Sheryl Crow told 'don't mention the war'

Sheryl Crow claims she was asked by Grammy organisers not to talk about the war during her appearance on the live awards show.

The singer said her manager was contacted before the event and told the award committee wanted to keep the event "neutral".

But Crow, who has been highly critical of plans to invade Iraq, silently defied them by wearing a guitar strap that said "no war" and a peace sign in diamonds on her neck for her performance with Kid Rock.

She was believed to be one of several celebrities opposed to military action who were urged to keep quiet on the subject before the ceremony in New York last night.

But Grammy president Neil Portnow said: "No one contacted any artist to talk about content."

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed a rendition of their Vietnam War ballad, The Sound of Silence.

Asked about his views on invading Iraq, Garfunkel said that even though there was much that needed to be said, it would be "inappropriate" to do it at a music awards show.

- NZPA