Olympic Closers?

Although the music lineup for the Olympics Closing Ceremony hasn’t been officially announced, there’s been plenty of speculation as to who will grace the stage Aug. 12. In fact, so many artists have been mentioned that it might be easier to say who isn’t rumored to perform come Sunday.

Photo: AP Photo / The Canadian Press
2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, Hyde Park, London, UK

In an interview with a London newspaper, Olympics Closing Ceremony music director David Arnold likened The Games’ opening to a wedding while the closing event is more like the reception.

“We’re the one where everyone gets out of their cars at the village hall, goes ‘Wasn’t that lovely, everyone looked great, let’s put on ‘Blame It On The Boogie’ and have a laugh,’” Arnold told the Telegraph.

“It needs to be something where everyone, including the athletes, is going to be able to let off steam. There are seven and a half thousand of them there, so it’s a show for them all to get involved with, and hopefully it will wrap up the spirit of what these Games have been, which is slightly anarchic, slightly mischievous, funny, heart-warming, emotional, inspiring, and uniquely British”

Who’s rumored to be on the closing lineup? With acts reportedly rehearsing in secret at the Ford Factory in Dagenham, the list seems to get longer and heavier with talent as we move closer to the event. So far, lineup rumors include Ray Davies, Paul McCartney, Spice Girls, Adele, Beady Eye, members of Pink Floyd performing with Ed Sheeran, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Paul Weller, George Michael, Queen, One Direction and Kate Bush. In other words, if they’re British and a household name, chances are they’re rumored to be on the list.

Photo: AP Photo
Brit Awards, The O2, London, UK

Meanwhile, Arnold had a few comments about leaks.

“I’m always disappointed when something leaks,” Arnold told the Telegraph. “It’s like telling someone what they’re going to get for Christmas. You might be excited to hear about it, but when it comes to opening the present you’ve already moved on.”