Andy Summers: How The Police wrote "Message in a Bottle"

[@rickbeato2]

Full Interview Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGead6RqbLpnpMksi=UkfTWahdas6dG-Vt

[@bobosputnik]

Andy Summers is 81. EIGHTY ONE! Listen to the way he talks and plays. Music is the only time machine out there. It can take you back to such a specific place and time. And by the look of Andy, it keeps you young as well. So awesome!

[@mattmid7012]

I had to look up his age as I was watching this as I was thinking he looked in his 60's and thought that can't be possible because I remember he wasn't young at the time he was in The Police.

[@mf9309]

I was thinking the same things! He looks and sounds great!

[@fabiencourtoistapping]

so great tube about the police ! MY first recording with a magneto front of the tv was walking on the moon !!

[@PabloskyS84]

Music as a time machine... I agree and like that idea a lot!

[@stevieG.]

He's more like 61, Rock on Andy we love you mate.!

[@oldguycraggy5829]

I grew up thinking there was an endless conveyor belt of superb music. In my 7th decade I realise I was living through a never to be repeated golden era.

[@joshuajarod1909]

The end of your golden Era is the beginning of someone else's.

[@danguee1]

Absolutely. At least once a week I think to myself how privileged I've been to have grown up when I did (I'm now in my 7th decade, too). There's still some brilliant music being made but it's getting increasingly thin on the ground. We had it all. I was just too late to have the Beatles in my life - Fragile and Beck, Bogart and Appice were my introductions into proper music - but I've managed in the last decade to visit their stuff and am bowled over. But otherwise my exposure to superb music was relentless for the next few 4 decades before petering out....

[@S_Shant]

@@joshuajarod1909this is a fantastic point. Sincerely mean that. Simply, there are wonderful / different things for ea generation

[@2760ade]

@icankillbugs Agreed! There are some really good young bands around, but they are always very derivative!

[@cuteasxtreme]

@@joshuajarod1909Gen Z here and I agree the golden era is over. It will take more young bands plus a culture all understand what made that era so great.

[@Alun49]

Andy Summers gave The Police a unique sound. A brilliant guitarist!

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

This is so true, Sting wrote great songs but Andy and Stuart turned them into masterpieces

[@colmcq]

And got zero credit

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

Too bad he's never mentioned on top reader's polls.

[@artheisenbergscourier5726]

Quite agree. Sting has never written anything solo that it close to the craftsmenship of The Police

[@greva2904]

As I understand it, Sting always wrote his songs as slow jazz numbers. It was his two bandmates who then would speed the song up, rock it up and bring the song to life. Which would also explain why Sting’s solo career mainly consists of… slowish jazz numbers.

[@tres311]

Don’t ever quit doing this KZbin thing. These interviews will live forever!

[@LiquidAudio]

So true, there is nothing else quite like this available and very little really interesting music content.

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

These interviews are historically significant. You’re going into deep music concepts with some of the most significant musicians of the modern era.

[@RabbiSteve]

God willing.

[@GizmoBeach]

Mr. Summers is one of those rare guitarists who, when he begins playing a song or lick but you’re not actually watching him, you immediately think “That’s Andy Summers.” Love his talent.

[@matkamoon]

Hard to believe he is 81 years old , still looks good. Still got it ..

[@Rampart.X]

Wut? Unbelievable!

[@GeorgeKing-ms1vy]

He's always looked at least ten years younger, which is why he didn't seem out of place being in a band with two men a decade younger.

[@thewomble1509]

@@Rampart.X Born in Poulton le Fylde, Lancashire, England on 31st December 1942!

[@BuckJoFiden]

Really ?!

[@thewomble1509]

@@BuckJoFiden Check it out.........

[@larshowen3319]

Andy, Gordon and Stewart are three superbly gifted musicians. It was so great that they found each other.

[@Biden_Cult_Morons]

Agreed. The stars aligned ✨

[@rickrisi]

don't call him Gordon, he gets really angry

[@queenslander954]

@@rickrisi. What about Gordo .. or Stingo

[@TheLegenDacster]

Stewart reached out to GS I believe.

