes despite no official ban being imposed, A&M promoted "Roxanne" using “Banned by the BBC” posters—a tactic later acknowledged by Copeland as beneficial promotion.

The Police made their television debut in October 1978 on BBC2's The Old Grey Whistle Test, performing songs from Outlandos d'Amour. However, BBC banned their second single "Can't Stand Losing You" due to its controversial cover art depicting Copeland hanging over melting ice sheets; nevertheless it reached number 42 on UK charts while follow-up single "So Lonely" failed to chart.

In February 1979 "Roxanne" was issued across North America where it gained radio traction peaking at number 31 in Canada and number 32 in the US. This success prompted its re-release in April within the UK where it climbed to number twelve following an appearance on BBC1's Top of the Pops.

Growing popularity enabled The Police to perform US shows at venues such as CBGB in New York City and The Rathskeller in Boston before embarking on a rigorous North American tour driving themselves across cities in a Ford Econoline van throughout 1979. That year saw reissues of "Can't Stand Losing You," which peaked at number two in UK charts along with their debut single “Fall Out” reaching number forty-seven.

1979: Reggatta de Blanc

October 1979 saw release of their sophomore album Reggatta de Blanc, which topped UK Albums Chart—the first among four consecutive studio albums reaching number one domestically—and spawned hit singles "Message in a Bottle" (UK No.1; Canada No.2; Australia No.5) alongside "Walking on the Moon" (UK No.1). While these singles did not penetrate US top forty charts significantly at that time, Reggatta de Blanc attained position twenty-five stateside.

Their inaugural live rendition of “Message in a Bottle” occurred during BBC’s Rock Goes to College. The instrumental title track won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. In February 1980 “So Lonely” was reissued within UK market achieving peak position six.

Commencing March 1980 The Police embarked upon their first global tour encompassing territories including Mexico, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece and Egypt; footage from this journey was compiled into documentary film The Police Around the World (1982), directed by Kate and Derek Burbidge.

In May A&M UK released Six Pack, an EP comprising five singles along with additional tracks which reached number seventeen on UK Singles Chart despite later classification rules potentially designating it as an album.

1980–1981: Zenyatta Mondatta

Under pressure from A&M Records for new material preceding an international tour schedule, The Police recorded their third studio album Zenyatta Mondatta, released on 3 October 1980 after an expedited three-week session conducted at studios located in Netherlands for tax advantages; recording concluded mere hours before embarking upon world tour dates.

The album attained number one status on UK Albums Chart while peaking at number five on US Billboard 200 chart; it yielded third UK number one single “Don't Stand So Close to Me”—the highest-selling single domestically during calendar year—and another successful track “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da,” both reaching top ten positions within US charts.

Despite expressing dissatisfaction regarding rushed production conditions shared by band members and co-producer Nigel Gray, critical reception remained favorable overall. Guitarist Andy Summers’ instrumental composition “Behind My Camel” earned Grammy recognition for Best Rock Instrumental Performance while “Don't Stand So Close to Me” secured award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by Duo or Group.

1981–1982: Ghost in the Machine and solo pursuits

The band's fourth album titled Ghost in the Machine, co-produced alongside Hugh Padgham primarily recorded at AIR Studios Montserrat—with exception of “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” recorded at Le Studio Quebec—was released during 1981 featuring denser sonic textures incorporating layered saxophone arrangements alongside complex vocal harmonies.

Hit singles included “[Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic]” featuring pianist Jean Roussel which became their fourth UK chart-topper (US No.3), accompanied by “[Invisible Sun]” and “[Spirits In The Material World]”. Album cover art displayed three red pictographs symbolizing each member against black backdrop.

During early ’80s tax exile trends compelled Sting relocating to Roundstone County Galway Ireland while Summers moved near Kinsale County Cork; meanwhile Copeland remained based within England.

The band appeared prominently within post-punk concert film Urgh! A Music War (1981) garnering cult status among enthusiasts documenting era's music scene.

