London Olympics 2012: Gordon Brown promises greatest rock concert ever
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Gordon Brown last night promised the greatest rock concert the world has ever seen for the opening ceremony of London 2012.
The pledge for a global spectacular to rival Beijing's came as London prepared to officially receive the Olympic baton in China today. The PM believes a line-up of rock legends such as Elton John, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones will provide a glittering celebration of Britain's talent.
A Downing Street source said: "Gordon Brown is determined to put on the biggest and best rock show the world has ever witnessed."
Last night the Prime Minister - in Beijing for the handover ceremony - said: "I think the Olympics in 2012 will be spectacular.
"Music and the cultural aspects of the Games will be very important as we move forward to 2012.
"In all these areas, where our creativity is leading the world, I think we will want to showcase that to the world when they look in on London in 2012."
Mr Brown also revealed he will campaign for Britain to have a UK football team - made up of the four home nations - competing in the London Olympics.
He said: "Britain is the home of football - we gave it to the world and I hope there will be a team in 2012."
Britain's record-breaking athletes were also given a royal seal of approval last night as the Queen described their success as a "golden triumph". She said: "Like so many people around the world I have followed their endeavours with great interest and admiration. To all the participants, and to everyone who has supported them so well, I send my warmest congratulations.
"As a nation we now look forward to holding the Olympics. The golden triumphs of the present British team can only serve as further inspiration to those who will be working hard over the next four years to make the London Games a shining example of Olympic success."
London Mayor Boris Johnson will today accept the Olympic flag in the handover ceremony in Beijing.
David Beckham will star in the extravaganza at the Bird's Nest stadium as he kicks footballs from the top of a double-decker bus.
Beckham, 33, backed the idea of a British football team and revealed he would love to be in it - if he is still playing.
"Football is the best sport in the world so it should be top of the list," he said. "I will be 37 in four years time so I'm not sure I will still be playing. But you never know."
The former England captain - who helped London secure the Games - also revealed he is a huge fan of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who became the fastest man on the planet in Beijing.
He said: "I think he's great. He is so talented and has got so much confidence. It's such a big stage and the whole world is watching, so if you can perform like he has then you deserve to gloat."
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There was even more success for Britain's Olympians yesterday as we scooped three more medals, bringing the haul to 47 - our greatest performance in 100 years.
James DeGale, 22, led the way with gold in the boxing despite being an underdog in the final of the middleweight competition.
Sarah Stevenson, 25, claimed bronze in taekwondo amid a chorus of boos from Chinese supporters.
Tim Brabants, 31, also won bronze in the canoeing to go with the gold he won earlier in the Games.
And teenage sensation Tom Daley shone in the final of the 10m diving.
The 14-year-old - Britain's second youngest-ever Olympian - came seventh and then said he couldn't wait to try again for gold in 2012.
The Russians pipped Britain to third place in the table by two gold medals. But nothing could dampen the spirit of Team GB last night as the Olympic flame began the four-year journey to London.
THE FINAL DAY
1.30-10am: Final events. Britain's last medal hope Dan Robinson runs in the Men's Marathon.
1pm: Official closing ceremony watched by two billion worldwide.
1.40pm: In London McFly perform in The Mall in front of 40,000.
2pm: A special Sing The Nation event kicks off with mass concerts in 20 city centres across the UK.
2.30pm: Official handover event at which Boris Johnson is presented with the Olympic Flag and Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page perform Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love.
3pm: The Mall rocks to acts including Will Young, Il Divo and Katherine Jenkins.
4.45pm: The Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace
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