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If you grew up in the ’70s, well then you remember the first time you heard the song, Roxanne, and said to yourself or whoever was standing right next to you, “Who is that?” The Police were formed in London in 1977. They consisted of three prominent members, and as you know, if you were around during the 70s and 80s, they achieved significant success with their unique blend of rock, punk, and reggae. The band released five studio albums: Outlandos d’Amour (1978), Reggatta de Blanc (1979), Zenyatta Mondatta (1980), Ghost in the Machine (1981), and Synchronicity (1983). They enjoyed several chart-topping hits, including “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Every Breath You Take.” The Police received numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Despite their immense popularity, internal tensions led to their disbandment in 1986, though they reunited for a world tour in 2007-2008.
Sting
Sting, born Gordon Sumner on October 2, 1951, in Wallsend, England, was the lead vocalist and bassist for The Police. He joined the band at its inception in 1977 and remained with the group until its initial disbandment in 1986. Sting’s distinctive voice and bass playing were crucial to the band’s sound. He contributed significantly to all five of The Police’s studio albums, both as a musician and a primary songwriter. Notable contributions include “Roxanne” from Outlandos d’Amour, “Message in a Bottle” from Reggatta de Blanc, and “Every Breath You Take” from Synchronicity. Beyond The Police, Sting embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums such as The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) and Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993). His solo work has earned him additional Grammy Awards, and he has collaborated with various artists, including Eric Clapton and Herbie Hancock. He is one of classic rock’s greatest songwriters and musicians.
Andy Summers
Andy Summers, born Andrew James Somers on December 31, 1942, in Poulton-le-Fylde, England, joined The Police as the guitarist in 1977, replacing the original guitarist Henry Padovani. Summers remained with the band until their break-up in 1986 and participated in the 2007-2008 reunion tour. His innovative guitar work was instrumental in shaping the band’s sound, with a significant presence on all five studio albums. Summers’ notable contributions include all of the band’s iconic guitar riffs. After The Police, Summers pursued a solo career and collaborated with other musicians, including Robert Fripp and John Etheridge. He also explored photography and published several books showcasing his work.
Stewart Copeland
Stewart Copeland, born on July 16, 1952, in Alexandria, Virginia, was the drummer for The Police. He co-founded the band with Sting and guitarist Henry Padovani in 1977. Copeland’s energetic drumming and inventive rhythms were central to the band’s distinctive sound. He played on all five studio albums and was a key contributor to their success. Notable tracks featuring Copeland’s drumming include “Walking on the Moon” from Reggatta de Blanc and “Synchronicity II” from Synchronicity. Outside of The Police, Copeland has had a diverse career, scoring films like Rumble Fish (1983) and television shows, as well as composing ballets and operas. He has also played in bands such as Oysterhead and Gizmodrome.
Henry Padovani
Henry Padovani, born on October 13, 1952, in Bastia, Corsica, was the original guitarist for The Police. He joined the band in 1977 but played with them for only a few months before being replaced by Andy Summers. Padovani contributed to the band’s early singles, including “Fall Out” and “Nothing Achieving”. After leaving The Police, Padovani joined the band Wayne County & the Electric Chairs and later formed his own group, The Flying Padovanis. He has also worked as a solo artist and written an autobiography, Secret Police Man, detailing his experiences in the music industry.
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