Duran Duran to headline Olympics opening gig
Baku, May 2 (AZERTAC). The outdoor gig in Hyde Park will feature acts from all four nations of the UK, with Duran Duran - whose hits include Girls on Film and Rio - representing England. Stereophonics will represent Wales, Paolo Nutini will play for Scotland and Snow Patrol will appear for Northern Ireland. The concert on 27 July will coincide with the Olympics opening ceremony, which will be broadcast on big screens in the park in between performances.
Simon Le Bon, the lead singer of Duran Duran, said: "Performing to so many people on the most exciting day in sport for Great Britain will be one of the highlights of the last decade for us. We have been invited to represent England for this Team GB show, and we couldn`t be more proud. Seeing the torch being lit on the big screens before hitting the stage in this iconic location will be a great experience… we simply can`t wait".
Another concert marking the end of the Olympics will be held in Hyde Park on August 12, with a "Best of British" line-up comprising Blur, New Order and The Specials.
The number of concerts held in the park is to be cut next year from 13 to nine after complaints from residents. Westminster Council has also decided to reduce the number of people who can attend the events from 80,000 to 65,000, and in some cases to 50,000. The changes will come into effect in 2013.
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