The trio of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland that entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 was The Police.
The Police formed in London in 1977, initially bringing together drummer Stewart Copeland, guitarist Henry Padovani, and American bassist and singer Sting. Andy Summers replaced Padovani soon afterward, creating the classic three-member lineup. Their sound fused new wave and post-punk with reggae, jazz, and tightly controlled rhythmic interplay.
The band’s breakthrough came with “Roxanne,” followed by hits including “Message in a Bottle,” “Walking on the Moon,” “Every Breath You Take,” and “King of Pain.” Their albums Outlandos d’Amour, Reggatta de Blanc, and Synchronicity helped make them one of the most successful British bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
A common mix-up is confusing The Police with the many other 2003 inductees, especially The Clash. The Clash were also inducted that year, but Sting, Summers, and Copeland belong specifically to The Police. The group’s Rock Hall induction recognized the band as a Performer, with Gwen Stefani presenting them.