2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony features 70s and 80s hits as Duran Duran headline
What a show!
Last updated 11th Aug 2022
The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games began yesterday (28th July) with an opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium, welcoming 6,500 athletes from 72 countries. There were lots of great acts, and several classic tracks were played in the parade before Duran Duran closed the show.
With performances showing moments from Birmingham's history, the musical side of the city was also recognised with Brummie band Duran Duran headlining the show. They played an incredible set with tracks 'Save a Prayer', 'Planet Earth', 'Tonight United' and 'Ordinary World'.
Ahead of their performance, the group wrote on social media: 'We are so proud to be returning to our home town to close the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. It is a true honour to be part of a global event that will bring sportspeople of all cultural backgrounds around the world together as one. Another milestone in a most incredible year for us.'
After the show, they posted their setlist on their Instagram Story and wrote: 'what an amazing opening night. Best of luck to all of the athletes, we're cheering for you!'
The group also later shared a behind-the-scenes video as they came off the stage after their incredible performance.
Watch Duran Duran backstage at the 2022 Commonwealth Games:
The Duran Duran hits weren't the only songs from the 70s and 80s we heard throughout the event, as ELO's 'Don't Bring Me Down' played during the athlete's parade, with hosts Team England arriving to Queen's 'We Will Rock You'.
The parade also featured 'Walking On Sunshine' by Katrina And The Waves, 'Red Red Wine' by UB40, Dexys Midnight Runners' track 'Come On Eileen', 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' by Eurythmics and 'Let's Dance' by David Bowie - what a soundtrack!
Watch some of the highlights from the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony:
As well as having their song featured in the parade, UB40 has created the official anthem of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The track is called 'Champion' and according to the band it is about: "Celebrating the cultural diversity of Birmingham. Birmingham is a city of champions!".
Check out the 2022 Commonwealth Games venues:
1) Alexander Stadium in Walsall Road, Perry Barr
The stadium had gone through major renovations ahead of the Games. The Alexander Stadium will stage the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletes will compete there in track and field events from 2nd August to 7th August.
2) Arena Birmingham in King Edwards Road, Birmingham
Arena Birmingham is one of the busiest, large-scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The versatile venue has hosted 30 different sports in its history and will certainly be well used during the Commonwealth Games.
3) Cannock Chase Forest in Birches Valley, Rugeley
Cannock Chase Forest will host the mountain bike competition on Wednesday 3 August.
4) Coventry Stadium and Arena in Judds Lane, Coventry
Opened in 2005, Coventry Stadium can accommodate more than 32, 500 spectators. The stadium is home to Premiership Rugby Team Wasps and Coventry City FC. The stadium will host the Rugby Sevens, Judo and wrestling events.
5) Edgbaston Stadium in Edgbaston Road, Birmingham
The world-famous cricket stadium will host the debut of Women's cricket T20. The stadium has a capacity of nearly 25,000.
6) Lee Valley Velopark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Abercrombie Road, London
This is the only venue outside the West Midlands. The velodrome staged the London 2012 track cycling competition providing some of the Games' most exciting moments.
7) The NEC in North Avenue in Marston Green, Birmingham
The National Exhibition Centre is the UK's largest exhibition venue and one of Europe's leading event destinations. The NEC will host the Netball event.
8) Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick
Unsurprisingly, the Aquatic centre will host swimming and diving events.
9) Smithfield in Southside, Birmingham
Formerly the site of Birmingham's Wholesale Markets, Smithfield will be the home of the beach volleyball and basketball 3x3 competitions during the Commonwealth Games.
10) Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Park will host the Triathlon event on Friday 29 July and Sunday 31 July.
11) University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre in Edgbaston
The venue will host the venue for the squash and hockey events during Games, as well as housing the principal Athletes' Village.
12) Victoria Park, Archery Road, Royal Leamington Spa
Victoria Park will play host to the Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls events during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
13) Victoria Square, Birmingham
Located at the heart of the city, Victoria Square will be the finishing line for the Marathon on Saturday 30 July.
14) Warwick Road Race in Myton Fields, Warwickshire
160 of the world's best cyclists are set to gather at Myton Fields for the road races, scheduled to be held on the penultimate day of the Commonwealth Games on Sunday 7th August.
15) West Park in Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton's historic West Park will provide a spectacular backdrop to the start and finish of the Cycling Time Trial on Thursday 4th August.
Now read:
UB40 release official 2022 Commonwealth Games anthem as part of 45th-anniversary celebrations
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UB40: The iconic reggae band through the years