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There's been a hell of a lot to celebrate about Britain these last couple of weeks, and it seems to have left a proud smile as wide as Mo Farah's on the nation's collective face. But while the Olympics' sporting events brilliantly showcased the capability of UK athletes, the opening and closing ceremonies undoubtedly focused on Britain's musical history. Danny Boyle's extravaganza, especially, reminded the world of what British music has given the world - a rundown through the years of this isle's chart domination topped off by Paul McCartney croaking out 'Hey Jude'.
It may be natural to celebrate this country's impressive musical history, but unlike Team GB's athletes, there was a clear lack of the current or future in the celebration of the UK's pop-chart pedigree. Our biggest global successes of recent years are Adele and One Direction, and neither they nor continually spoon feeding the world Emeli Sande at every opportunity can hide the current chasm where the cutting-edge used to be in British pop.
Blur's gig at Hyde Park, too, celebrated their musical legacy. And while fans and press alike have greeted Blur's re-emergence these last couple of years with almost unanimous praise, perhaps it is time for them to kiss goodbye as they have threatened to do. The nation's obsession with nostalgia is choking our musical landscape, which has a history of innovative trend-setting that has influenced the entire world. It was telling that some of the UK's most forward looking popstars of the past - namely David Bowie and Kate Bush - rejected the chance to appear at the disappointing, nostalgia-drenched closing ceremony, yet many - myself included - were still hoping they'd turn up and save us from Beady Eye.
Crowds excitedly responding to decades-old footage of Freddie Mercury; the Stone Roses reunion; The Who hammering out 'My Generation' without any sense of irony - has the UK musical landscape ever been like this before? Instead of desperately clinging onto our history, perhaps it's time to let go this legacy and create something new. UK athletics faced similar problems 16 years ago after a measly haul of 1 gold in 15 medals at the Atlanta Games. Then - rather than sit still - UK sporting bodies focussed resolutely on shaping the future and we're now reaping the rewards. With any luck, the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and Team GB's huge success will be to inspire a generation of musicians and labels to do the same.
