Rocking the Olympics

The Olympics is an exciting event and it is always breathtaking to see the athletes compete and go for the medals. However, there is also lots of amazing and exciting things going on during the opening and closing acts at the Olympics.

Atlanta, Georgia Summer Olympics 1996

English singer and songwriter John Lennon’s memorable song “Imagine” has become a sort of unofficial Olympic anthem and has been performed at many ceremonies over the years. However, this year at the closing ceremony American singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder gave a most moving rendition of this song. It was just a week earlier at Centennial Olympic Park that a domestic terrorist bomb killed one person and injured over 100 at a concert. Wonder’s performance of “Imagine” was dedicated to the victims and called for solidarity and humanity.

Turin, Italy Winter Olympics 2006

At another time “Imagine” was performed. During the opening ceremony organizers honored the late English singer and songwriter John Lennon upon the 25th Anniversary of his passing. His widow Yoko Ono read a poem about the power of peace. The English singer and songwriter Peter Gabriel gave a sterling version of the song.

Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002

American rock band KISS caused a lot of excitement at the closing ceremony with their rendition of “I Wanna Rock and Roll All Nite”. The group had some problems maneuvering on a small stage with ice skaters right before them.

Another rocker in Salt Lake City was the American rock band Bon Jovi. The popular group delivered an awesome rendition of “It’s My Life”. As the song’s last note rang out fireworks were launched across Salt Lake City to celebrate the ending of the Olympics.

As the Olympic flag was being lowered viewers heard a very familiar voice. American country singer and songwriter Willie Nelson sang a most poignant version of the popular Simon & Garfunkel song “Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Beijing Summer Olympics 2008

The closing ceremony was different this year since it gave viewers an idea of what to expect four years later at the next Olympics in London, England. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page arrived in the traditional red double-decker bus cruising the streets of London. His companion was English pop star Leona Lewis and together they gave a sterling rendition of one of Led Zeppelin’s classic tunes “Whole Lotta Love”.

Vancouver, Canada Winter Olympics 2010

During the opening ceremony Canadian singer and songwriter K.D. Lang provided viewers with an amazing version of the song “Hallelujah” by Canadian singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Her version was so amazing.

Viewers were entertained by Canadian rocker Neil Young with his rendition of “Long May You Run”. His performance was spectacular with his powerful voice, an acoustic guitar, and harmonica. While he was performing the Olympic cauldron was extinguished.

Also at the 2010 Winter Olympics Canadian singer and songwriter Bryan Adams performed in his hometown, Vancouver. He paired with Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado giving an amazing performance of “Bang the Drum”.

2012 Summer Olympics London England

Sir Paul McCartney gave everyone a thrilling rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Hey Jude” with many of the viewers singing along.

During the closing ceremony at the same Olympics Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor gave a rousing version of their well-known “We Will Rock You” with British pop star Jessie J on vocals.

Also during the closing ceremony English rock group The Who gave an amazing performance along with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend they gave amazing renditions of “Baba O’Riley”, “See Me Feel Me”, and “My Generations with fireworks going off.

For the 2012 Olympics in London, England the official theme song was written and performed by UK Arena Rockers Muse. The song “Survival” was all about the conviction and determination to win. As fireworks went off they performed at the closing ceremony.