Musicians Playing The Olympics Won’t Be Getting Paid

Given the countless sponsorships and endorsements, you’d think the Olympic Committee had plenty of cash, but recent reports have shown that the highly talked about talent featuring in the opening and closing ceremony lineup won’t be getting paid for their services.

According to The Quietus, an unnamed musician set to be part of the iconic event has blown the whistle on the massive corporation, stating that bands are expected to be content with the exposure the association will bring. According to Corporate Watch, the anonymous sources stated:

“They said they were really keen for us to play on major stages at different events. We replied quoting our normal fees. After months of meetings they offered us a raft of gigs but said it was LOCOG’s policy not to pay any musicians for performing. They should stop trying to capitalise on the image of the Olympics and pay a fair rate for our services.”

Also listed on the Corporate Watch article was the response from Officials, one of whom said he “did not think there was a set policy, but that as far as he knew artists would not be paid and would be doing it for the publicity”.

Needless to say Musician rights groups are up in arms. The Musicians Union will be launching an official investigation into the claims, stating: “if it turns out to be true, then it flies in the face of assurances that we have been given regarding the engaging of professional musicians during games time. Furthermore, it would appear to be a breach of the Principles of Cooperation that LOCOG agreed with…”

Surely that’s not a fair move, with artists such as Muse, Paul McCartney and Duran Duran booked – all of which have paid their dues through enough unpaid gigs. The Olympic Committee should expect to pay up.

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