- Features
“Things had been good – now there were arguments. At the last gig, Andy and I argued about an amplifier and who would use it”: Original The Police guitarist Henry Padovani explains why he was ousted in favor of Andy Summers – but didn’t mind being fired
(Image credit: Alamy)
July of 1977 marked a significant turning point for The Police, when 35-year-old Andy Summers was brought in to replace Henry Padovani. A decision made by Sting, who had recently joined forces with American drummer Stewart Copeland to form the band.
Prior to Summers’ arrival, Padovani had lent a grittier, punk-leaning guitar sound to The Police, evident in the band’s 1977 release, Fall Out/Nothing Achieving. Despite the band’s alignment with the emerging London punk scene, Sting had different plans. After being introduced to Summers in the spring of ’77, Sting was convinced that Summers’ experience and financial backing, in combination with his immediate connection to the band, made him the ideal choice.
Ultimately, Sting’s decision led to Summers replacing Padovani, bringing the tensions within the band to a new high. Padovani reflects on being ousted, saying, “Things had been good; now there were arguments. At the last gig we did in Mont de Marsan, Andy and I argued about an amplifier and who would use it. I let it go and let Andy use the ‘good’ amp.”
His expulsion was a difficult experience, but Padovani moved on to have an illustrious career, finding success with Wayne County & the Electric Chairs before forming The Flying Padovanis.
Despite the initial challenges, the band members went on to have successful careers, with Padovani even maintaining friendships with Copeland and Sting, and a brief reunion with The Police in 2007 while in Paris.
Often, these stories end in discord, but not this time.