At Brit Awards ceremony held in ’82 The Police received accolade for Best British Group shortly before commencing hiatus allowing members focus upon individual projects: Sting emerged as prominent solo artist pursuing acting roles including ‘’Quadrophenia’’ (1979), ‘’Radio On’’, ‘’Brimstone and Treacle’’ (1982) alongside solo chart success with “Spread A Little Happiness” from latter film soundtrack which also featured three unreleased Police tracks; concurrently Andy Summers collaborated with Robert Fripp producing solo album ‘’I Advance Masked’’.

In ’83 Stewart Copeland composed score for Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘’Rumble Fish’’ including single “Don’t Box Me In” featuring Stan Ridgway receiving notable airplay while Sting undertook lead role portraying Feyd-Rautha within David Lynch’s ‘’Dune’’. Rising solo fame contributed towards escalating tensions between Copeland and Sting fueled by media spotlight alongside personal conflicts including dissolution of marriages involving both Sting and Summers during this period.

1983: peak acclaim with Synchronicity

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In ’83 The Police unveiled final studio album ‘’Synchronicity’’ featuring major hits such as “[Every Breath You Take]”, “[Wrapped Around Your Finger]”, “[King of Pain]”, “[Synchronicity II]”. By then critics acclaimed them as “the biggest rock band worldwide.” Recording sessions were fraught with tension as members worked independently contributing overdubs separately.[1]

Commencing Synchronicity Tour July ’83 starting Chicago culminating with record-breaking crowd exceeding seventy thousand at Shea Stadium New York City August eighteenth.[2] During concert Sting acknowledged Beatles' influence humorously stating “lending us their stadium.” Drummer Stewart Copeland described tour as symbolic conquest of American market despite English origins.[3] Tour included four sold-out nights at Wembley Arena London concluding March ’84 Melbourne Australia where they headlined alongside Bryan Adams among others; music videos directed by Godley & Creme prominently featured Sting’s distinctive appearance inspired by ‘’Dune’’ film role.

Upon release ‘’Synchronicity’’ debuted atop charts both UK & US sustaining leading positions two weeks domestically seventeen weeks stateside.[4][5] Album received Grammy nomination for Album of Year ultimately losing out to Michael Jackson’s ‘’Thriller’’. However lead single “[Every Breath You Take]” won Song of Year,[6] Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group Vocal category while album earned Best Rock Performance award; song additionally garnered American Video Award Best Group Video plus two Ivor Novello Awards recognizing songwriting excellence.[7]

1984–1986: hiatus amid solo ventures

During Shea Stadium performance Sting described playing there akin climbing Everest deciding thereafter pursue solo career according to documentary ‘’The Last Play at Shea’’. Following Synchronicity Tour conclusion March ’84 band entered indefinite hiatus allowing members explore individual projects: Sting released successful solo debut ‘’The Dream of the Blue Turtles’’ June ’85; Copeland focused upon soundtrack composing including ‘’The Rhythmatist’’ (’85); Summers collaborated again with Robert Fripp releasing ‘’Bewitched’’ (’84) contributing theme music for film ‘’2010: The Year We Make Contact’’.

At ’85 Brit Awards band honored Outstanding Contribution To Music; same year saw Sting & Copeland perform Live Aid Wembley Stadium London raising profile further.

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June ’86 witnessed brief reunion comprising three Amnesty International concerts concluding Giants Stadium New Jersey June fifteenth performing set closed by “Invisible Sun” featuring Bono who subsequently received instruments from band facilitating U2 finale performance “I Shall Be Released”. Bono described moment symbolically likened passing torch between generations.

Attempted recording sessions July ’86 aimed toward sixth studio album were disrupted when Copeland suffered horse-riding injury incapacitating drumming efforts resulting only partial completion including rerecorded single “[Don’t Stand So Close To Me ‘86]” released October reaching UK Top Twenty-Five appearing later within compilation ‘’Every Breath You Take: The Singles’’ topping UK Albums Chart selling over five million copies stateside; additionally rerecorded “[De Do Do Do De Da Da Da]” included within DTS-CD release ‘’Every Breath You Take: The Classics’’ (1995).

