Posted by UBR Admin | 16 August 2012

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Day Fifteen Of London 2012: Our Closing Ceremony

Day Fifteen Of London 2012: Our Closing Ceremony

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So there we have it. The last race has been run, the last medal presented and the last tear has been been shed. London 2012’s Olympics have officially closed- screeching Spice Girls and a billion tonnes worth of fireworks told us so. But if you think all that’s been emotional, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Saturday saw the last of our Emerging Icons take to our stage. New faces and old favourites joined us for one last show at the Games… but we don’t know why we’re getting quite so teary eyed. It’s only a couple of weeks until we’re back for the Paralympics. Huzzah!

 

We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the final day than a set from Steamhead Trappers. For anyone doubting our love of diversity, surely the inclusion of this rambunctious country band should set a few things straight. With a deep, rumbling vocal, toe-tapping bass and the rich warmth of pedal steel, they boast as authentic a sound of the deep south you can find this side of the Wild West. Irrespective of an individual’s music taste, their sets can be enjoyed by all thanks to the sense of fun that flows throughout.

Steamhead Trappers

Frontman Austin looked the posterboy for the genre, standing tall in a leather waistcoat and cowboy hat (what else?) which probably accounted for the number of people feeling inclined to try out some of their line-dancing moves. Our favourites had to be the two squaddies who set down their rucksacks to have a little go. Army boots and camo pants may be the attire of choice on the next series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’

Steamhead Trappers

We had to go and ask Kevin and Sabina from Cheltenham what they thought of Steamhead Trappers… because halfway through their set we noticed them dancing like Fred and Ginger at the back. Well, actually… they go to latin classes, but they managed to adapt it to the country sound just fine. Sabina thought ‘It’s just a party atmosphere with that kind of music- that was really good fun. It’s a lovely place for us to come down and eat our lunch and have a listen.’ Hubby Kevin added ‘the guys really played it well. Everyone seems to be chilling and getting into it- the squaddies were really wonderful!‘

VP

The other faces making an appearance on our line-up for the day are pretty familiar to us now, but we were glad to have them back just one last time. Tankus The Henge just had to come and visit us again before the games finished- they just can’t get away. Once again they got a dense crowd of sun-giddy faces smiling and plenty of hands clapping. With their hectic schedule meaning they had to set off for a gig in Battersea almost immediately afterwards, theyl found a little time to film us a special Olympics message to surmise their experience with Emerging Icons at the Games. Keep your eyes peeled for that one- it’s golden.

Tankus The Henge

John from Birmingham was down to see the men’s final of the hockey with his Mum and Dad, Julia and David. We spotted them with smiles on their faces during Tankus’ performance so we asked John what he thought of them: ‘I thought they were really good, energetic, exciting and good fun! They were quite different- I enjoyed them.'

VP’.

As Tankus trundled off into the sunset to the sound of a wheezing accordion, Gentleman Starkey returned to the stage to treat us to another dose of their macabre rock n’ roll. The Brighton boys never fail to dazzle us with their inimitable style- the vague ghost of fifties perkiness being soured by a forboding growl of vocal framed by imposing riffs.

Gentleman Starkey

It’s striking, bold and so ripe for mainstream success. But despite the shadows that dominate their sound, Gentleman Starkey still manage to be entirely accessible to the audience that came along for the Games. The dominant bass lines still inspire movement, the rhythms can hypnotise and the stage presence is fascinating.

Gentleman Starkey

Returning for the final day was the vocal tour de force that is James Craise. If anyone was to be trusted with doing a cover of Lana Del Rey, it always had to be this guy. His cover of ‘Born To Die’, is quite fittingly, to die for. There is no need for frills and over-complication when it comes to this singer-songwriter’s performance. There doesn’t need to be small talk with his crowd, a full band or flashing lights. All you need is the insurmountable soul bursting from his vocal chords… and maybe just a little cheeky guitar. Like so many of our artists, this is one to be watching out for in the future.

So there we have it- the Emerging Icons Olympic Experience is all over. It’s been an absolute privilege to have been at such a prolific event with such incredible artists- and our thanks is extended to absolutely everybody involved. But we’re going to hold back on the really mushy stuff for a little bit longer… as we’ve still got the Para’s in our sights. Roll on August 29th!

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