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American Morning

Fire at Buckingham Palace Forces Evacuation of Some Rock Stars

Aired June 03, 2002 - 07:40   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: The show must go on, as they say. A fire at Buckingham Palace yesterday forced the evacuation of some of the rock stars who were on the palace grounds rehearsing for tonight's Golden Jubilee concert. Some of those stars included Phil Collins and Eric Clapton. The fire is out now, and the concert is expected to go on as scheduled.

Joining us live from the palace is CNN's Richard Quest.

Good morning, Richard.

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Jack.

The queen made it quite clear that the concert was going to go ahead come what may. The little fire, which did some water damage to the carpet -- they had to move a few trinkets out of the way when they were putting it out, and all of the firemen's shoes tromping through the palace.

But nonetheless, the rehearsals have been going on pretty much all night. We have heard rehearsals from Ozzy Osbourne, who we are told will be on his best behavior when performing before her majesty tonight. We have also seen rehearsals from Rod Stewart, who will be there as well. Brian May will play "God Save the Queen." That will launch the concert. He will play it from the top of Buckingham Palace.

And, Jack, already thousands of people have been gathering outside Buckingham Palace. The concert is really the pop -- the chance for 12,000 ordinary people in the country to get their chance to see the queen and have a bite to eat on Buckingham Palace. And this is what you are now seeing outside the Victoria Monument. This is where the fireworks will be set off tonight.

There are firsts all over this event, Jack. The first time there is a pop concert the queen has been to. The first time fireworks have been set off from Buckingham Palace. Only the third time that she has used the coronation coach within those sorts of parameters. It's a most exciting day.

And as you can see, I am dressed for the occasion. I know perhaps it might not be your cup of tea. But I promise you, if you are very nice to me, I'll even get you a tinkling (ph) and twinkly (ph) hat so you can celebrate as well. CAFFERTY: Well, when you say you are dressed for the occasion, I assume you are making reference to that rather obnoxious tie that's hanging around your neck.

QUEST: This splendid piece of accessory wear, which I wouldn't expect you to appreciate, is actually in Golden Jubilee colors.

CAFFERTY: It's lovely. What are you going to do with it after the jubilee is over?

QUEST: Send it to you.

CAFFERTY: Thank you very much. Touche. I'll talk to you later. I understand you are going to join us again later in the broadcast. We'll look forward to that.

Richard Quest in London, with a really ugly tie.

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