London Olympic organizers have revealed that Paul McCartney and a number of other performers who took part in Friday's opening ceremony were paid a mere pound for their performances.
Essentially, McCartney, Mike Oldfield, Dizzee Rascal, Frank Turner, Underworld and Emeli Sande all agreed to play for free. But the token fee was offered to make their Olympics contracts binding.
"It was terrific, great, really cool," says McCartney of participating in the spectacle. "It was a trip and very exciting. It was a great opening ceremony. I feel honoured and humbled to have been asked to be involved. The energy in the stadium was unreal. These opportunities only come by once in a lifetime and to be part of it was an unforgettable experience."
"The production for the show was out of this world, even the Queen got involved! I've loved being part of the build-up to the event, running with the torch, performing at Hyde Park and getting involved with Scream being an official Olympic track — hopefully it will inspire the team to win gold."
"Yes, I got paid £1 for my work. It's there in print and I know because I signed the contract myself," says Emeli Sande, who sang a version of the hymn Abide with Me. "Mind you, I haven't received anything yet!"
"When I do, though, that £1 will be truly special. Part of what made the whole event so special was the volunteers who were paid nothing and even paid for their own accommodation. It shows how important art is."
London Olympic organizers have revealed that Paul McCartney and a number of other performers who took part in Friday's opening ceremony were paid a mere pound for their performances.
