The Police back together

• 31st Jan 2007

After weeks of speculation, the Police confirmed yesterday that it will reunite to open the 49th annual Grammy Awards Feb. 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The group has not performed live since its 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; the Grammy appearance is widely expected to kick off a year's worth of reunion shows throughout the world.

Last week, Vancouver radio station CFMI reported Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland had ensconced themselves at the city's Lions Gate Studios to rehearse for the Grammys and a tour.

In other Grammy news, Joan Baez, Melissa Etheridge, Jennifer Judson, Queen Latifah, Stevie Wonder and Chris Rock have joined the roster of presenters. The event will also feature performances from Beyonce, the Dixie Chicks, Gnarls Barkley, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood and the trio of John Mayer, John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae.