Blur packed a punch that could rival one that Olympic boxing champion Luke Campbell would struggle to match, as they blew away the Hyde Park crowd at the sold-out Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert last night.
As Brian May, Roger Taylor and Jessie J did their best to ruin the memory of Freddie Mercury for what can only be hoped is the last time, and the Spice Girls and Take That reminded everyone why 90's British pop ruled the waves in the bygone decade in the Olympic Stadium, Blur reminded Hyde Park why Britpop proved to be much more enduring and well-remembered musical movement. Kicking things off with 'Boys and Girls', the Essex four-piece performed hit after hit to the jubilant crowd, many of whom must not have thought that things could get any better after the majestic performance of our nation's athletes over the past two weeks - something the band aimed to prove wrong.
Not only was this the end of the London Olympics, but it was also the potential end of Blur for good, as frontman Damon Albarn had previously stated that the performance from last night was more than likely going to be the band's last. This added all the more to the emotion, as fans and band members alike struggled to hold back to tears during one of Britain's most beloved band's swansong. Even bassist Alex James was unable to hold back the tears on the momentous night, Tweeting "Cried during utw in soundcheck emotional blur westway". It may be the end of the Olympics in Britain's capital, but whether this is the end of Blur we shall have to wait and see.