Stewart Copeland has opened up about the profound sense of “heartbreak” and “sadness” he experienced following The Police’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. While the 2003 ceremony was intended to be a celebratory reunion for the legendary trio, the drummer recalls the evening as a deeply disappointing experience that failed to live up to his expectations.
The band, which featured Sting, Andy Summers, and Copeland, reunited to perform iconic tracks including ‘Every Breath You Take’, ‘Roxanne’, and ‘Message In A Bottle’. However, as detailed in the new documentary Copeland, the reality behind the scenes was far from harmonious.
A Tense Reunion
Reflecting on the event, Stewart Copeland noted that the rehearsals leading up to the ceremony were marked by a “weird” atmosphere. This tension persisted throughout the night, ultimately overshadowing the performance itself.
“We hadn’t seen each other in decades – the rehearsals were a little weird,” he explained. “We played our three songs, [then] after we played the three songs, I look over and Andy’s walked off that way into the night, Sting’s walked off that way. I walk over to the front of the stage and meet up with my family… I never saw The Police again that night.”
For Copeland, the abrupt end to the evening was devastating. “Does that mean nothing? Come on, guys,” he added, expressing the lingering pain of the disconnect between the band members during what should have been a career-defining milestone.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The emotional distance described by Copeland mirrors the long-standing legal friction between the former bandmates. In recent years, Andy Summers and Copeland have been involved in high-profile litigation against Sting regarding unpaid royalties. The dispute centers on claims of “substantial damages” related to the digital exploitation of the band’s back catalogue, with the musicians arguing they are owed “arranger’s fees” for their contributions to the group’s hits.
While Sting has consistently denied these claims, arguing that streaming and download revenue should be categorized as public performance rather than sales, the legal battles have continued to cast a shadow over the legacy of The Police.
The documentary Copeland, which offers a candid look at the drummer’s life and career, is set to receive its UK premiere at the London Raindance Film Festival this Friday (June 19).
