PRINTThe British Invasion: Olympic-style
UK musical artists take over the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
AP/John Giles
Crowds leave London Olympic Park after the Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal on July 23. Both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will take place at the Olympic Stadium. AP PHOTO BY JOHN GILES
July 26, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Beijing’s 2008 opening ceremony is the precedent to which London’s opener will inevitably be compared. The world was left in awe of the synchronized drummers during the commencement of the 2008 games. But London has an edge over China in one very important aspect: The UK has produced countless world-famous musicians. The following performers are expected to take the stage in the Opening or Closing Ceremonies for the London games.
Sir Paul McCartney
Who better to represent England in the Opening Ceremony than a Beatle? This will be McCartney’s third major show of the summer, after the Queen’s Jubilee and the Hard Rock Calling music festival in Hyde Park. It’s a shame the only other surviving member of The Beatles, Ringo Starr, won’t be joining him for the performance.
Opening Ceremonies
WHEN: Friday, July 27
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
NETWORK: NBC
Closing Ceremonies
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 12
TIME: 6 p.m.
NETWORK: NBC
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Spice Girls
People of the world, spice up your life! The Spice Girls, minus Victoria Beckham, have been open about their desire to perform at the Olympics for some time. Finally, the rest of the group has convinced Beckham to bring her alter ego, Posh, out of the spice cabinet and perform with them for the Closing Ceremony.
The Who
In an interview with Rolling Stone, The Who lead singer Roger Daltrey said, “We’ve recorded a piece of music which I think is a fabulous ending for the Olympics.” The Who will need to redeem itself after the heavy criticism the band received for its performance at the 2010 Super Bowl.
Liam Gallagher
The ex-Oasis singer will perform the band’s hit “Wonderwall” at the Closing Ceremony. This opportunity might have been more of an honor for Liam if it weren’t first offered to and rejected by his brother, Noel, who has been distancing himself from the former group since it broke up in 2009.
George Michael
This pop star is undeniably one of England’s best-selling music artists. The people of London should have “Faith” that Michael will deliver a solid show to cap off the summer games. This performance is a major milestone for the musician, who will be singing live for the first time since his battle with life-threatening pneumonia last year. Olympic organizers told The Daily Mirror, “George is a global icon and this will be a major comeback.”
