Within the space of about five years, power trio The Police had become one of the world's biggest bands. Comprising bassist/vocalist (and chief songwriter) Gordon 'Sting' Sumner, guitarist Andy Summers and American drummer Stewart Copeland, they'd enjoyed a string of hit singles and albums on both sides of the Atlantic. By 1983, the strain was taking its toll as the individual members began to drift apart, but the band reconvened at AIR Studios in Quebec at the end of 1982 in order to record what would become their biggest-selling album to date.
Reportedly the band members recorded their parts in separate rooms, ostensibly in order to obtain the best sound for their respective instruments, but as the album's co-producer Hugh Padgham admitted, it was also for 'social reasons'. Overdubs took place in early 1983 at Le Studio, Quebec, Canada - again with the band members adding their overdubs separately. The volatile relationship between Sting and Stewart Copeland boiled over with the two coming to blows, almost resulting in Hugh Padgham walking from the project.
When the album was released in June 1983 it was an instant success, topping both UK and US album charts - even dislodging the all-conquering Michael Jackson for a period whose 'Thriller' album ruled the year. The album spawned several hit singles, most notably 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' and 'Every Breath You Take', a chart-topper both sides of the Atlantic. The band won three Grammy awards the following year for 'Synchronicity', but despite the enormous success, the strain proved too much in the end and following a tour, the band finally splintered with Sting going on to solo success two years later with his solo album 'Dream Of The Blue Turtles'. A comeback was attempted in 1986, with a compilation album being released (featuring a re-recorded 'Don't Stand So Close To Me'), but this soon faltered, with Copeland suffering a broken shoulder rendering him unable to play drums.
It wasn't until 2007 that the band finally got back together for a tour, despite the lengthy hiatus interest was massive and the group sold out huge venues the world over. That tour ended in 2008, grossing a reported $358m. Since then the members have continued with their respective solo projects.
'Every Breath You Take' has become a signature song, its distinctive guitar riff being sampled by hip-hop artists Puff Daddy (later P. Diddy), Faith Evans and 112 for their tribute to deceased fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G., 'I'll Be Missing You' in 1997.
Shown is the memorable video to 'Wrapped Around Your Finger', very much of its time!
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