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Henry Padovani (b. October 13, 1952, in Bastia, Corsica) is a musician, the original guitarist with The Police. In 1977, he was replaced by Andy Summers.

For a brief period between July and August 1977, The Police performed live as a four piece with Padovani and Summers sharing guitar duties. After an aborted studio session with producer John Cale, Padovani decided to leave the band.

Since then he has recorded and performed as a musician in his own right. After The Police, he joined Wayne County & the Electric Chairs. In 1980, he formed his own guitar instrumental band, the Flying Padovanis, and released the single Western Pasta (1981). The Flying Padovani's recorded two albums Font L'Enfer and They Call Them Crazy before disbanding at the end of 1987. A few years later he contributed to a Johnny Thunders tribute album by performing Cosa Nostra.

Henry was the Vice President of IRS Records between 1984 and 1994, and then managed Italian superstar Zucchero for 5 years.

After a 5 year sabbatical, Henry decided to return to guitar playing. He recorded with producer Yves Aouizerate a solo album in 2006, à croire que c'était pour la vie, sung in French, including the song "Welcome Home" featuring Stewart Copeland and Sting of The Police. This was the first time the "original" members of the Police recorded together since "Fallout", "Nothing Achieving" and ' Visions of the Night'. Manu Katché, Steve Hunter, Glen Matlock and Chris Musto also appear on the album. to be released in spring 2007. He also wrote the music for the movies 'la vie comme elle va' and ' Ici Najac à vous la terre'(cannes film festival 2006 official selection, DGA 2007 nomination, Cesars 2007 nomination..)

Henry also released a book in April 2006, Secret Police Man, that recounts many episodes of his "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" London lifestyle in the late 1970s and the early days of The Police.

The Flying Padovani's have reformed in 2007 for an album 'Three for Trouble' to be released in May 2007 and a tour in summer 2007 (including the Fuji rock festival in Japan).

Henry Padovani often appears live on stage with his friend Rachid Taha.

• Official website

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