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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

The Police are to reunite and perform at the Grammy Awards next month - more than 20 years after the release of their last album.

Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers will open the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on 11 February.

The band - who had hits with Every Breath You Take and Roxanne - last performed together in 2003.

The Police, who never officially parted before pursuing solo projects, had been rumoured to be planning a comeback.

The band started out in 1977, and had their first number one hit, Message in A Bottle, two years later.

They released their fifth, and last, album Synchronicity, which featured songs Every Breath You Take and Wrapped Around Your Finger.

'Massive news'

They last performed together in celebration of their 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Music journalist Chris Salmon said their reunion was "massive news".

"There are definitely some bands who said they wouldn't reform until hell freezes over and The Police were one of those bands," he said.

"I don't think anyone who likes them or loves them would have considered this would happen.

"It's 30 years since The Police formed - and that anniversary gives you a bit of an excuse.

"I suppose people start to think about legacy and Sting perhaps wants people to remember he's not this bland tantric sex-lover, and that he once fronted this amazing rock group."

The trio, who won five Grammys in their 1980s prime, join a live performance line-up that already includes Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Blige has picked up eight nominations including record of the year for Be Without You.

BBC ONLINE