Part 3/10:
Their first performance as a trio occurred on March 1, 1977, in Newport, Wales. With just 30 attendees and a meager pay of £15, the stage was set for their evolution. As they honed their craft, the band played various clubs in London and toured with notable acts, which helped build their reputation. Copeland coined the name "The Police," inspired by the increasing conflicts between punks and law enforcement in London. Eager to record their music, the band ventured into Pathway Studios and established Illegal Records, which launched their debut single, "Fall Out," on May 1, 1977.
Initial Success and Lineup Changes