IT was Sting's brilliant idea to bring The Police back together for their 30th anniversary, sources say, despite interviews he and band members Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers gave suggesting it was a mutual idea. One music-industry heavyweight tells Page Six: "Sting worked on Stewart and Andy for six months trying to get them to agree to tour. They didn't really want to at first. It's not like they need the money. They're set for life off of the royalties alone. "But for some reason, Sting was insistent, telling them how much money they all could make," the source said. To sweeten the deal, Sting "assured his former bandmates they could not only pick the song list for the tour, but that the three would share equally in profits – whereas in the past, Sting always got a higher percentage because he was the frontman. "They finally agreed," our source said, and the group decided to kick off their reunion tour with an opening performance at the Grammys of "Roxanne." But Copeland and Summers apparently didn't realize what they had signed on for. "Andy and Stew thought they would just do the old rock version of 'Roxanne,' " our insider said, "but when they showed up for sound check, Sting had created this weird, jazz-blues version of the song, and they kind of freaked out." Sting insisted that his version was better and sang the unexpected rendition of the 1978 hit at the Grammys – to almost everyone's dismay. "It was hideous," said one music executive. "Lets hope the whole rest of the song sets for the tour aren't like that." The worldwide Police tour will net the group $175 million. A rep for Sting referred us to interviews the band has given about their tour.
Page Six
I hated the new version of Roxanne, but then again I hate the old one too. In 1986 when The Police released their first greatest hits they were planning on updating all the songs, but Stewart Copeland broke his arm and only Don't Stand So Close to Me was redone. I hated the new version because I love the original. I would never wish Stewart (what a brilliant drummer) any ill health, but I am glad he broke his arm. Hopefully they will keep most of the songs as is and not screw them up like they did Roxanne!