[@thewomble1509]

@@rickrisi Aaahh, poor little Stingo.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Nothing sounds like the guitar on Message in a Bottle. Totally unique sound. That's why it's one of my favourite songs still, 45 years on

[@DrGonzo123456789]

Andy Summers...a guitarist who truly plays what is right for the song and thinks very much outside the box. Have always admired his work with The Police.

[@paxonearth]

In '79? I was 13 and I was listening to a radio show late at night and Geddy Lee was talking about the Police- "There's this band I've been listening to a lot lately. I think they're just great," or something similar. Then they played Message in a Bottle. It was the first time I had heard of the Police. My thinking was "If Geddy says they're good, then they must be good." My God, this song is absolutely haunting still.

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

I was 14, RUSH was my favorite band and I heard “Walking On The Moon” for the first time. SOLD!

[@DrawnInk1]

From a big Rush fan, the Police are superb

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

Rush fan here. I like The Police too, independently of what Geddy said.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Still Rush will always be the greatest band ever

[@chuckshick]

RUSH and The Police are thinking men’s bands. Inspired me to be a musician. Two of the greatest trios EVER! 🤟🏼

[@reedsawyer5704]

Rick, what I love about your channel is that you are not a "fan boy". You are a musician. You can talk mechanics with these great musicians, and make it accessible to the audience. Andy Summers is a very literate and articulate musician. You bring out the absolute joy that is inside of these guys. Which makes us enjoy it even more enjoyable to us.

[@paulbangash4317]

I met Andy once. Long ago (76) when he was playing with Kevin Ayers at Manchester university. Time flies 💫

[@jeffreywolcott5424]

Read Andy's book, One Train Later. Hard to put down. Amazing story.

[@barrievee]

Nice to see Andy Summers interviewed.. He remains as humble as he ever was.. Andy Summers is a hugely underrated guitar player (and composer!) The Police would never have happened but for his exquisite playing and composing. N.B. He never received full credit, neither artistically (or financially!) for the work he put in to The Police. Sting owes him.. Bigtime..

[@paulcavanagh1294]

What a load of b0ll0x, the songs made the Police! The individual musicians helped, of course, but the songs were king! Without the songs Summers would still have been a session guitarist and Copeland a prog rock jobbing drummer! End of! And the riff in Message in a bottle was Stings!!!

[@barrievee]

@@paulcavanagh1294 twit.

[@chezchezchezchez]

Why would you be so mean? He’s not even remotely underrated. He’s rated perfectly. Learn how to express yourself properly, dude

[@barrievee]

@@chezchezchezchez twit.

[@barrievee]

@@chezchezchezchez twit.

[@dorjem.4166]

It’s interesting that Andy Summers was talking about his love for Bartòk’s violin concerts, and in Rick Beato’s Sting interview Sting was talking about how Bach was the musical GOAT and is a constant and ongoing source of musical inspiration for him. These guys were musically educated and outstanding artists.

[@IztokGolob-Naklo]

Saw them live in 2008. In Munich. Loved a very simple stage. No distractions. Just three veterans working their socks off. And Andy, better than on recordings. Brilliant guitarist.

[@RodCornholio]

Sonically, what those three did was nothing short of mind-blowing. With or without studio engineering, they had a huge sound.

[@teresamichelangeli5620]

I still cannot believe Sting got up at The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball and played this song absolutely flawlessly, singing with that incredible voice at the same time. There was serious talent in that band.

[@commonman317]

Also, "Roxanne". His voice was on fire that night. What a great live version.

[@teresamichelangeli5620]

@@commonman317 I once read he had great days with his voice, and not-so-great days. A lot of it was confidence. He was certainly “on” that night and I’ll never forget it.

[@hrosemd]

Agreed. One of the finest individual performances ever recorded.

[@thewomble1509]

@@teresamichelangeli5620 He also had a lot of throat issues around '79-82 due to the relentless touring the Police undertook.

[@DukeStarbuckle]

"The power of music." Exactly.

