The Olympic Closing Ceremony was a star-studded event of varying success that saw performances from the likes of The Spice Girls, The Pet Shop Boys, Muse, Ricky Wilson from The Kaiser Chiefs, George Michael, Russell Brand and footage of Freddy Mercury performing interactive vocal exercises during Queen’s legendary performance at Wembley Stadium in 86…also there was One Direction.
But for all those who did perform at the Closing Ceremony, many artists turned down the chance to play on the world stage. According to NME, among those who chose not participate after being approached were David Bowie, Kate Bush, Sex Pistols and The Rolling Stones.
According to the original article by The Guardian, The Who, who did perform at the ceremony, actually turned down producer Kim Gavin’s invitation twice before eventually accepting. NME also notes that although Kate Bush chose not to work the event, she did offer positive comments when organisers used a remix of her track Running Up That Hill during the finale of the London 2012 Games.