Following unsuccessful attempt new material creation group disbanded permanently; Andy Summers later reflected liner notes accompanying compilation ‘’Message In A Box’’ describing endeavor doomed due injury plus lack genuine songwriting intent from Sting characterizing process as empty exercise.

1986–2006: solo careers

Over subsequent two decades members pursued individual artistic paths achieving varying degrees success: Sting established prominent solo career encompassing recordings touring extensively; Summers issued several solo albums collaborating widely while Copeland concentrated upon composing soundtracks film television alongside performing within bands Animal Logic Oysterhead occasionally collaborating notably Summers contributing guitar work ’’...Nothing Like The Sun’’ (Sting ‘87) while Sting lent vocals onto Summers’ albums ’’Charming Snakes’’ (1990) ’’Green Chimneys’’ (1999). On October second ’91 Summers joined Sting Hollywood Bowl performance during ’’The Soul Cages’’ Tour broadcast pay-per-view event rekindling chemistry briefly.

August twenty-second ’92 saw Sting marry Trudie Styler Wiltshire England attended by Summers Copeland who performed classics “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” reigniting camaraderie leading toward eventual reunion considerations later years culminating live releases such as double live album ’’Live!’’ (1995) produced by Summers featuring concerts dating back ‘79 ‘83 tours evidencing enduring legacy prefiguring formal recognition years ahead.

Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame March tenth ’03 performing seminal hits alongside guest artists Steven Tyler Gwen Stefani John Mayer further cementing status same year saw publication autobiographical memoir ’’Broken Music’’ authored by Sting chronicling personal musical odyssey providing insight behind band dynamics post-breakup period.

In ’04 Copeland Summers joined Incubus stage performing signature songs “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle”; original guitarist Henry Padovani also released album involving participation from both Copeland Sting marking first original lineup collaboration since inception nearly three decades prior whilst Rolling Stone ranked Police seventieth among greatest artists ever list underscoring enduring influence spanning generations.

Copeland issued documentary film ’’Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out’’ capturing early years through Super-8 footage meanwhile Andy Summers published memoir ’’One Train Later’’ recounting career trajectory detailing experiences within group reflecting creative challenges personal growth intertwined throughout tenure together.

2007–2008: reunion tour

Main article: The Police Reunion Tour

Early ’07 media speculated about reunion marking thirtieth anniversary over twenty years post-split.[8] Official confirmation arrived January twenty-second when Side-Line magazine disclosed plans for Grammy Awards appearance performing “Roxanne”.[9][10][11] Billboard subsequently verified reunion citing Andy Summers’ prior reflections emphasizing potential continuity had circumstances differed:

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They opened Los Angeles-hosted Grammy Awards February eleventh ’07 announcing presence: “Ladies & gentlemen we are The Police & we’re back!” prior delivering performance of “Roxanne”.[12]

A&M Records marketed reunion tour celebrating thirtieth anniversary coupled with re-release of single “Roxanne”.[8] Commencing late May ’07 tour began Vancouver Canada hosting two shows initially marked by Stewart Copeland expressing critical remarks online prompting media speculation regarding internal tensions though later issuing apology attributing comments toward excessive self-criticism.[13][14]

UK leg tickets sold out within thirty minutes leading performances at Twickenham Stadium September eighth ninth.[15] Original guitarist Henry Padovani appeared during encores Paris September twenty-ninth thirtieth performing “Next To You” expanding lineup momentarily.[16] October witnessed largest show Dublin attracting eighty-two thousand attendees.[17] Festival appearances included TW Classic Belgium Isle Of Wight Festival Heineken Jammin' Venice Hard Rock Calling London all June dates.[18][19]

In February ’08 Sting announced no further recordings or tours planned post-reunion stating unequivocally once reunion concluded that would mark end.[20] Final performance occurred August seventh Madison Square Garden New York City.[21] Opening set featured “Message In A Bottle” accompanied by New York Metropolitan Police brass ensemble followed by tributes honoring Cream Jimi Hendrix Experience.[22] Band also donated $1 million supporting New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s urban tree planting initiative enhancing city environment.

