September 5, 2007 15:08

Police return to the UK for first time in over 20 years

Sting and co kick off British dates in Birmingham

The Police returned to the UK last night (September 4), as the band reformation tour reached the Birmingham National Indoor Arena.

So far the band have played US and European dates, but this new tour marks their first gigs in Britain since the band last toured in 1983.

"It's good to be back in the Midlands,” declared Sting, adding that the band’s fortunes had changed since their last visit. “Last time we were here was back in '83, I think. I had a broken hand and Andy (Summers, guitar) had a kidney stone - this time we are in better shape!"

The band played:

'Message In A Bottle'
'Synchronicity II'
'Walking On The Moon'
'Voices Inside My Head/When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around'
'Don't Stand So Close To Me'
'Driven To Tears'
'Hole in My Life'
'Truth Hits Everybody'
'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'
'Wrapped Around Your Finger'
'De Do Do Do De Da Da Da'
'Invisible Sun'
'Walking In Your Footsteps'
'Can't Stand Losing You'
'Roxanne'
'King Of Pain'
'So Lonely'
'Every Breath You Take'
'Next To You'

The band are now set to play a series of sold-out dates in the next few weeks, while they have also announced that they will play a new show at Wembley Arena.

The Police play the London venue – the scene of their last ever gig before reformation, on New Year's Eve 1983 – on October 20.

To check ticket availability and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now.