China put up its best show at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, thus it was only fitting to close out a fantastic competition.
Filmmaker Zhang Yimou placed pressure on London to go one further four years later by arranging a very touching ceremony at the end of the games that year.
Of course, the London Olympic Opening Ceremony, which embodied the finest aspects of British history, culture, humor, and heart, was a highly lauded extravaganza, directed by Danny Boyle.
Soulful pop princess Leona Lewis shared the stage with famous guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin in an astounding blend of classic and contemporary British music.
‘From London With a Whole Lotta Love’ became the title of the handover segment, which allowed Page to triumphantly perform ‘Whole Lotta Love’ at the Beijing National Stadium.
Together, Jimmy Page (R) and Leona Lewis delivered a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 rock hit “Whole Lotta Love.” (The photo attribution on Getty Images should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP). Image: Getty
Boris Johnson gave off the classic confused expression, David Beckham kicked several footballs, and other London icons, including the Tower Bridge and the London Eye, were acknowledged.
But after that, Page and Leona Lewis showed in on a double-decker bus (that turned into a hedge, perhaps?) and packed in even more famous pictures from the next host of the Olympic Games.
