Andy Summers: I'll Be Watching You: Inside The Police. 1980-83

by Andy Summers (Photographer)

The Police on tour photographed by guitarist Andy Summers In the early 1980s, The Police went on tour accompanied by a photographer who documented the band behind the scenes in a series of candid and striking black and white photos. This talented photographer also happened to be the band's guitarist, Andy Summers. Yes, it's true--the man responsible for the guitar lick from "Every Breath You Take" was not only the backbone of one of the most popular bands of all time, he also possessed a visual gift for composition and mood that allowed him to capture the spirit of The Police better than anyone else could have.

This book, somewhere between photojournalism and an illustrated diary, follows The Police around the globe between 1980 and 1983. From the American West to Australia to Japan, Summers recorded not only the band members rehearsing and partying--the proverbial sex, drugs, and rock and roll--he also photographed fans, landscapes, still lifes, and passersby in a reportage style reminiscent of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank.

Containing over 600 photos and filled with diary-style entries, I'll Be Watching You is a sumptuous volume beating with musical energy, nostalgia, and atmospheric beauty. A must for photo buffs and Police fans alike.


Contains over 600 photographs personally selected from the photographer's archive of over 25,000 thousand negatives (1980-83) Most photos are previously unpublished, and many of them have never even been printed prior to this project Text in English, French, and German

Genres: Music, Photography

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Andrew James Somers, known professionally as Andy Summers, is an English guitarist who was a member of the rock band The Police. Summers has recorded solo albums, collaborated with other musicians, composed film scores, and exhibited his photography in galleries.

Reviews

[Audrius Dabrovolskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good photo album, tells the story of the band from 1980 till 1983.

[Chris Tottenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great behind the scenes pics of the band. Amazing to see Glenn Hoddle in the front row at a concert. Good shot Andy.

[Paul J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the photography is obviously the main attraction here, there are many notes and annotations that makes this more a visual diary than a pure photography book. It goes without saying that fans of The Police will find a lot to love here. If you didn't already know, Andy Summers is a keen photographer in addition to being one of the prominent guitarists of the late 70s and early 80s. The images he captured provide an intimate look into life in The Police during that period, and it's packaged in an impressive hardback with heavy, high quality paper.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not exactly a great deal of text in this one. I believe I read it in an evening while admiring the amazing B&W photography of Mr. Summers from the period of 1980-83. However, it does give a fair bit of insight into the madness of what it was like to be in the biggest band in the world at that time. Awesome stuff!

[Dave Wharton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb photographic account of the heyday of a much-loved band. Huge thanks to my daughter for getting me this for Christmas a couple of years ago. I'm still of the opinion that a good book is one of the very best and most enduring things to give and to receive.

[Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok book. obviously Summers has great access which is more than half the battle in getting great photos but overall the photos are ok. not great.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great gritty B&W chronicle of the Police in their heyday. There is nothing like B&W and film. Andy has brought a street photography aesthetic to his work.