Nothing Achieving

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rare gem "Nothing Achieving" by The Police from the Message In A Box: The Complete Recordings collection, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this early punk-infused track. According to a 2018 X post by user @m_millsey, this song was part of a 1977 single alongside "Fallout," featuring original guitarist Henri Padovani before Andy Summers joined the band. The post highlights how this raw, energetic track was a gateway for some fans into punk music, marking it as a pivotal piece in The Police's early sound. In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, Stewart Copeland described the band's early days as a "fake punk band," noting that songs like "Nothing Achieving" were written to capture the gritty energy of London's punk scene while secretly drawing from their jazz and reggae influences. This blend of raw punk attitude with subtle sophistication helped the song stand out, even if it remained a lesser-known track compared to their later hits.

Delving deeper into the song's context, "Nothing Achieving" was recorded during The Police's formative years when they were still finding their footing. According to a biography on AllMusic, the track was part of their first independent single released in 1977, funded by Copeland's brother, Miles, who believed in the band's potential despite their initial lack of commercial success. The song's lyrics, penned by Sting, reflect a youthful frustration and defiance, with lines like "My daddy's boots don't fit me / 'Cause I'm bigger than him," hinting at breaking free from expectations—a theme that resonated with the punk ethos of the time. Fans on the The Police Fans Facebook group often cite this track as a snapshot of the band's raw beginnings, with one member sharing in a 2023 post that hearing it live during a rare 1977 gig felt like "pure rebellion in sound." The song's scarcity in their live sets after 1978 adds to its cult status among dedicated Zoo Freaks.

The Police began in London in 1977, formed by drummer Stewart Copeland, who was eager to break into the burgeoning punk scene. As detailed in a biography on their official website, Copeland, an American with a jazz background, recruited Sting (Gordon Sumner), a schoolteacher and bassist with a love for jazz and rock, after seeing him perform in a local band. The duo initially teamed up with guitarist Henri Padovani, recording early tracks like "Nothing Achieving" before Padovani left and Andy Summers, a seasoned guitarist with a progressive rock pedigree, joined. According to a 2017 NPR interview with Sting, the band's early gigs in dingy punk clubs were chaotic, but their unique blend of punk energy, reggae rhythms, and pop sensibilities caught the attention of audiences. By 1978, their debut album, Outlandos d’Amour, marked the start of their global rise, though "Nothing Achieving" remained a raw relic of their pre-fame days.

The Police's official online presence keeps fans connected to their legacy. Their official website offers discography details, tour archives, and news updates. On Facebook, the band shares throwback photos and occasional updates, with over 2 million followers engaging in discussions about their music. Their Instagram account posts nostalgic content, like rare photos from the "Nothing Achieving" era, captivating nearly 300,000 followers. On X, the band’s account, with around 50,000 followers, retweets fan posts and shares updates about re-releases. Fan communities thrive online, with the The Police Fans Facebook group boasting thousands of members who trade rare recordings and stories. Another fan hub, PoliceFanSite.com, offers detailed discographies and fan-curated trivia, including notes on obscure tracks like "Nothing Achieving." These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ passion alive, celebrating The Police’s enduring influence.