[@jgladwig]

Exactly

[@williestyle35]

", I suppose". 😊

[@NOcode]

Forget about fame/money The moment you & band mates & coworkers sitting listening to playback of eventual smash hit must be the greatest feeling ever, my god.

[@jaycharlton2085]

Andy Summers is a genius on the guitar. Wildly creative, completely unique, one of the best guitarist on the planet.

[@ericpugh234]

Andy is an awesome guitar player

[@timorean320]

Criminally underrated

[@undango]

What a great time we live in listening to these musicians describe various aspects of their musical journey. Helped by having a great interviewee such as Rick who knows when to interject and when to let the conversation flow . Clearly highly respected in the musical community.

[@JohnGeisler-ww3wb]

Refreshingly authentic interviews with poignant questions about the human experience as a musician. Thank you.

[@martinjohncameron]

That last comment… “It’s the power of music, I suppose.” Sublime. 👍

[@markendicott6874]

A true legend, and the reason i picked up a Guitar aged 9. Thank you Andy.

[@ZENmud]

We drove over the Rockies from Vail to Denver, on a wicked cold winter night, to see the Police at McNichols Arena in 1980 or 1981 🎉❤🎉 and the van had a hiccup ~ we had to sit in -19°F cold for twenty minutes, until it started again. They played a very good set... and we stripped down because the HEATERS were at full blast, and our seats were in the high rows... Beautiful memories

[@andresalderete]

Mr. Beato thank you for your channels. Even if someone is not into music details, these conversations are so great and perfect for a friday evening to relax and enjoy. Even though you talk about music also talk about their life experiences. Your interviews are so much better than the tonigh show or the other network programs, so thank you again

[@secretsoffireband]

Great riff 🎸 - it's quite hard to play with those big stretches. Can't believe AS is 81! He is so switched-on and dexterous - respect🤘

[@WilliamBarker]

WTF? He looks and sounds timeless! I had to look it up....gobsmacked.

[@justsomeguy6133]

He looks great for 81.

[@justsomeguy6133]

He’s ~ 10 years older than his band mates.

[@bmac5085]

Andy was, and still is a very original guitar player. A different style that made him stand out from others. One of my all time favourite player's.

[@fatdad64able]

No! It CAN‘T be!!! 😢

[@Minnesconi]

What a cool person. Funny, precise communication.

[@thewomble1509]

Always the coolest, most sophisticated member of the band.

[@scottallison2296]

What an understated genius Andy Summers is

[@johncrow2457]

first police song I learnt at age 14 when it came out, just a fantastic riff and amazing song. Watched Sting play the guitar and sing it at the secret policeman's ball, superb stuff. he sang Roxanne as well.

[@flashtheoriginal]

He is a magnificent musician. One of THE guitar greats, within the brotherhood alongside Knopfler, Steve Hackett, Hendrix, Green, Clapton, Slash, Ted Nugent, HM Rory Gallagher, Howe etc Top professional. Top Englishman 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@spenny690]

When the single was out, l found a copy of 'Message in a bottle' in green vinyl at Woolworths, which l bought for 99p. I was so happy; l couldn't believe my luck! All these years later, it still gives me a thrill to think about it

[@imannonymous7707]

I love to hear how guitarists apply theory , a lifetime of study, thinking, listening and feeling

[@Mudge07]

There’s a lot of poise, grace and attentive space in the music of The Police power trio and as Andy says when they put the pedal to the metal, then the whole place rocks. MIAB also works if played well as a cover, subtle shifts in the drum patterns with the solid riff, bass and almost carefree, vocal. Andy’s humour never far away and he clearly likes to spread the joy of learning, loving and playing music.

[@JoolsVoiceOver]

I am so happy to say the Police were my first love at age 12/13 and I have never fallen out of love with them now at 58 I still play their music almost daily and my son now loves them too :0) xx

[@JoseFernandez-ou8ox]

Andy is an awesome guitarist 🎸 underrated, he gave the world that unique Police sound!

