Coldplay Snubbed At The Grammys

Sting was back on stage today with his former bandmates from The Police as they entertained the audience at the 49th Grammy Awards.

The newly-reformed group kicked off the US ceremony with their classic hit Roxanne.

Sting, who had even copied his blonde spiked hair from the band’s heyday, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers split in 1984 and despite remaining friends have only performed together a couple of times since. Later today they are expected to announce plans for a comeback tour. Although The Police received rapturous applause, other Brits weren’t so fortunate at the Los Angeles event.

James Blunt was nominated for five gongs, including best record, but walked away empty handed. Coldplay, the Arctic Monkeys and the Pet Shop Boys were also snubbed.

Winners on the night included Mary J Blige, who picked up three awards for her album The Breakthrough and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose Stadium Arcadium, gave them four.

Folk group, The Dixie Chicks were apparently formally forgiven for their anti-Bush remarks four years ago when they made their disapproval on the Iraq war known.

Sales of their records took a direct hit at the time and they even suffered death threats after the comment.

However their five gongs, including one for best song and record for Not Ready To Make Nice – which tells of no regrets – seems indicative of the President’s waning US support.