Andy Summers, Sting's 70s Bandmate from The Police, Stays Busy with Music and Photography

The legendary guitarist has continued performing, released solo albums, and pursued his passion for photography since The Police's split in 1984.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:18am

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Andy Summers, the guitarist from the iconic 1970s band The Police, has remained active in the music industry over the past five decades. While his former bandmate Sting found solo success, Summers has continued performing The Police's hits with various tribute bands, released over a dozen solo albums, and pursued his passion for photography, exhibiting his work around the world. Summers, now 83 years old, lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife Kate and their three grown children.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential rock bands of all time, The Police left an indelible mark on music history. While Sting's solo career has overshadowed his former bandmates, this story highlights how Andy Summers has carved out his own path, maintaining a lifelong passion for music and photography long after the band's heyday.

The details

After The Police split in 1984, Summers briefly formed another band called Circa Zero with Grammy-winning singer Rob Giles in 2014. However, he returned to his Police roots in 2017, forming a new South American-based tribute band called Call The Police, which he continues to tour with today. In addition to his musical pursuits, Summers has also found success as a photographer, getting his work featured in exhibitions and magazines around the world. He first became interested in photography during The Police's relentless touring schedule in the 1970s, when he was surrounded by photographers and their equipment.

  • The Police burst onto the music scene in the 1970s.
  • The band split in 1984.
  • Summers briefly formed the band Circa Zero in 2014.
  • Summers formed the Police tribute band Call The Police in 2017.
  • As of early 2026, Summers and Call The Police are still touring South America.

The players

Andy Summers

The guitarist for the iconic 1970s band The Police, who has continued performing the band's hits with various tribute bands, released over a dozen solo albums, and pursued his passion for photography.

Sting

The lead vocalist of The Police, who went on to have a highly successful solo career after the band's split in 1984.

Stewart Copeland

The drummer for The Police, who was part of the iconic trio alongside Sting and Summers.

Kate Summers

Andy Summers' long-term wife, whom he first married in 1973 and remarried in 1985 after a brief divorce.

Layla, Maurice X., and Anton Y.

Andy Summers' three grown children, who were able to see the full extent of their father's fame when The Police reunited for a 30th anniversary tour in 2007.

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What they’re saying

“In 1979, when I was relentlessly on tour with The Police. We were surrounded by photographers all the time. Pretty much all of them women. I started to get interested in their cameras and gear. It was all very groovy and hip. They'd all turn up dressed in black, shouting instructions.”

— Andy Summers, Guitarist

“Proper partnerships and marriages don't go with a band at the fantastical point we were at. The happy part for me is Kate and I got back together four years later, once the insanity was all over.”

— Andy Summers, Guitarist

“Before our first show my wife Kate said to them, 'Kids, you're about to see Dad as you've never seen him before.' It was gratifying for me that they got to see it, to know that The Police really were a thing.”

— Andy Summers, Guitarist

What’s next

Andy Summers and his Police tribute band Call The Police are expected to continue touring South America in 2026 and beyond, bringing the iconic sounds of the 1970s rock group to new audiences.

The takeaway

Andy Summers' enduring passion for music and photography, even decades after The Police's heyday, serves as an inspiring example of how a musician can maintain a creative and fulfilling career long after their biggest commercial successes. His story underscores the lasting impact of The Police and the ability of their music to captivate audiences across generations.