Sting and Andy Summers Reunite for a New Rendition of “Murder by Numbers” with Christian McBride
In an unexpected yet thrilling development for fans of The Police and jazz fusion alike, two legendary members of the iconic British rock band — Sting and Andy Summers — have reunited for a new version of the Police’s jazz-tinged track “Murder by Numbers.” This new interpretation was recorded as part of celebrated bassist Christian McBride’s forthcoming album Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, which is scheduled for release on August 29. The song, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Sting and the intricate guitar stylings of Summers, is already available on digital platforms, giving listeners an early taste of what promises to be a genre-defying album.
A Legendary Reunion
This marks the first time Sting and Summers have worked together since The Police’s highly successful reunion tour, which ran from 2007 to 2008. That tour saw the trio of Sting, Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland play over 150 shows worldwide, bringing their influential blend of reggae, punk, and rock back to massive audiences after more than two decades apart. Though fans have long hoped for another collaboration among the original band members, most believed the chapter had closed. Now, with “Murder by Numbers,” at least two-thirds of the band have reconnected in a way that both honors their shared past and embraces a forward-looking musical vision.
Christian McBride, a six-time Grammy Award-winning bassist known for his work across jazz, classical, and fusion, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with the two legends. “I am absolutely thrilled to have Sting and Andy Summers — two-thirds of one of the most influential bands in history, The Police — join me for one of their songs,” McBride said in a statement. “Sting continues to evolve gracefully as an artist, and Andy still plays with the sophisticated fire and grit he has always possessed.”
The Song’s Origins
“Murder by Numbers” has an interesting and somewhat understated history in The Police’s discography. Originally recorded during the sessions for Synchronicity, the band’s fifth and final studio album released in 1983, the track was not part of the standard album’s original vinyl release. Instead, it was included as a bonus track on the cassette and CD editions of the album — a common practice at the time for bands seeking to encourage listeners to adopt the newer audio formats.
Although it did not feature in the band’s main setlists or receive much radio airplay, “Murder by Numbers” quickly earned a cult following among fans. Its distinctive sound — jazzy, sly, and subtly satirical — showcased a different side of The Police, particularly their ability to blend musical complexity with biting social commentary. The song also served as the B-side to “Every Breath You Take,” arguably the band’s most commercially successful single, which topped charts worldwide and remains one of the most recognized songs of the 1980s.
Lyrically, “Murder by Numbers” takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to the topic of evil and rationalizes the act of murder in a chillingly analytical tone. With Sting’s characteristic wit and flair for irony, the lyrics describe how committing murder can be reduced to a simple set of steps — as easy as “one, two, three” — in a world where morality can be twisted by ideology, politics, or personal ambition. This kind of lyrical subversion, paired with the band’s musical sophistication, is a hallmark of their enduring appeal.
A Jazz Reinterpretation
Christian McBride’s involvement takes the song into entirely new territory. Known for his virtuosity and genre-crossing collaborations with everyone from Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock to Paul McCartney and Sting himself, McBride is no stranger to taking well-known material and reshaping it through the lens of jazz. His upcoming album, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, is expected to blend elements of jazz, rock, funk, and beyond — and “Murder by Numbers” is a centerpiece of that approach.
What makes this new version especially compelling is the way it preserves the essence of the original while layering it with fresh textures and tonal depth. Sting’s voice, always distinctive, has matured over the decades, gaining a richer, more contemplative quality. Andy Summers, whose jazz-influenced guitar playing helped define The Police’s sound, is equally impressive, delivering a performance that mixes elegance with tension, subtlety with raw emotion.
The new rendition likely won’t feel unfamiliar to long-time fans — the signature chord progressions and lyrical delivery remain intact — but McBride’s arrangement adds a new rhythmic complexity and harmonic richness. Listeners can expect a more expansive interpretation, one that leans into improvisational space and highlights the interplay between voice, guitar, and McBride’s masterful bass.
The Legacy of The Police
The Police remain one of the most celebrated and innovative bands to emerge from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their unique blend of reggae rhythms, punk energy, and sophisticated musicianship catapulted them to international stardom, culminating in the massive success of Synchronicity. Though their time together was relatively short, their influence has endured for decades. Songs like “Roxanne,” “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” and “Message in a Bottle” are staples of classic rock radio, and their genre-blending style paved the way for countless acts that followed.
Individually, the members of The Police have also maintained impressive careers. Sting has become a successful solo artist, exploring jazz, world music, classical compositions, and more. Andy Summers has released numerous solo albums, scored films, and published memoirs and photography books. Stewart Copeland, the band’s drummer, has composed for film, television, and video games, and remains active in the music world.
Despite long-standing tensions between the members, their 2007-08 reunion tour proved that they could still capture the magic of their original performances. While a full-scale reunion or new Police album has not materialized since, the collaborative spark between Sting and Summers — evident in this new version of “Murder by Numbers” — suggests that their creative chemistry endures.
Looking Ahead
With the release of Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 on the horizon, excitement is building among jazz and rock fans alike. The album promises to bring together an eclectic group of artists and reimagine familiar material in bold, inventive ways. For Sting and Summers, this project may be a one-off collaboration, but it stands as a reminder of the enduring power of their partnership and the timelessness of the music they helped create.
The early release of “Murder by Numbers” gives fans a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. It’s a track that simultaneously nods to the past and embraces the present, combining the legacy of one of rock’s greatest bands with the innovation of one of jazz’s most acclaimed musicians. Whether you’re a long-time devotee of The Police or a newcomer drawn in by McBride’s modern jazz sensibilities, this new rendition offers a rich, rewarding listen.
As August 29 approaches, anticipation for the full album continues to grow — and with good reason. When musical giants from different eras and genres come together with mutual respect and creative curiosity, the results can be nothing short of magical. And in this case, “Murder by Numbers” has never sounded more alive.
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