Rock On

Overview of Olympic Stadium transformed to the streets of London with a coloured flag created
by world-famous British visual artist Damien Hirst

While the much tooted Danny Boyle opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games was an entertaining (the storyline of the young lovers in the age of modern media), moving (the minute of silence as a tribute to all the losses of the Great War), beautiful (the village green of pastoral Britain), and even cheeky (the Queen as a Bond girl) performance, it was last night's closing ceremonies that rocked -- literally and figuratively.  What a brilliantly conceived spectacle!  Building on the concept of the stadium floor as the bustling streets of London and the British flag transformed as thoroughfares leading to the heart of the city, the entire show was a cohesive visual and auditory extravaganza that celebrated British culture.  Bringing together some of the best British artists, singers, dancers and entertainers, it was a creative tour de force.

Marks of Creative Brilliance

Transforming the stadium floor to a party on the streets of London.

Using colour blocking for visual cohesion and interest as the Pet Shop Boys sing their hit, West End Girls.

Marrying Russell Brand, Willy Wonka and the Magical Mystery Tour bus.

John Lennon on screen singing Imagine accompanied by a children's choir dressed in white, while performers create a 3-D image of Lennon in the centre of the stadium.

Freddy Mercury on screen followed by Queen band members Brain May and Roger Taylor performing We Will Rock You with singer Jessie J -- fabulous.

Incorporating iconic British images like...

            Winston Churchill popping out of Big Ben;

       
          The Spice Girls cavorting on the top of London cabs;

          beginning with London's trademark skyline;

          pairing the red-coated, beaver-hatted British marching guards with Monty Python's Eric Idle;

          and clothing the crowd-control performers in Bobbyesk costumes with light bulb topped
          bowler hats.

Finally, my best of the best...

          A vibrant George Michael singing Freedom 90,

          Streets lined with newspapers highlighting British literature,

          And Liam Gallagher performing the Oasis hit Wonderwall accompanied by the London
          Philharmonic Orchestra.

All images via The Huffington Post