Andy Summers Reflects on Historic Jams with Jimi Hendrix

At the age of 80, Andy Summers, the esteemed guitarist of The Police, casts his mind back to the vivid London music scene of the 1960s, where he first encountered the legendary Jimi Hendrix. This all occurred before Summers soared to fame with his own band in the latter part of the 1970s.

Encountering Hendrix in London

Summers recounts the stunning visual and musical impact Hendrix had when he saw him perform for the first time at The Cromwellian club. With an eye-catching white buckskin outfit and a Stratocaster in his mouth, Hendrix made an otherworldly impression, mesmerizing everyone around him with his unparalleled presence and guitar skills.

The arrival of Hendrix shook the London music community, as all the elite guitarists of the time paled in comparison to Hendrix's otherworldly talent and flair.

The L.A. Jam Session

The year 1968 brought a serendipitous moment for Summers when he got to jam with Hendrix in a Los Angeles studio. Invited by Mike Jeffery, Hendrix's manager, Summers joined the session with Mitch Mitchell on drums and later shared a memorable musical exchange with Hendrix, trading roles on guitar and bass.

Summers vividly describes the spontaneity of this jam, which turned into a poignant memory as it would be the last time he saw Hendrix. Playing alongside such an icon was an irreplaceable experience that highlighted Summers' early years in the vibrant music world of the 1960s.

Summers' Legacy with The Police

Despite this remarkable encounter, Andy Summers is best known for his work in The Police, which he joined in 1977. Together with Sting and Stewart Copeland, Summers crafted some of the most iconic songs of the new wave era.

Ongoing Musical Endeavors

Even in recent times, Summers continues to share his talents. This month he completed a North American solo tour titled The Cracked Lens + A Missing String, pairing his captivating photography with his music, exemplifying his undiminished passion for the arts.

Police, Hendrix, Jam