Andy Summers Details Sting And Stewart Copeland’s Dispute Over The Police Hit

During a new interview with Guitar magazine, The Police guitarist Andy Summers revealed that Sting and Stewart Copeland were ready to throw away their hit song, ‘Every Breath You Take,’ since they couldn’t agree on the instruments.

The Police released ‘Every Breath You Take‘  in 1983 as the lead track of their fifth and final studio album, ‘Synchronicity.’ Written by Sting, the song became the signature song of the Police and also one of the biggest hits ever. The hit track topped the charts in various countries for weeks. The song won two Grammy Awards in 1983 for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

‘Every Breath You Take’ stands out with its straightforward lyrics and simple melody. Sting’s outstanding vocals, Andy Summers’ fantastic guitar part, and Stewart Copeland’s drums compliment each other perfectly. Unfortunately, the hit song marked both their peak and their end. They soon parted ways at the height of their career and never reunited.

During his latest interview, Andy Summers detailed Sting and Stewart Copeland’s dispute over the song. The guitarist explained that the two names couldn’t agree on the direction of the bass and drum parts, so the song would almost go to waste due to their dispute. Then, Summers played his now-iconic guitar riff, and they clapped him. Thus, everything fell into place, and the hit song saved itself from being kicked out.

Andy Summers speaking on Sting and Stewart Copeland’s dispute over ‘Every Breath You Take’:

That song was going to be thrown out. Sting and Stewart could not agree on how the bass and drums were going to go. We were in the middle of ‘Synchronicity,’ and Sting says, ‘Well, go on then, go in there and make it your own.’ And I did it in one take. They all stood up and clapped.”

You can listen to the Police’s hit song below.