Birmingham legends announced as headline act for 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Duran Duran will be headlining the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Last updated 20th Jul 2022
Here at Free Radio, we're getting ready to be welcoming the world to the West Midlands, and today, it's been announced that legendary Birmingham band Duran Duran will be the headline act for 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, which takes place in the newly refurbish Alexander Stadium, next week.
Sharing the details on Instagram, the band wrote: '"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." - Roger
'Duran Duran join @birminghamcg22 to provide the soundtrack for unforgettable Opening Ceremony.'
News of the band's addition to the line-up has been welcomed by fans who commented on Duran Duran's post saying: 'This will be one unforgettable experience So very proud of you all 👏🎉💖♥️💖♥️', and 'What a fantastic year for Duran Duran. Lifetime heroes!'.
In a statement, Simon Le Bon also said: "The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is a momentous event for the great city of Birmingham. And we in Duran Duran are honoured to be a part of it in our home town."
The Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the 30,000 capacity Alexander Stadium. The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday 28th July, where Duran Duran, along with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, will be performing.
The band formed over 40 years ago, when members John Taylor and Nick Rhodes worked as doorman and DJ at Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham. The band are best known for their hits 'A View To A Kill', 'Hungry Like The Wolf', 'Girls on Film', and 'Rio', which Nick Rhodes recently admitted he still didn't know the meaning of.
In other Commonwealth Games news, UB40 have released the official Commonwealth Games 2022 anthem. Celebrating 45 years in the music industry, the band have released 'Champion', which the band's founder Robin Campbell said was: "About celebrating the cultural diversity of Birmingham. Birmingham is a city of champions!".
If you love bands like Duran Duran and UB40, our sister station, Greatest Hits Radio, is the perfect radio station for you! They've got the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s & 90s, played by legendary presenters like Simon Mayo, Jackie Brambles and Martin Kemp.
Listen to Greatest Hits Radio
Now take a look through the most memorable Commonwealth Games moments:
Roger Bannister and John Landy, the first two men to crack the four-minute-mile, raced against each other the 1954 Vancouver Commonwealth Games, with Roger Bannister coming out victorious.
Precious McKenzie winning weightlifting gold again at Christchurch 1974, attracted the attention of The Queen and caused her to be late for an official engagement.
Nicola Adams won the first gold medal for women's boxing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.
Jim Peters tragically collapses just before the finish line of his marathon in 1954. He reportedly crawled for 11 minutes before being put onto a stretcher.
Chantal Petitclerc, one of the most high-profile pioneers for para-sports, won gold in the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Allan Wells and Mike McFarlane in the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games 200m both won a gold medal. This is the only gold draw in Commonwealth history.
Usain Bolt helped Jamaica win gold in the Men's 4x100m relay during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Filbert Bayi set the world record in the 1,500m at the Christchurch 1974 Commonwealth Games.
Now read:
UB40 release official Commonwealth Games 2022 anthem