But , arguably , by putting popular music at the center of the showpiece Boyle , and the local organizers , focused on an area where Britain can still boast of superpower status . Music was the heartbeat of the $ 2.9 billion Olympic opening ceremony spectacular . Former Paul McCartney , Beatle ended the night by playing `` Come Together '' : `` They 're tipping their hat towards the cult element of British rock ' n ' roll music '' Montage of era-defining tunes provide snapshot of distinctly Chinese sounds .
Music was the heartbeat of the $ 2.9 billion Olympic opening ceremony spectacular . Former Paul McCartney , Beatle ended the night by playing `` Come Together '' : `` They 're tipping their hat towards the cult element of British rock ' n ' roll music '' Montage of era-defining tunes provide snapshot of distinctly Chinese sounds .