More than two decades later, The Police drummer Stewart Copeland is opening up about the bittersweet emotions surrounding the band’s 2003 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction — a night that brought the trio back together for the first time in nearly 20 years, only to end in quick goodbyes and lingering sadness.
The iconic new wave/reggae rock group — Sting, Andy Summers, and Copeland — disbanded in 1984 at the peak of their global success. Their 2003 reunion at the Waldorf Astoria in New York marked a historic moment, with Gwen Stefani inducting them. The band delivered a powerful mini-set featuring classics “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Every Breath You Take” (the latter joined by Steven Tyler, Gwen Stefani, and John Mayer).
Yet for Copeland, the evening fell short of the celebratory reconnection he had hoped for. In his new documentary Copeland, the drummer shares candid reflections on the experience. After rehearsing and performing their three songs, he watched as Summers headed one way and Sting another. “I walk over the front of the stage, go meet up with my family… I never saw The Police again that night,” Copeland recalled.
The moment left him with a profound sense of disappointment. “I was heartbroken,” he admitted. “Does that mean nothing? Come on, guys.” He described feeling a deep sadness, having been excited to reunite and revisit the “great music” they created together.
Copeland has also noted the strange dynamics of the night, mentioning he spent more time with members of The Clash that evening than with his own bandmates. The induction came during a period of underlying tensions that have persisted, including recent royalty disputes. In January 2026, it was reported that Sting paid out £595,000 to Copeland and Summers amid ongoing legal battles over unpaid arranger’s fees, with the case still unresolved.
Despite the personal letdown, the 2003 ceremony remains a milestone for The Police, who were inducted in their first year of eligibility. The band’s innovative sound — blending punk energy, reggae grooves, and pop hooks — produced massive hits and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Albums like Synchronicity (featuring the chart-topping “Every Breath You Take”) cemented their legacy as one of the defining acts of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Copeland, now 73, continues to thrive as a composer, filmmaker, and performer. His documentary Copeland premieres in London at the Raindance Film Festival on June 19, offering fans a deeper look into his remarkable career beyond The Police.
