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The unique sound of The Police (formed in 1977) was an infusion of reggae-inspired punk rock which was popular in the UK at the time, yet unheard of in the US. Sting, the lead singer and bass player for the band, proved to have remarkable song-writing skills, having worked as an English teacher in the past. His lyrics have reflected the writings of Arthur Koestler, Paul Bowles, and Carl Jung.
After struggling to put together their first album, Outlandos d'Amour, on a tight budget, with no representation, The Police finally emerged on the music scene in 1979 with the hit single "Roxanne". They immediately scored a record deal with A&M Records and began a gig at the infamous New York club, CBGB.
Their second album, Regatta de Blanc, led to a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the instrumental title track "Regatta de Blanc". One year after the release of their second album, The Police embarked on a world tour, becoming one of the first major rock bands to perform in such exotic locations as Bombay, India, and Egypt.
The Police's third album, Zenyatta Mondatta, led to true worldwide fame. It was hailed by critics as one of their best efforts and earned them two Grammy awards. A Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the track "Behind My Camel" and another for Best Rock Vocal Performance For Duo Or Group for the track "Don't Stand So Close To Me".
Despite the widespread success of the band's following two albums, Ghost in the Machine and Synchronicity, tensions were high between the lead singer and songwriter Sting and the band founder Stewart Copeland. As many bands which have reached worldwide fame, there were the issues of conflicting egos, publicity, and the root of all evil: money.
In March of 2003, The Police were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although they performed three songs together at the ceremony, tensions were high and Stewart Copeland was beating his drums so hard by the end of the last song that the snare drum broke.
Despite these tensions and Sting's successful solo career, the band has not been forgotten. They were voted #70 in Rolling Stone Magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and are rumored to be planning a reunion tour this year to commemorate their 30th Anniversary. A recent rumor names the Police as the Summer concert at Boston's Fenway Park.
