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The Police

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Band Timeline

1976-1977

Formation of The Police

The Police formed in London in 1977, originating from the meeting of American drummer Stewart Copeland and English singer-bassist Gordon Sumner (Sting) in 1976. Initially, they included Corsican guitarist Henry Padovani. They began playing the London punk scene influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. Their first concert occurred on March 1, 1977, and by May of the same year, they released their debut single "Fall Out," recorded with a minimal budget and featuring Padovani, who was later replaced by Andy Summers.
1978

Debut Album 'Outlandos d'Amour' Released

The band's debut album, 'Outlandos d'Amour,' was released in 1978. It achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart. The album included hit singles such as "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You," which helped establish The Police as a notable new wave band. Their unique blend of punk energy, reggae rhythms, and rock elements rapidly caught the attention of both the British and international music scenes.
1979

Breakthrough with 'Reggatta de Blanc'

The Police released their second album, 'Reggatta de Blanc,' in 1979. It marked a major commercial breakthrough, becoming the first of four consecutive albums to top charts in the UK and Australia. The singles "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon" both became the band’s first UK number-one singles. This period was critical in solidifying their position in the rock and new wave genres and expanding their international fan base.
1980-1981

Heightened Success with 'Zenyatta Mondatta' and 'Ghost in the Machine'

In 1980, The Police released 'Zenyatta Mondatta,' which included hit singles like "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic." These songs secured UK number-one status and charted highly worldwide, propelling the band further into mainstream success. Their next album, 'Ghost in the Machine' (1981), continued their run of successful releases. The band’s blending of rock, punk, reggae, and jazz influences captivated audiences and critics alike, leading to critical acclaim and commercial success.
1983

Global Fame with 'Synchronicity' and 'Every Breath You Take'

Their final studio album, 'Synchronicity,' was released in 1983, achieving number one status in multiple countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Italy. The album sold over 8 million copies in the US alone, with the lead single "Every Breath You Take" becoming their only US number-one hit and their fifth UK number-one. This period marked the pinnacle of their worldwide popularity, with Rolling Stone magazine naming them a leader of the Second British Invasion in the US. The band’s sophisticated songwriting and polished production defined their legacy at its height.
1984

Disbandment of The Police

Despite their peak success, The Police disbanded in 1984 at the height of their fame. Various tensions within the band and Sting’s rising solo career contributed to the split. The disbandment marked the end of their initial era but did not diminish their influence on rock and new wave music. Their legacy continued to grow post-breakup, with persistent popularity through their recorded music and impact on subsequent artists.
2007-2008

Reunion and World Tour

The Police reunited in early 2007 for a global reunion tour that lasted through August 2008. This tour became the highest-grossing tour of 2007, making The Police the world's highest-earning musicians in 2008. The reunion brought the band back into the international spotlight, introducing their music to a new generation and celebrating their enduring popularity. Their live performances were celebrated for their energy and musicianship, reaffirming The Police’s position in rock history.
2003 and Beyond

Recognition and Legacy

The Police were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, underscoring their significant contributions to music. They have sold over 75 million records globally, gaining numerous awards including six Grammys and two Brit Awards. Four of their five studio albums were recognized in Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time.' The band remains included in lists of the greatest artists ever, reflecting their lasting impact on rock, punk, and new wave music worldwide.

Albums

the-police_1st_album
Outlandos d’Amour
10 tracks
1978
the-police_2nd_album
Reggatta de Blanc
11 tracks
1979
the-police_3rd_album
Zenyattà Mondatta
11 tracks
1980
the-police_4th_album
Ghost in the Machine
11 tracks
1981
the-police_5th_album
Synchronicity
11 tracks
1983
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Sting

2003
2003

Bass guitar

Sting

2007
2008

Bass guitar

Stewart Copeland

2007
2008

Drums (drum set)

Henri Padovani

1977
1977

Guitar

Sting

1977
1986

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

Henri Padovani

2007
2007

Guitar

Stewart Copeland

2003
2003

Drums (drum set)

Stewart Copeland

1977
1986

Drums (drum set)

Andy Summers

1977
1986

Guitar

Sting

2007
2008

Lead vocals

Andy Summers

2003
2003

Guitar

Andy Summers

2007
2008

Guitar

Sting

2003
2003

Lead vocals

Story of The Police

The Police: A Rock Revolution

The Police, a legendary English rock band, emerged from the vibrant music scene of London in 1977. Within a short time, their lineup solidified with the iconic trio of Sting (the enigmatic vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter), Andy Summers (the virtuoso guitarist), and Stewart Copeland (the dynamic drummer and percussionist). This formidable lineup remained steadfast throughout the band's illustrious career.

The Police quickly captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. They rose to prominence amidst the British new wave movement, blending elements of punk, reggae, and jazz into their signature rock sound.

Their debut album, "Outlandos d'Amour" (1978), soared to the UK's top 6, fueled by the infectious singles "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You." Their sophomore effort, "Reggatta de Blanc" (1979), marked a pivotal moment in their career, achieving a coveted No. 1 spot in both the UK and Australia. It spawned the chart-topping hits "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon," catapulting the band to international stardom.

The Police continued their winning streak with "Zenyatta Mondatta" (1980) and "Ghost in the Machine" (1981). These albums yielded further critical acclaim and commercial success, including the UK number-one singles "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," which also resonated with audiences globally. "Zenyatta Mondatta" proved to be a monumental breakthrough in the US, reaching number five on the Billboard 200.

Their final studio album, "Synchronicity" (1983), topped the charts in the UK and US, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

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