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NEW YORK - The Police will reunite to open the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 11, The Recording Academy said on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that the hit 1980s band is planning a reunion tour.
The five-time Grammy-winning band, led by frontman Sting, with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, split up in 1984 and was last seen playing together in 2003 to commemorate their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band, known for such hits as Roxanne, Message in a Bottle and Every Breath You Take, has never performed at the annual telecast for the music industry's most prestigious awards that are given by The Recording Academy.
"The Police join a stellar list of past Grammy Awards opening acts, which includes reunions and once-in-a-lifetime performances," said a statement from the academy.
Members of The Police have so far refused to confirm rumours that the band is planning to reunite in 2007 for dates in Britain and the United States, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the release of Roxanne.
Last month the band's label A&M Records, which is owned by Universal Music, said in a statement that they would mark the year somehow.
"It is our intention to mark the anniversary by doing something special with the band's catalogue of songs. Needless to say, everyone is hopeful the band will support our plans and while early discussions have taken place, nothing has been decided," said the statement.
Other presenters at the Grammy Awards include Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Christina Aguilera, Melissa Etheridge and Stevie Wonder.
- REUTERS
