If a band’s moniker were a statement on its rapport, The Police would have been called The Clash. (Alas, the name was taken.) The group’s breathtaking pop songs were as much a product of the hostility between singer-bassist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland as their formidable musicianship. From passive aggression to splenetic threats to out-and-out throw-downs, the tales of Police misconduct are legendary. So when the threesome announced in February that they were touring again, many fans were flummoxed—didn’t Sting himself once deem the idea “insane”? Here, a timeline of rock’s most implausible reunion.

1977

The band is formed in London, England, by the American-born Copeland.

1979

Creative tensions begin to blossom, especially between Copeland and Sting, the group’s putative songwriter. Copeland takes to scrawling “fuck off” and “you cunt” on his drums in tribute to the front man.

Dec. 1982 to Feb. 1983

While recording their fifth album, Synchronicity, on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, the hostility between the three runs so high they end up working separately, on different floors of the studio.

Aug. 1983

Prior to a career-defining performance in front of 70,000 people at New York’s Shea Stadium, Copeland breaks one of Sting’s ribs in a fight. (Sting plays through the pain.)

1985

Sting initiates the band’s breakup.

1986

The group reconvenes briefly, but His Stinginess refuses to let anyone collaborate on his new songs. While working on an updated version of their 1980 sensation “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” a quarrel between Sting and Copeland escalates to the point where Sting allegedly pulls a knife.

1992

Sting marries film producer Trudie Styler. During the wedding reception, the tempestuous trio plays a short, impromptu set of Police tunes.

2003

Broken Music, Sting’s memoir, is released. A grand elaboration on his creative muses, the book makes only a fleeting mention of his ex-bandmates.

Feb. 2007

The day after performing their classic hit “Roxanne” at the Grammy Awards, The Police announce their reunion tour. “When I was in it before, I felt trapped,” Sting tells one reporter. “Now I can enjoy it.” Copeland’s take: “We are all alpha males, and in the context of The Police, Sting is our top dog. When I was younger, I had a problem with that. Now I’m older. I am wise.”

The Police play the Air Canada Centre July 22 and 23. $59.50-$225. 40 Bay St., 416-870-8000, www.aircanadacentre.com.