[@HIWATTSteve]

Sadly overlooked. When Andy got his 61 Tele it had its original tuners and its original chrome compensated bridge. Around the time when The Police formed Andy would go on to change the saddle setup on the compensated bridge from 3 to 6. He also installed the Schaller tuners and added an additional string tree. The biggest change he did was to the Tele's infamous bridge. Solid brass and brass saddles. He made this change in late January early February of 1979. It's first gig with the brass bridge was The Police performance at Hatfield Polytechnic. 21.2.79. It was the very first performance of "Message in a Bottle" and the very first live Police recording for the general public, being released on a lavish star shaped badge LP. This performance is on YT. Reggatta de Blanc was recorded with the new bridge. IMHO this changed and softened The Police sound and made songs like "Bring on the Night" what it is. It allowed Andy to lay his hand flat against the guitar and by removing the lip of a compensated bridge allowed him to play finger style more easily.

[@thetr00per30]

God , I just can't believe how good these dudes were. Each one of them was world class at their instruments to begin with. Can you imagine how fucking intimidating it must have to have been to bring music lyrics and present it to the others? No wonder they had to play it cool when working on new stuff you would not want to be attached when they shoot it down. All three of them said that the studio sessions were fucking brutal lol but it was worth it the songs will live forever.

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

I am Fortunate to have seen the police live. Such a tight power trio. Andy so underrated. One the greatest bands of all time, and forever will be❤

[@MobiusBandwidth]

I don't know that he's underrated, certainly not by people over 30 or 40. he was arguably the most influential guitarist of the 80s, you had Hendrix in the 60s raising the bar, EVH in the 70s blowing the roof off, and then Andy, introducing whoosh, and volume swells, reggae to white audiences, suddenly everyone wanted to sound like him.

[@supertouring22]

What is it with the word "underrated ". Why does EVERY music video on youtube have someone saying this when its simply not true in ANY of the cases?

[@xoxb2]

I agree - it's bizarre. I sometimes think young American males, who make up the great bulk of YT commenters, have some kind of generational under-appreciation neurosis. It's very odd.

[@davidtempest263]

Message in a bottle is one of the most unique and unforgettable songs I’ve ever heard in my life. When I first heard it as a teenager, I was gobsmacked

[@bradh6185]

The feel of this song perfectly matches the lyrics. A lovely work of art.

[@ZenZill]

Andy Summers has such a great sound, really changed the minds of a lot of guitarists who wanted to be like Hendrix or Iommi.

[@josephasghar]

Very true.

[@woodshed_moments]

Andy Summers is one of the apex influences in my Trinity of overall guitar influences for the over 40 years that I have been a guitar player writer and producer, he is simply that "it" guy that put the Police on the map and, and quietly tamed stitng.

[@sergiobasilioli384]

Hope you get to interview Stewart Copleand too!

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

He has already!!!

[@bobboberson2024]

One thing you understand immediately when you see the Police live - is how frickin' good Andy is. His abilities stick out far more than the recordings. What a band.

[@nickmaiorano296]

Just another day at the office, hey Rick? Interviewing living legends like Andy and Sting? Do you ever pinch yourself to see if it’s all a dream? Congrats on another huge accomplishment. Loved listening to the interview.

[@mmattson8947]

Now Rick just needs to get Copeland for the trifecta. I didn’t realize Copeland has a very active YT channel, and won a 7th Grammy last year. Rick would have a lot to talk about in an interview.

[@jonmorrow1291]

What a lovely interview. Really nice to see him pay tribute to the other two, and to hear about his son too. It's the power of music indeed.

[@boomusic8229]

My memory of the Police on the Robert Klein radio show on WNEW back in NY is indelible. Zenyatta Mondatta had just come out & I think it was the most modern, futuristic sound I had ever heard! Been hooked ever since!!

[@kailaniandi]

Absolute Legend from a legendary band. What an amazing song!

[@samthebarber93]

Christ, my grandad (rest his soul) was exactly like Andy Summers. His playing style, his passion for musical intelligence, his love for old Fenders. It’s actually like listening to my grandad talking to me right now! Amazing! Rock on Summers! My favourite band of all time!

