The Police

Like most bands during the 70s, The Police started off as young men who just wanted to make great music. Originally, they were a four-piece band, but Henry Padovani, a guitarist, was asked to leave the band. Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, and Sting now made up the line-up - who make up the band today.

The band was only together for a few years when the opportunity to record a contract arose. With little money, no record deal, and no manager, the first album, Outlandos d’Amour, was by no means an easy start. The Police’s unique reggae style and Sting’s knack for writing poetic songs wouldn’t hold them back for long. Soon A&M Records got a hold of some of their songs.

One of those songs: 'Roxanne.'

With a new record deal, 'Roxanne' was re-released, and fame was theirs. This led to a large U.S. tour, which was a fairly large feat for a small U.K. band. Another upside to the late 70s was the release of their second album, Regatta de Blanc. The new album gained them their first number one hit ('Message In A Bottle'), their first world tour, their first Grammy nomination, and their first Grammy win (for Best Rock Instrumental Performance). Safe to say they broke the sophomore slump.

Once again The Police came back from tour and began working on a new record, Zenyatta Mondatta. Later it was revealed that the band felt that the record companies push for a new album after such a rigorous tour was unnecessary. You would think that because of this, the album wouldn’t do as well?

Yeah, right.

Critically and commercially the album did amazingly in the U.K. and U.S. Within the band, though, tensions were strained. Sting’s rising fame caused conflicts with the other two members, especially Copeland. Arguments about money, publicity, and even the Ghost In The Machine cover began to wear on the band.

Situations still didn’t improve when the new album did very well again. So the band would take a break for a year to do their own thing. In 1983, they came back with Synchronicity, which had this little song called, 'Every Breath You Take.' The album became massive and certified them into musical history.

After this The Police went their separate ways. No official announcements were made, and only scattered shows followed. Each member went their own way, personally and musically.

Then the 30th anniversary or 'Roxanne' came and with it - a reunion. The reunion made them the highest paid musicians in 2008. While the reunion was massively successful, the band has stated that there will be no new material or big tours.

For now.

Fun Facts:
- Sting got his nickname from wearing black and yellow striped shirts. His real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner. Doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue, eh?
- Were inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame on March 10th, 2003. During the performance, Copeland broke one on the drum heads from playing so aggressively.
- Andy Summers’, who is primarily self-taught, signature guitars are the Fender Telecaster/Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul.
- Early in their careers the band was strapped for cash and did a chewing gum commercial. For the commercial all three members had to dye their hair bleach blonde - which became their trademark look.
- They were one of the first groups to have a reggae style that became popular in the U.S.
- VH1 ranked them the 10th Greatest Artist of Rock ‘N’ Roll out of 100.
- Performed at the Live Earth concert
- Summers is also a fantastic photographer. He published a photo book of The Police entitled I’ll Be Watching You
- Copeland has released several singles under the name Klark Kent
- The Police are also prominent philanthropists and each work with many charities and benefits

Songs To Get You Started:

'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'
'Demolition Man'
'Don’t Stand So Close To Me'
'Invisible Sun'
'Kind Of Pain'
'Every Breath You Take'
'Message In A Bottle'
'Roxanne'
'Synchronicity II'
'Walking On The Moon'
'Wrapped Around Your Finger'
'De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da'