Forbes: The Police Reunion? Not a Chance – And Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

For fans of The Police, the news from Forbes confirming that a reunion is not in the cards might be disappointing—but let’s be honest, is it really surprising? The iconic trio of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland has been one of the most tumultuous bands in rock history, and a reunion would likely do more harm than good to their legacy.
Unfinished Business or Smart Business?
Since their 2007–08 reunion tour, which was supposed to be the ultimate farewell, Sting has made it crystal clear that he has no desire to revisit The Police. And why would he? His solo career has been far more lucrative and artistically diverse than anything the band did in its short-lived reign from 1977 to 1986.
Andy Summers has subtly expressed interest in playing together again, while Stewart Copeland—despite occasionally being open to the idea—has been more critical of the internal tensions that plagued the band. The truth is, this wasn’t a case of three best friends jamming for fun. The Police was a ticking time bomb of egos, musical differences, and unresolved conflicts.
The Illusion of Nostalgia
Fans clamoring for a reunion tend to romanticize the past without acknowledging that the magic of The Police was rooted in the intense friction between its members. That same tension made their music legendary but also made their working relationship unbearable. The 2007 reunion proved that while nostalgia sells, it doesn’t always translate into chemistry.
If The Police were to reunite now, would they even be the same band? Summers is 81, Copeland is 72, and Sting is 72. The raw energy of their early days—the punk-reggae fusion that defined hits like Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, and Message in a Bottle—would be hard to replicate. Would audiences pay to see a watered-down version of The Policestruggling to relive their past, or are they better off preserving the image of a band that left on top?
Reunions Aren’t Always a Good Idea
If history has taught us anything, it’s that some bands should stay broken up. Look at Guns N’ Roses: their long-awaited reunion has been financially successful, but critics argue that Axl Rose’s voice is a shadow of its former self. Similarly, Led Zeppelin’s 2007 one-off performance was well-received, but Robert Plant has resisted full-scale reunions for fear of tarnishing their legacy.
The Police fall into the same category. They had a nearly flawless discography, ended at their peak, and don’t need to risk a lackluster comeback that could diminish their impact.
Sting’s Success is the Real Roadblock
Let’s be real—the biggest obstacle to a Police reunion is Sting himself. Unlike his bandmates, he doesn’t need the money or the exposure. He’s sold over 100 million records as a solo artist, won 17 Grammy Awards, and remains an active performer. He’s also known for being a control freak in the studio—something that didn’t sit well with Copeland and Summers. Why would he give up creative freedom to revisit a band that he’s outgrown?
The Verdict: Let The Police Stay in the Past
While it’s fun to speculate about a Police reunion, the reality is that some things are better left as memories. Their legacy remains intact, their influence on rock and pop is undeniable, and they bowed out before overstaying their welcome. Instead of demanding a reunion, maybe it’s time fans appreciate the music they gave us and accept that The Police have already made their final arrest.
Would you rather see The Police attempt a comeback, or do you think they should leave their legacy untouched? Let’s hear your take.