[@deanallen927]

Trippy question, Rick! A world without Message in a Bottle just seems unrealistic now. That song is really in people's ears, it'll never go away.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Thank you. Great to hear these stories!

[@timallen6025]

Every time is a valuable gift of musical learning Mr B .. Thank you 🙏

[@JoeSmith-ug9hu]

Can't forget about the AMAZING drumming on this song either!!!!

[@pablocervantes3059]

También formó parte de the Animals!! Gran Grupo de Rock, y Andy Sumers, su Guitarrista: la casa del sol Naciente!! Siempre muy talentoso, Dios lo Bendiga Siempre, Andy, Maestro , infinitas Gracias por toda tu Musica.😊

[@lulumoon6942]

Andy Summers is so underrated, and wrote an enjoyable autobiography, look for it! 👍

[@EricS-f7c]

I could listen to him all day. The guy is interesting, funny, educated, inspirational. He’s got it all. Well done mate !

[@racegts]

Sounds like an invite to me Rick! You & Andy do the Bartock duets on guitar!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@dreamscuba]

Yes. We all heard that invite. And Rick is the kind of guitarist that can pull it off.

[@decadepasts]

Rick does such great interviews.

[@JohnVC]

Yep. The thing is Rick speaks the language of every producer, songwriter, musician, etc. asks amazing questions but also gives them room to develop their ideas. I don't think he knows how good he is.

[@russellpinkie9775]

Andy is a genius, this two was the song when I was a kid was like ok if I can play message in a bottle, I'm a good guitarist, so kudos to U Andy, even today it is a brilliant guitar piece 👌🎸💯

[@cdkslakkend5742]

By far one of the best and most revealing interviews. I credit Andy S. for giving me the belief to start learning classical guitar. I sold my electric equipment back in the day and I've never regretted it.

[@lambd5578]

Message in a bottle was a genuine masterpiece. My favourite Police song ever. Good on you Andy.

[@TheSwampElf]

Rick, your channels are amazing. The ease with which you approach every interview, the comfort that your guests have with you is truly something special. Getting these incredible musicians to open up about their life and work is so interesting and encouraging of creativity. May God bless you and congrats on your incredible success. Thank you for sharing yourself with us all.

[@BullittHilts]

He’s so good. When I listened to the full interview I heard about Grant Green from Andy. Wow. Rick’s channels are such a gift, so much great music exposure!

[@TheLegenDacster]

Andy Summers, you're an international musical treasure. Thank you. Nice one Rick.

[@balisaani]

What a fabulous, tasteful, technical, and musical guitarist Andy is - I can't imagine The Police (not to take anything away from Sting and Steward) having had that much of an impact (musically) without his artistry.

[@jontalbot1]

I am not much of a rocker, more Aretha, Miles, Muddy than anything. But l still remember hearing this for the first time in a cold and snowy Nottingham back in the day. As Andy says, Stewart’s drumming is great on this but his guitar work is another level. It’s understated like him but boy is it good. For all the people below who say you don’t hear anything new this good anymore, l agree. People will always enjoy what is popular in their youth but that doesn’t make it good

[@tiffinmeister]

Great to hear that he has such a wonderful relationship with his son.

[@johnnypunish]

A humble gent who plays a wicked guitar, epic

[@wackenthaljef]

Great to have Andy interview!! congrats Rick!!All my youth!

[@detroithammer8869]

The power of music indeed!

[@mitchweiner]

I was a teenager when this song came out. It’s hard to believe it still stands the test of time. Just goes to show the quality of the musicianship!

[@pinkpyjamas-ey6rw]

Andy Summers.......my favourite song......GASP!! 😍 My four "kids" are in their 30's now and they know ALLLL about The Police and love the music this wonderful band made. Proper parenting!

[@nrich5127]

Andy is the most subdued of the 3 members and is always very reflective and interesting - what a great guitarist / creator.

[@alexanderkerr]

Bartok Violin Duos!!! I always loved the Police and Andy Summers was such a star but now I’m even more impressed!

