All of these images were shot for All Music Magazine. Thanks again to everyone who made this happen—I truly appreciate the amazing opportunity. Check out the published review here.

© 2025 Aki Fujita Taguchi at A.F.T. Photography. All rights reserved. The link to this page is sharable as long as you credit me (Aki Fujita Taguchi). However, any use or download of these photos without permission—including on social media or personal websites—may result in legal action. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or inquiries.

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Photos and words by Aki Fujita Taguchi

On January 25, 2025, legendary guitarist and multifaceted artist Andy Summers brought his one-of-a-kind multimedia show, “The Cracked Lens + A Missing String,” to CLUB CITTA’ in Kawasaki. Known worldwide as the guitarist for The Police, Summers has also made a name for himself as a photographer and author, a legacy beautifully woven into this intimate performance that combined music, photography, and storytelling.

Dressed in a black shirt paired with a striking blue jacket and trousers, Summers took the stage, flanked by a cozy setup of a sofa and lamp on the right, while his guitar setup occupied the left side. This arrangement created an ambiance reminiscent of a mysterious hotel room at night—a setting that perfectly complemented Summers’ artistry. He performed exclusively from the left side of the stage, grounding the audience in his world of music and visuals.

The evening began quietly with “True Nature,” setting the tone for a show that was both meditative and mesmerizing. Japanese audiences are famously attentive, but this crowd seemed exceptionally still, captivated by every note and image. Summers’ masterful use of effects pedals and his seamless transitions between harmonics and open strings created a rich, atmospheric soundscape. His ability to evoke emotion with spacey, layered guitar work is unparalleled, a testament to his six-decade career as a musician.

This performance wasn’t just about music. As Summers played, his photographs were projected onto the screen behind him, each image carefully chosen to complement the music. “Tea in the Sahara” was accompanied by monochromatic shots of the Sahara Desert, creating a dreamlike fusion of sound and visuals. Before playing “Round Midnight,” he mentioned his admiration for jazz legend Thelonious Monk, reflecting on the profound influence Monk has had on his own musical journey.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Summers introduced “Roxanne” with stories and photos from the “Roxanne” contest, where the people competed for the most “Roxanne”-like look, followed by a humorous clip of Eddie Murphy belting out the tune. The audience’s laughter broke the otherwise hushed atmosphere, a reminder of Summers’ playful side. Another standout was his mention of “One Train Later,” his autobiography, which delves into his journey with The Police and the music industry. The book, also adapted into the documentary “Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police,” featured clips from the film shown during the show, including a scene where Summers stumbles upon Japanese karaoke enthusiasts singing “Every Breath You Take.” This clip elicited the loudest laughter of the evening, as Summers joined the unsuspecting group mid-performance, a delightful moment of connection.

The show’s narrative arc explored Summers’ inspirations, touching on classic films like “Rashōmon” and “Black Orpheus.” After introducing the poster for “Black Orpheus,” Summers performed “Manhã de Carnaval,” a piece from the film’s soundtrack. This was followed by performances of “Triboluminescence,” “Spirits in The Material World,” and the amazing “Bring On The Night.” The final piece marked the end of the main set, closing with an evocative blend of music and visuals at 7:25 PM. Of course, Summers returned for an encore, delivering an electrifying rendition of “Message in a Bottle.” As the iconic riff played, a slideshow of youthful photos of Summers and his bandmates, Sting and Stewart Copeland, filled the screen, along with shots of frenzied fans from The Police’s heyday. It was a bittersweet reminder of Summers’ storied past and the passage of time.

The setlist was a remarkable journey, spanning Summers’ solo work, jazz standards, and Police classics. Each piece was meticulously crafted, showcasing Summers’ technical brilliance and creative depth.

Summers’ photography—particularly his moody, nocturnal shots of bars and hotels—added a haunting elegance to the performance. These images felt like visual extensions of his guitar tones, inviting the audience to ponder the life of a traveling artist who has seen the world through both strings and a lens. His ability to evoke wonder and introspection is unmatched, and this night was no exception.

As the show ended, the final image lingered: a photo of a young girl, possibly from Japan or another East Asian country, holding an old Mamiya film camera. It felt like a poignant farewell, a reflection on Summers’ connection with Japan and its culture. At 82, Summers remains as sharp and spirited as ever, but there was an unspoken acknowledgment that this might be his last visit to Japan. The thought brought tears to my eyes, yet I felt immense gratitude for witnessing his artistry firsthand.

“The Cracked Lens + A Missing String” was a celebration of Summers’ multifaceted career and a testament to his enduring creativity. For those of us who grew up listening to The Police, it was a night of nostalgia, admiration, and inspiration. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your world with us. Here’s hoping this isn’t goodbye but simply “see you again.”