The Police came one step closer to confirming a reunion tour on Tuesday (January 30) when it was announced that the trio will kick off the February 11 Grammy Awards telecast. The group, led by Sting, has reportedly been rehearsing for a summer tour, and their opening slot at the 49th annual awards show seems to confirm that the announcement of the full-fledged reunion is on.
As recently as last week, a spokesperson for the band – which also includes drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers – would not confirm the tour.
The trio, which won five Grammys in their 1980s prime, join a live performance lineup that already includes Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gnarls Barkley, Christina Aguilera, Ludacris, John Legend with John Mayer and Corinne Bailey Rae, the Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood .
New presenters announced Tuesday include Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Chris Rock, Stevie Wonder, Melissa Etheridge and Joan Baez.
The Police are expected to announce a reunion tour to coincide with a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of their first single, “Fall Out.” It would be the first major outing by one of the biggest bands of the 1980s since their split in 1984, save for a one-night reunion in 2003 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and some charity dates on an Amnesty International tour in 1986.