London 2012 organizers confirmed Monday that the star artists who performed at the Olympics opening ceremony, including Sir Paul McCartney, were paid one pound (approximately $1.60 US) for their performances.
“The top talent basically gave their services for free,” a London 2012 spokeswoman told AFP.
“But in order to have a formal contract for their services you have to show an amount, so that was set at a pound which enables them to have a contractual arrangement. I don’t imagine they’re going to be fretting too much about it,” she continued.
Emeli Sande, who sang the hymn “Abide With Me” at the event, told the London Evening Standard newspaper, “I haven’t received anything yet! When I do, though, that pound will be truly special. ”
Even if the artists have yet to be paid, it’s hardly likely to be a concern for the likes of Paul McCartney, who as Britain’s wealthiest musician, is worth an estimated £665 million.
