Sting Sued by Former Police Bandmates

Sting is being sued by his former bandmates in The Police over alleged lost royalties.

The details:

• Guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland are suing for “substantial” damages, claiming they were never given songwriting credits and have therefore never earned royalties from the band’s music.

• Digital Music News quotes a “source familiar with the matter” who says: “This has been coming for quite some time. Lawyers tried repeatedly to reach an out-of-court settlement but hit a stalemate.”

• The source adds: “Andy and Stewart decided there was no alternative than court, so pressed the button. They say they are owed millions in lost royalties.”

• Sting is listed as a defendant under his legal name, Gordon Sumner, as is his firm, Magnetic Publishing Limited.

The Police:

• After forming in London in 1977, The Police released five studio albums before splitting in 1984.

• They’re reported to have sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

• A reunion tour in 2007-2008 was at the time the third highest grossing tour ever.