When Did the Police Break Up?
The Police, a legendary British rock band, has been a staple of the music industry for decades. With their unique blend of reggae, rock, and pop, they have captivated audiences worldwide. But, like all good things, their time together eventually came to an end. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question: When did the police break up?
The Early Years (1977-1983)
The Police were formed in 1977 by Sting (Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), Andy Summers (Andrew James Somers), and Stewart Copeland (Stewart Armstrong Copeland). The band’s early years were marked by a series of small gigs and demo recordings. Their big break came in 1978 when they signed with A&M Records and released their debut album, Outlandos d’Amour.
The album was a moderate success, but it was their second album, Reggatta de Blanc, released in 1979, that brought them mainstream success. The album included hits like Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon, which reached the top of the charts in the UK and the US.
The Golden Years (1983-1986)
The Police’s third album, Zenyatta Mondatta, released in 1980, solidified their position as one of the world’s top rock bands. The album included hits like Don’t Stand So Close to Me and De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.
Their fourth album, Ghost in the Machine, released in 1981, was also a huge success, featuring hits like Invisible Sun and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.
The Final Years (1986-1988)
The Police’s fifth and final studio album, Synchronicity, was released in 1983. The album was a commercial success, featuring hits like Every Breath You Take and Wrapped Around Your Finger.
The Breakup (1988)
After the release of Synchronicity, the band members began to drift apart. Sting had already started working on his solo career, and Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland were also pursuing their own projects.
In 1988, the band officially announced that they would be disbanding. The reasons for the breakup were reportedly due to creative differences and personal tensions between the band members.
Post-Breakup (1988-Present)
After the breakup, the band members went on to pursue successful solo careers. Sting released several successful albums, including The Soul Cages and Ten Summoner’s Tales. Andy Summers released several solo albums, including Green Chimneys and Earth+Sky. Stewart Copeland also released several solo albums, including The Rhythmatist and Orchestralli.
In 2007, the band members reunited for a one-off performance at the Live 8 concert in London. They have since reunited for several tours and performances, including a Reunion Tour in 2008 and a Farewell Tour in 2012-2014.
Conclusion
The Police’s breakup in 1988 marked the end of an era in rock music. The band’s unique sound and style had captivated audiences worldwide, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans today. While the band members have gone on to pursue successful solo careers, their time together as the Police will always be remembered as a special moment in music history.
Timeline of the Police’s Career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1977 | The Police formed |
| 1978 | Signed with A&M Records and released debut album Outlandos d’Amour |
| 1979 | Released second album Reggatta de Blanc |
| 1980 | Released third album Zenyatta Mondatta |
| 1981 | Released fourth album Ghost in the Machine |
| 1983 | Released fifth and final studio album Synchronicity |
| 1988 | The Police officially disbanded |
| 2007 | Reunited for a one-off performance at the Live 8 concert in London |
| 2008 | Embarked on a Reunion Tour |
| 2012-2014 | Embarked on a Farewell Tour |
Discography
- Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
- Reggatta de Blanc (1979)
- Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)
- Ghost in the Machine (1981)
- Synchronicity (1983)
Notable Songs
- Message in a Bottle
- Walking on the Moon
- Don’t Stand So Close to Me
- De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
- Invisible Sun
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
- Every Breath You Take
- Wrapped Around Your Finger
