Duran Duran to open Games

The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next week will be headlined by Duran Duran.

For the 80s chart-toppers – singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor – who also played for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last month, it is a return to their home city.

Le Bon, pictured, said: ‘The Games is a momentous event for the great city of Birmingham. And we in Duran Duran are honoured to be a part of it in our home town.’ Roger Taylor added: ‘It is a true honour to be part of a global event that will bring sportspeople of all cultural backgrounds around the world together as one. Another milestone in a most incredible year for us.’

The ceremony on July 28, in front of a 30,000 crowd at Alexander Stadium, will be broadcast on BBC1 and is expected to draw a TV audience of more than one billion. It will also feature Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.