Financially this period marked pinnacle earning year worldwide grossing $358 million selling over three-point-seven million tickets ranking third highest grossing concert tours globally up until then.[23] November eleventh release ‘‘Certifiable: Live In Buenos Aires’’ Blu-ray/DVD/CD package documented December ‘07 Argentina shows immortalizing reunion success.[24][25]

Musical style

Initially emerging rooted within punk rock genre The Police rapidly incorporated reggae rhythms pop sensibilities new wave textures noted critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine AllMusic describing sound embodying punk ethos without adhering strictly genre conventions recognized power trio format placing them squarely within new wave post-punk movements many compositions categorized reggae fusion style blending diverse influences seamlessly integrating into unique sonic identity.

Legacy

Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame during ’03 ceremony ranked among greatest artists ever according Rolling Stone VH1 polls occupying seventieth fortieth positions respectively four studio albums ‘‘Ghost In The Machine’’, ‘‘Reggatta De Blanc’’, ‘‘Outlandos D’Amour’’, ‘‘Synchronicity’’ featured prominently within Rolling Stone’s list encompassing five hundred greatest albums ‘‘Synchronicity’’ additionally acclaimed among premier British releases eighties decade per Q magazine recognition.

Primary songwriter Sting inducted Songwriters Hall Of Fame two thousand two hit song ‘‘Every Breath You Take’’ consistently ranks highly across multiple greatest song compilations including Rolling Stone BMI listing most performed compositions catalogued twenty nineteen other notable tracks include ‘‘Roxanne’’ ‘‘Message In A Bottle.’’

With multiple chart-topping albums domestic international impact The Police instrumental figures Second British Invasion new wave era renowned large-scale stadium performances earning inclusion BBC VH1 documentary series Seven Ages Of Rock alongside legendary stadium rock icons despite publicized interpersonal tensions members maintain cordial relations Andy Summers characterizes dynamic supportive whereas Stewart Copeland acknowledges creative challenges balanced camaraderie reflecting upon recent reunions affirming commercial success yet definitive closure professionally

Discography

Concert tours

Band members

Final lineup

  • Sting – bass guitar, double bass, keyboards, synthesizers, lead and backing vocals (1977–1984, 1992, 2003, 2007–2008)
  • Stewart Copeland – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1977–1984, 1992, 2003, 2007–2008)
  • Andy Summers – guitars, keyboards, backing and occasional lead vocals (1977–1984, 1992, 2003, 2007–2008)

Former members

Awards and nominations

Brit Awards

  • 1982: Awarded Best British Group
  • 1985: Honored with Outstanding Contribution to Music

Grammy Awards

|- !scope="row" | 1981 (23rd Annual Grammy Awards) | "Reggatta de Blanc" | rowspan="2" | Best Rock Instrumental Performance | |- !scope="row" rowspan="2" | 1982 (24th Annual Grammy Awards) | "Behind My Camel" | |- | "Don't Stand So Close to Me" | Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | |- !scope="row" rowspan="4" | 1984 (26th Annual Grammy Awards) | rowspan="2" | Synchronicity | Album of the Year | |- | Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | |- | rowspan="2" | "Every Breath You Take" | Record of the Year | |- | Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | |- !scope="row" | 1986 (28th Annual Grammy Awards) | The Police Synchronicity Concert | Best Music Video, Long Form |

Juno Awards

|- | rowspan="2" | 1984 | Synchronicity | International Album of the Year |

People's Choice Awards

|- | 2008 | The Police | Favorite Reunion Tour |

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Additional rankings

  • Positioned at number 70 on Rolling Stone magazine's Immortals: The 100 Greatest Artists list.
  • Placed at number 40 on VH1's compilation of the 100 Greatest Artists.

See also

Sources


External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named buskin
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Shea
  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ Joel Whitburn (2006). The Billboard Book of Top Forty Hits.
  5. ↑ David Roberts (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums.
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Grammy
  7. ↑ Lister D., Pop ballads bite back lyrically,The Independent, May ’94
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  12. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  13. ↑ Stewart Copeland forum archive
  14. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ TVNZ report
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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