The Police claim top grossing tour

The Police's reunion tour has been named the top grossing and top ticket selling tour of 2007.

Sting and his bandmates won the title for their first concert tour in 20 years at the 4th annual Billboard Touring Awards yesterday (15.11.07), after grossing more than $171 million from 53 shows watched by more than 1.5 million people.

Arthur Fogel, chairman of Live Nation Inc who produced The Police tour, said: "Clearly there was pent-up demand from 20 plus years of them not touring and the fact that they were, when they split up in the mid-80s, at their peak and they were very prolific and very successful.

"But none of those factors could be taken for granted and from day one it was determined that a high-profile launch was needed to ensure the tour was successful."

Singer and bass player Sting, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers launched their tour in February at West Hollywood's famed Whisky A Go Go nightclub, with a news conference and mini-concert.

The tour began in May and is due to end early next year, after visiting North America, Europe, Latin America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Justin Timberlake won the breakthrough award for his 'FutureSex/LoveShow' tour, which grossed more than $115.8 million from 100 shows watched by more than 1.5 million people.

The Download Festival at Britain's Donington Castle was named top festival, and New York's Madison Square Garden in City won top arena award.