We Get Along Just Fine: Stewart Copeland Discusses Band Dynamics and His ‘Fully Retired’ Status Amid Royalty Lawsuit

Stewart Copeland, the renowned drummer of the legendary band The Police, is currently on a spoken word tour across North America. During this tour, he has been engaging audiences with stories about his time with the band and addressing the ongoing legal issues surrounding royalties. Despite the tensions that have arisen from a lawsuit involving his former bandmate Sting, Copeland reassured fans that he, Sting, and guitarist Andy Summers maintain a cordial relationship.

Ongoing Royalty Dispute

Copeland and Summers initiated legal action against Sting in England last year, asserting that they are owed $2 million in unpaid royalties based on songwriting agreements established when The Police formed in 1977. The lawsuit has progressed to the U.K.’s High Court, with records indicating that Sting has already compensated his former bandmates $870,000. However, Copeland and Summers continue to pursue the remaining balance of their claim.

In discussing the lawsuit, Copeland clarified that he is not directly involved in the court proceedings. He stated, “We’re not (in court). The bean counters are, somewhere over in London. For me it’s, ‘Lemme know how it works out…’”

Maintaining Relationships

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Copeland expressed satisfaction with his current relationship with Sting. He noted that they often converse about everyday topics, such as family and social media, stating, “I’m happy that we get along just fine.” He emphasized that their amicable relationship is not influenced by negative emotions like jealousy or greed, but rather stems from their shared musical history.

The Police, active from 1977 to 1984, released five studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Synchronicity, which has achieved significant recognition, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The band briefly reunited for a series of concerts in 1986 and again for a global tour from 2007 to 2008, during which Copeland mentioned that they sought professional help to navigate their complex dynamics.

Copeland’s Multifaceted Career

In addition to his work with The Police, Copeland has pursued a diverse career in music and the arts. He is involved in various projects, including opera and classical composition, film scoring, and writing. His latest documentary, Copeland, is set to premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London on June 19. He is also working on a new opera, details of which remain undisclosed.

Copeland has expanded his touring repertoire with Police Deranged for Orchestra, which now includes a broader selection of his musical works. He humorously remarked, “Instead of just the Police, it will be the entire world f***ed up.”

Despite his busy schedule, Copeland considers himself “fully retired” from commercial music. He explained that while he enjoys creating music, he does so without the pressure of commercial success. “I’ve had a career in music; it worked out well. Now I just do it for kicks and put (music) up on YouTube for folks to enjoy, without any agenda,” he stated.

Insights into Rock ‘n’ Roll Life

Copeland is also working on a new book that explores the unique experiences of living as a rock star. He describes it as a guide to navigating the challenges of fame and the peculiarities of celebrity life. The book includes interviews with fellow musicians and therapists, offering insights into the complexities of relationships within the music industry.

He shared an anecdote from Carly Simon regarding the dynamics of romance in bands, illustrating the emotional intensity that often accompanies musical collaboration. Copeland noted that the creative process can lead to profound connections, both musically and personally.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Copeland’s spoken word tour, titled Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures, is set to continue with several dates across North America. The tour features a mix of storytelling and audience interaction, allowing fans to submit questions for Copeland to address during performances.

Upcoming dates include:

• June 18 — Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
• June 20 — Presidio Theatre, San Francisco, CA
• June 25 — Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver, BC
• July 9 — City Winery, Boston, MA
• August 4 — City Winery, Nashville, TN
• November 1 — Rose Wagner Theater, Salt Lake City, UT

As reported by www.billboard.com.

Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/

Published on 2026-06-18 07:21:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk