The Police were not born from the chaotic energy of the London punk scene, but from a chance meeting between an American drummer and a British jazz singer in 1976. Stewart Copeland, a drummer with a background in progressive rock, met Gordon Sumner, known professionally as Sting, while on tour with the band Curved Air. Their initial collaboration was not a rock band, but a jazz-rock fusion project called Last Exit. The transformation into The Police began when Copeland, inspired by the burgeoning punk movement, convinced Sting to move to London and form a new group. They started as a four-piece with Corsican guitarist Henry Padovani, but the lineup quickly shifted to the legendary trio of Sting, Copeland, and Andy Summers. This power trio structure was rare for the time, as most bands of the era expanded to include multiple guitarists or keyboardists. The musical style of The Police was a unique fusion of punk, reggae, and jazz, creating a sound that was both nervous and polished. Their debut album, Outlandos d'Amour, released in 1978, reached number six on the UK Albums Chart and contained the singles Roxanne and Can't Stand Losing You. The band's early success was driven by their ability to blend the raw energy of punk with the sophisticated rhythms of reggae and the complex harmonies of jazz. This unique sound allowed them to stand out in a crowded music scene and set the stage for their global dominance in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Accidental Blondes And The Banned Singles
The bleached-blond hair that became a band trademark happened by accident in February 1978. The band, desperate for money, were asked to do a commercial for Wrigley's Spearmint chewing gum, directed by Tony Scott. The condition for the job was that they dye their hair blond, as blond was associated with punk at the time. The commercial was shot with the band, but it was never aired. The band's early singles faced significant challenges, with Roxanne failing to chart initially and being banned by the BBC due to its depiction of prostitution. The band capitalized on this controversy, with A&M Records promoting the single with posters claiming it was banned by the BBC, even though it was never officially banned. This marketing strategy helped the song gain traction, and it eventually reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The band's first television appearance was on BBC2's The Old Grey Whistle Test in October 1978, and they continued to build their reputation through live performances and radio play. The success of their early singles laid the groundwork for their future albums, with Reggatta de Blanc becoming the first of four consecutive number one studio albums in the UK and Australia. The band's ability to navigate the music industry's challenges and turn controversy into success was a key factor in their rise to fame.
The Police's first world tour began in March 1980, taking them to Mexico, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece, and Egypt. The tour was documented in the film The Police Around the World, directed by Kate and Derek Burbidge, which contained footage shot by Annie Nightingale originally intended for a BBC production. The band's global reach was further expanded by their performances at famous venues like CBGB in New York City and The Rathskeller in Boston. The tour was a grueling experience, with the band driving themselves and their equipment around the country in a Ford Econoline van. The success of their early albums and singles led to a series of world tours, including the Zenyatta Mondatta Tour and the Ghost in the Machine Tour. The band's ability to perform in diverse locations and connect with audiences worldwide was a testament to their musical versatility and stage presence. The Police's stadium rock era began in 1983 with the Synchronicity Tour, which included a historic performance at Shea Stadium in New York. The band played in front of 70,000 fans, and Sting announced, We'd like to thank the Beatles for lending us their stadium. This performance marked a significant milestone in the band's career, as they became one of the biggest rock bands in the world. The Synchronicity Tour was a massive success, with the band playing throughout the UK and ending in Melbourne, Australia. The tour's success was driven by the band's ability to deliver powerful performances and connect with audiences on a global scale.
The Tense Recordings And The Final Album
The recording of the Synchronicity album was a tense affair, with increasing disputes among the band members. The three members recorded their contributions individually in separate rooms and over-dubbed at different times. The album spawned hit singles like Every Breath You Take, Wrapped Around Your Finger, King of Pain, and Synchronicity II. The album became a number one hit in both the UK and the US, staying at number one in the UK for two weeks and in the US for seventeen weeks. The album was nominated for Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, but lost to Michael Jackson's Thriller. Every Breath You Take won the Grammy for Song of the Year, beating Jackson's Billie Jean. The song also won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and the album won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The success of the album and its singles solidified The Police's status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. However, the tensions within the band were evident during the recording process, with Sting, Copeland, and Summers working separately and often at odds with each other. The album's success was a testament to the band's musical talent, but it also highlighted the growing rift between the members.
The Disbandment And The Solo Careers
After the Synchronicity tour ended in March 1984, the band went on hiatus while Sting recorded and toured in support of his successful solo debut LP, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Copeland recorded and filmed The Rhythmatist, and Summers recorded another album with Robert Fripp. The band's disbandment was a result of the tensions that had been building during the Synchronicity era. Sting's solo career took off, and he became a major star, branching out into acting and other musical projects. Copeland and Summers also pursued their own careers, with Copeland becoming a producer of movie and television soundtracks and Summers recording several albums as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians. The band's disbandment was a significant moment in their history, as it marked the end of an era for The Police. However, the band's legacy continued to grow, with their music remaining popular and influential. The band's disbandment also allowed the members to explore new creative avenues and pursue their individual interests, leading to a diverse range of projects and collaborations.
The Reunion And The Final Tour
In early 2007, reports surfaced that the trio would reunite for a tour to mark the Police's 30th anniversary, more than 20 years since their split in 1986. The band opened the 49th Annual Grammy Awards on the 11th of February 2007 in Los Angeles, announcing, Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Police, and we're back! before launching into Roxanne. The Police Reunion Tour began in late May 2007 with two shows in Vancouver. The tour was a massive success, with tickets for the British leg selling out within 30 minutes. The band played two nights at Twickenham Stadium on 8 and the 9th of September, and the tour ended in August 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The final show of the tour was on the 7th of August 2008, and the band performed the opening song, Message in a Bottle, with the brass band of the New York Metropolitan Police Corp. The tour was the third-highest-grossing tour of all time, with the band selling 3.7 million tickets and grossing $358 million. The reunion tour was a testament to the band's enduring popularity and the enduring appeal of their music. The band's decision to reunite was a significant moment in their history, as it allowed them to reconnect with their fans and celebrate their legacy. The tour was a massive success, and the band's final performance at Madison Square Garden marked the end of an era for The Police.
The Legacy And The Enduring Influence
The Police have sold over 75 million records, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. The band won a number of music awards, including six Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award. In 2003, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Four of their five studio albums appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The band were included among both Rolling Stone and VH1's lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The primary songwriter for the Police, Sting, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, Every Breath You Take ranked number 84, and Roxanne ranked number 388. The band's legacy continues to influence new generations of musicians, with their music remaining popular and influential. The band's ability to blend different musical styles and create a unique sound has been a key factor in their enduring success. The Police's legacy is a testament to their musical talent, their ability to connect with audiences, and their enduring influence on the music industry.