The Olympics got off to a flying start with the opening ceremony last night – and Paul McCartney. Which admittedly was very impressive in the end – and Paul McCartney.
24 – 27 million tuned in in the Beeb to see the opening spectacle. There was a big green hill, the industrial revolution, Kenneth Branagh, a journey through the digital age, some flying birds and lots of drummers.
The participants outfits were the usual expected blend of suits in the countries colours and Bermuda shorts – for Bermuda.
Lots of derision was cast the American’s way for their metrosexual Ralph Lauren uniform, which was a cross between Air Steward and gay Sailor.
But the Team USA’s looked was much smarter on the day than the Stella McCartney designed Team GB, who looked they they had raided Puff Daddy’s wardrobe for a white gold collared shell suit thing, which wouldn’t have looked out of place in a 1970′s Sci-Fi movie.
Sir Steve Redgrave had the honour of transporting the flame into the stadium, handed to him by David Beckham; who got relegated from the GB football team and to a boat on the Thame’s.
We finally got to find out what the big metal petals were for, when they lit the Olympic flame and it rose into the air.
Music wise, the Arctic Monkey’s and Dizzee Rascal turned in a decent performance, all other British musical styles were featured.
Unfortunately, we all had to suffer McCartney who they wheeled out for another pretty awful rendition of Hey Jude.
He was pretty dire, messing up the beginning of the song – the first real issue of the night. He can’t sing and needs to retire.
So it’s finally underway then now. Time to get on with the sport, there has been enough pomp and circumstance.
I personally can’t believe Beijing was 4 years ago. Where does all the time go?