Iron Maiden to Open the London 2012 Olympics

Cast your mind back to the European Football Championships in 1996. Great tournament and exceptionally well hosted except for one part, the opening ceremony. It was embarrassing. Then the Manchester Commonwealth games was pretty awful as well, i have memories of a mismatch of once upon a time musicians

Until Beijing 2007 it was conceded that  any opening ceremony would be terrible but China set new limits to what an opening ceremony could be.

Sure no country is likely to match the feat of that opening for two reasons, firstly the amount of manpower needed was only going to be capable from a country with 1.2 billion people and secondly a lack of human rights comes in handy for such things.

Here in the UK we are a country of just over 60million people, most of them are fat as well so the actually available work force for such a huge task is minimal. The Olympic Committee has enlisted Danny Boyle to direct the opening of the games. A good choice for sure. One lesson that can be learned from China use a film director who understands about visual spectacles to create a feast for the eyes. So fingers crossed it will look stunning or at least good with the budget we have!

What will it sound like though? Danny Boyle is known for always having good soundtracks to his films, Trainspotting relaunched Iggy Pops career with a Lust for Life while giving Underworld the kick into the mainstream.

Its important to remember that this is Britian's event but its watched by the World, that means what we think is cool isn't anywhere else, either we are just too ahead of the times or we just aren't cool. So if we want the whole world to look at our event and go wow we need the big guns!

Iron Maiden! 

There are many reasons why this should happen, and there are very few why it wont, but you don't need to be Mystic Meg to realize that is wont happen.

Why is should happen though is simple. Iron Maiden are the biggest current band in the UK. FACT! If they turn up in any country it sells out, they are hugely loved all over the world almost with out exception. And this is because they are the best. Its easy to say it as a fan but take a non believer to see them and there is no doubting that on a performance level they are faultless, they sound amazing and never miss a note. Add to this the fact they really do promote a positive message, if you have ever seen Iron Maiden live you will know what i am talking about, there is a good vibe and a happy atmosphere. Then on top you have the energy and vibrancy altogether providing a winning combination.

There will be people thinking that they are not suitable for such an event. This is rubbish Maiden have a huge back catalog and there are tons of songs that would be more than suitable for such an event. Imagine the song Blood Brothers for example cant think of many more suitable songs with a great message.

We really need to avoid the shambles that was our walk on role in Beijing where the London Bus drove on to the field and opened up with Jimmy Page playing A Whole Lotta Love (OK i'll give you that) with Leona Lewis singing, who??? (i actually struggled to remember her name i had to ask someone, imagine being Korean and watching) So its clear we need something British the world can identify too the latest waste of oxygen from a crappy talent show is not it, we are better than that! We have a band with 30 years experience of playing huge gigs and are still doing it. Plus its great fun!

Who are you? I'm one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived! Who are you? I won Xfactor! 

What is more is Britain invented Heavy Metal, it has been one of the biggest selling musics for decades and yet we turn our back on it, i have no idea why. I know that it goes against what is popular these days, that is, it involves a lot of hard work to get that big. A hell of a lot more perseverance and self belief is also needed not just 10 live shows singing in front of a guy who is using you for his own ends not the greater good of music. China Invented the Firework and used them to great effect we invented Heavy Metal lets use it!

I am sure they would be up for it! How could they not be they are from the very area the games are being held, they are East End Londoners! It couldn't be any more appropriate message to the people of the area where regeneration is on the agenda what you can achieve with hard work.

But most importantly we need to look good in the eyes of the world. Its not an option to be ridiculous Bruce Dickinson singing the Trooper with a flame torched Union Jack could just be symbolic as Britain enters a metaphorical Charge of the Light Brigade!