[@brrblack497]

I always remember a guitar magazine interview where the first question for Andy was a gear question. He got a bit cross, and I always admired him for that. I have a silly amateur looper tribute to Andy I do call "Andy's Summer." Such a great musician.

[@ifoundthistoday]

When the Police released this album, it felt like the soundtrack for my tribe. Music resonated more deeply in those days. It was the yardstick by which we gauged our friends, romantic relationships, music hit so much deeper back then. Nowadays, music seems to be more of a fleeting commodity. Even if a truly talented artist emerges, their work often provides just a brief thrill before we move on to the next. Take Tim Henson, for instance; I had the good fortune of encountering Andy Summers at a promotional event in Hollywood around 1985.

[@jedw9983]

I agree with Andy, it was the best song they ever wrote. I was a young teenager at the time in rural Wales and that song holds such great memories. Exceptional.

[@markhedges1194]

The melodies in that song alone are mind blowing, as is the song anyway! Great interview, and great to get Andy's take on The Police!

[@abifasha]

❤it so much,The Police was my teen crush,then 1983 🇮🇩🥰 My father brought me the cassette that can turn me on, wherever ! Thank you Sir Andy😊

[@jonathanneuhaus4755]

I saw the Police's first US tour at The Decade in Pittsburgh with an audience of about 100 people. Regardless they killed it. But when Message in a Bottle came out my hair stood on end from the Goosebumps. I knew they were the next big thing for sure then. Andy's voicings were always unique and in combination with the simple propulsive basslines, the frenetic creative drumming and Stings special one of a kind voice they couldn't lose. An absolute shame Sting's huge ego got in the way of their continuance. Anyone heard from Sting lately? Exactly!

[@michaelgehringmusic8440]

Andy is a legendary musician and great guy.

[@Atif_Ph.D._Kate_Bush_Fan_Club]

He’s very modest and down-to-earth. Great guitarist.

[@jgladwig]

Going to jump to the full interview, but first … YES, pls do that guitar duet project!

[@guitartoneSA]

Without doubt one of the greatest bands of all time. Pure genius!

[@surfgod509]

brilliant insight , these interviews are simply priceless... Thank You for your extensive catalog of serious work.....

[@eltonron1558]

I love the unpretentious honesty about the writing.

[@geraldhuot6302]

Andy is underrated. He open use to space chords and effects. Walking on the moon was my first hearing and everything stopped. What a great trio

[@andrewwest8334]

Non-stop gold, Rick. Love it and so will generations to come.

[@Julianhache]

Powerful advice from Andy. The more you give the more you get. Love it.

[@bmac5085]

The Police Started off when I started high school. And then brought out their last studio album the year that I left high school. I grew up listening to them 😊

[@artguti1551]

I was a senior in high school when I first heard Message in a Bottle. I played drums in a garage band, and Message in a Bottle just was such a different type of song for the time period. I loved this song and I found a new drummer in Stewart Copeland, that I wanted to try to emulate.

[@brianm.9062]

what a fantastic reference 5.00 'at one point there was an empty tape, there was a point where they did not exist' wow deep.

[@rockista4195]

Perhaps Rick uses this channel as a pointer to his main one, but it's also very handy to come back and re-listen to great moments from his super interesting interviews!

[@matthewryan3252]

You always have top-quality content on both of your channels!!! Love checking out your stuff out

[@jorbv8]

I learnt message in a bottle when i was like 16, that introduced me to added 9 chords... My absolute Favourite rhythm guitarist of sll time

[@lisareed5669]

I love these short versions. My brain "kicks" at the full versions.

[@stephanevu-hoang1014]

The thing about this bloke is that he's not a usual guitar hero, he's withdrawn and often goes unnoticed to the audience. Musicians however especially guitar players will immediately notice that he has a very unique tone. He humbled himself often to enable Sting and Stu to express their musicianship. He ain't no showman nor performer and didn't need to. He served the Police and their unique sound.

[@atphotos]

Rick, cheers! You are really crushing it!!!!

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

Andy was a big reason I picked up the guitar. S-tier musician all the way.