Olympics Opening Ceremony. The arrival of the industrial revolution.

Chimneys shoot up from the ground, the drums beat, the music soars and the momentous arrival of the industrial revolution is heralded at the Olympics opening ceremony. This is the final dress rehearsal.

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[michigantraveler]

Even 11 years later this is the best Opening Ceremony in Olympic history.

[BlackAcebt]

Anyone else notice that this takes place at dusk? It's light when they start but it's dark by the time the rings are lit. That was a masterstroke of timing and choreography and really added to the atmosphere.

[kosoves]

this is the greatest live performance of 21th century

[DestinyMichelleMusic]

Thank you, I was one of The Pandemonium Drummers and luckily I had the privilege of performing in all 4 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
This is the first footage where you can really feel the rumble of the drums. I've literally just cried watching this, It has brought back such fond memories.
I had no idea that the audience stood up during the poppy segment at the Tech Run. You'll be pleased to know The PD's are still going strong doing a lot for charity etc :-)

[SteveBatJazzEx]

Pandemonium Drummer no 237 here - thanks for taking the time and trouble, I'm one of 40 who did all 4 ceremony's and this was truly a night to remember -we made friends for life and felt one with the world -at that feeling never die x

[princesskyrie]

Since it appears a handful of performers from this segment are in the comments, I want to say thank you for an amazing show. I love going back to relive great Olympic opening ceremonies from time to time, and I honestly believe this is among the best performances the Olympics has ever produced. I still get chills. You should be incredibly proud. Much love from California.

[ragerancher]

Best part of the ceremony IMO and I'm glad we chose this. Too many nations gloss over their history and just present the rainbows and sunshine of their history. I'm glad we presented the grim reality of one of the greatest moments in our history. It makes the final scene of the rings coming together, light and unity out of dark and discourse, much more meaningful.

[kayja]

Hi Dave,

I'm sitting here in tears. I was one of the P Drummers and your video bought it all back. You have capture the true essence of our performance. A thousand thanks for posting this...pure gold.

Pandemonium drummer 630

[Stu-Vino]

Amazing. The bit when the poppies appear and everyone just stands without being prompted gets me every time. A fantastic memory.

[morganmcmahon]

This was my absolute favorite part of the Opening Ceremony in London! Not only is the Industrial Revolution portrayed historically accurate, but the music, visuals, and choreography are incredible! Way to go Danny Boyle and Evelyn Glennie!!!

[azzameentv]

"The British nation is unique in this respect. They are the only people who like to be told how bad things are, who like to be told the worst." - Winston Churchill

And that's what makes this ceremony so great. The Industrial Revolution was a time where the green countryside was destroyed, children were injured and killed working, miners died trying to keep the coal coming above ground: yet we as British don't shy from that. We showed the world how much they owe Britain.

[SecondDegreeMedicine]

This is such a great version of this segment! I found the BBC coverage didn't quite put across how loud it was in there! I was one of the drummers. Such an amazing night. Gives me goose bumps watching it again and re-living the moment.

[juno]

This was the most entertaining history lesson I have ever seen. It was pure brilliance.

[mrwhite]

I absolutely love this. I cried when I watched it on TV and this perspective adds a really live feel. Can’t believe it’s almost 10 years ago. Thank you for uploading :-)

[SaintKiddJess]

I didnt realise everyone stood for the poppies section. I was holding back the tears while performing but when i just watched that i cried so hard. thank you for uploading this.
i was one of the pandemonium drummers and infact i can see me in this video. i hope you enjoyed watching the rehearsal. thank you for coming xx

[TheZenith]

One, if not the best, opening ceremonies ever, and the music was fricking brilliant.

[deadnicedave]

This makes me cry every time i watch it, an incredible piece of art and no doubt the single greatest moment of any olympic opening ceremony, A Staggering Visual and musical assault on your senses from everyone involved. Thanks for posting.

[juno]

This folks is how you give a history lesson. And the music is just awe inspiring.

[Xiscanadal]

I was one of the weavers. It was an incredibly moving experience to take part. Danny Boyle's a genius. I cry spontanteously when I hear the music.

[DestinyMichelleMusic]

Hi James7300
I was one of the Olympic Pandemonium Drummers and yes this was a special preview Tech Run Performance that we did for family, friends, the military and other volunteers.
You are right in that the timing eg. of the rings coming together and alighting is different to what we did on the night as we hadn't even seen that bit till then, but luckily it was dead perfect when it mattered :-)