The first night of the Electric Proms opened with the rock equivalent of Jerusalem - the pomp and circumstance of another British institution, Mr Paul Weller.
In place of mass flag waving, there was a cross of St George on the bass drum and someone inexplicably threw around a City gent's umbrella.
Weller was a fine choice to start five days of gigs and films around Camden that stand every chance of becoming an annual hot ticket.
The schtick is that musicians young and old try something new for the occasion - an unusual venue, a unique set list or an intriguing collaboration.
The closest comparable series are the South Bank's Meltdown and the Barbican's Only Connect, but this is more populist.
Support act The Magic Numbers invited along a string section and esteemed arranger Robert Kirby.
Known for his work with Nick Drake, he gave a delicate touch to new tracks such as Boy, but a midset swathe of quiet, unfamiliar songs meant audience chatter was the dominant sound.
Weller brought along three youthful guests to break up a long set that visited many points between 1977 and 2006.
Amy Winehouse was first up, lending her smoky tones to two covers - I Heard It Through The Grapevine and jazz standard Don't Go To Strangers - the latter seeing her host tinkling the piano.
Looking almost as sharp as the mod icon was Carl Barat of Dirty Pretty Things, who hollered over Peacock Suit and a rapturously received In The City, a rare airing for the Jam's debut single. "The last time I played this song was probably 30 years ago, in this very spot," said its composer.
Last up was Richard Archer of Hard-Fi, a fellow balladeer of suburbia.
"Staines and Woking!" he exclaimed. His choices, That's Entertainment and Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, were almost drowned out by audience accompaniment.
As always, long-term fans were most enthusiastic about the Jam material, but strong new songs such as Wild Blue Yonder and From The Floorboards Up stood up well. This winner of a Lifetime Achievement Brit hasn't finished with that lifetime yet.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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