Police play after 18-year gap

Police play after 18-year gap

The Police split in the mid-1980s

UK band The Police have performed for the first time in 18 years, in honour of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They took their places alongside The Clash and Elvis Costello, other stars to emerge from the 1970s British punk scene, as well as Australian rockers AC/DC and US duo The Righteous Brothers.

The Police, led by Sting, played three hits on Monday including Every Breath You Take and Message in a Bottle.

The widow of The Clash's singer Joe Strummer, who died in December, accepted his award and said he would have been "very proud and honoured" to be inducted.

This year, UK acts dominated the annual ceremony that celebrates a select band of veterans who have become rock legends.

The widow of The Clash singer Joe Strummer accepted his award

"It's a very good night to be British because three of the finest acts of the last 30 years that came out of Britain are here to be honoured," said Sir Elton John, who presented Costello's award.

The Police had not played together since the mid-80s, and Sting said he agreed to reform "because The Police were a damn good band, and it's an honour".

They last attempted to play together at Sting's wedding in 1992, but the plans were abandoned after rows between band members.

U2 guitarist The Edge presented the award to The Clash, and told how Strummer's group had inspired U2 when they played in Dublin.

"By the end of the night Dublin was a different place. For everyone there that show was an awakening. The revolution had come to town," The Edge said.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Sunday, Bloody Sunday wouldn't and couldn't have been written if it wasn't for the Clash," he added.

Clash guitarist Mick Jones said: "I accept this on behalf of all the garage bands who might have never dreamed of this kind of moment."

The keyboard player of Costello's band, the Attractions, Steve Nieve, made a plea for peace before the group played (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding.

'Thunder from down under'

AC/DC were joined by Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler for the song You Shook Me All Night Long.

Tyler paid tribute to the "thunder from down under that gives you the second most powerful surge that can flow through your body".

Billy Joel introduced The Righteous Brothers - Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley - who had hits with You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' and (You're My) Soul and Inspiration.

Joel said: "Sometimes people with blue eyes transcended the limitations of what their colour and culture can actually be.

"Sometimes white people can actually be soulful. This was a life-changing idea. It changed my life."

Music executive Mo Ostin received a lifetime achievement award while session musicians Benny Benjamin, Floyd Cramer and Steve Douglas received posthumous honours.