The Police were a British rock band formed in London in 1977. The band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early to mid 1980s. Emerging in the British new wave scene, they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz.
The Police released five studio albums, all of which were commercial and critical successes. Their most popular albums include Outlandos d'Amour (1978), Regatta de Blanc (1979), Zenyattà Mondatta (1980), Ghost in the Machine (1981), and Synchronicity (1983). The Police also released a number of hit singles, including "Roxanne", "So Lonely", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", "Every Breath You Take", and "Wrapped Around Your Finger".
The Police disbanded in 1984, but reunited in 2007 for a one-off world tour. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
The Police are considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their music has been praised for its eclecticism, its catchiness, and its lyrical sophistication. The Police have also been credited with helping to popularize new wave music and with bringing reggae influences to rock music.
The Police's music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Radiohead. The band's songs have also been used in a number of films and television shows.
Members
The members of the Police band were:
- Sting (real name Gordon Sumner) - lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter
Sting was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, England, on October 2, 1951. He began his musical career as a jazz musician, but he switched to rock music in the early 1970s. Sting was the primary songwriter for the Police, and he wrote some of the band's most popular songs, including "Roxanne", "Every Breath You Take", and "Wrapped Around Your Finger".
- Andy Summers - guitar
Andy Summers was born in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, England, on December 31, 1942. He began his musical career as a jazz guitarist, but he later played in a variety of rock bands, including Soft Machine and Camel. Summers' innovative guitar work was a key part of the Police's sound.
- Stewart Copeland - drums, percussion
Stewart Copeland was born in Alexandria, Virginia, United States, on July 16, 1952. He began his musical career as a jazz drummer, but he later switched to rock music. Copeland's energetic drumming was another key part of the Police's sound.