The Police
Biography
The Police were a British rock band formed in London in 1977. For the majority of their history, the band consisted of primary songwriter Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The band emerged in the British new wave scene and played a style of rock that was influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. They are regarded as one of the first new wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing to large audiences and enjoying significant airplay on MTV.
Formation and Early Years
The Police were formed by American drummer Stewart Copeland in 1977. After the breakup of his progressive rock band Curved Air, Copeland was eager to form a new three-piece band and join the burgeoning London punk scene. He soon recruited singer and bassist Gordon "Sting" Sumner, and they, along with guitarist Henry Padovani, began performing in London's punk clubs. In May 1977, they released their debut single "Fall Out" on an independent label. That same year, guitarist Andy Summers joined the band, initially as a fourth member. After a brief period as a quartet, Padovani departed, and the classic lineup of Sting, Summers, and Copeland was established.
Rise to Fame and Musical Style
The Police's musical style was a unique fusion of genres. While they were initially considered a punk rock act, they quickly incorporated reggae, pop, and new wave elements into their sound. This blend of styles, combined with their skilled musicianship, set them apart from their contemporaries. The band's signature sound was characterized by Sting's distinctive high-pitched vocals and melodic bass lines, Copeland's intricate drumming, and Summers' atmospheric guitar work.
Outlandos d'Amour and Reggatta de Blanc
The band's debut album, "Outlandos d'Amour," was released in 1978 and featured the hit single "Roxanne." The album reached number 6 on the UK charts. Their second album, "Reggatta de Blanc" (1979), was even more successful, reaching number one in the UK and Australia. It included the hit singles "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon," which both topped the UK charts.
Zenyatta Mondatta and Ghost in the Machine
The Police achieved further international success with their next two albums, "Zenyatta Mondatta" (1980) and "Ghost in the Machine" (1981). "Zenyatta Mondatta" became their breakthrough album in the US, reaching number five on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured the UK number-one single "Don't Stand So Close to Me." "Ghost in the Machine" also topped the UK charts and included the hit "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic."
Synchronicity and Breakup
The band's final studio album, "Synchronicity" (1983), was their most successful. It reached number one in the UK, US, and several other countries, selling over 8 million copies in the US alone. The album's lead single, "Every Breath You Take," became their fifth UK number-one and their only US number-one single. Despite their immense popularity, internal tensions within the band led to their disbandment in 1986. Following the "Synchronicity" tour, the members pursued solo careers.
Reunion and Legacy
The Police reunited in 2007 for a highly successful world tour to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The tour was the highest-grossing of 2007 and concluded in August 2008. The band has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They have won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards. In 2003, The Police were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their innovative sound and fusion of genres have influenced countless artists, and their music remains popular today.