'80s Flashback: The Police Fizzle & Fade Away, An Undeniable Truth by 1986

Although the writing had already been on the wall for years and a breakup pretty much expected since the ironically named Synchronicity, the devastating truth that perhaps the greatest band of the '80s thus far had completely dissolved was painfully clear by this time 20 years ago. Many fans feared the worst following the band's final tour in 1984 and in the wake of Sting's prominent 1985 solo debut, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. But although the band tried to work together in '86, performing some charity shows for Amnesty International and raising hopes by getting together in the studio, the rancid fruits of that labor told the story all too well. Ultimately, the inclusion of the band's blasphemous remake of "Don't Stand So Close to Me" on its death knell compilation, Every Breath You Take: the Singles, served as an ugly swan song for the beloved original trio. It was a somewhat shameful though never officially announced end to a glorious but short-lived run for one of rock's greatest bands.

But that was over 20 years ago and we do still have the music to enjoy, so I don't guess I have to be so glum about it. I guess it's just a bit sad that the Police had to continue the cliched rock and roll legacy, pre-Rodney King, of "Why can't we all just get along?".

• Profile of the Police
• A cautionary review of 1995's somewhat puzzling and unnecessary Every Breath You Take: the Classics
• Compare prices for Police CDs here.

Album Cover Photo Courtesy of A&M Records