July 17, 2012 13:40

Manic Street Preachers rule themselves out of Olympic closing ceremony

Welsh rockers confirm that the dates clash with their touring schedule

Photo Gallery: Manic Street Preachers
Photo: Sam Jones/NME

Manic Street Preachers have confirmed that they will not be playing the Olympic closing ceremony.

Taking to their Facebook page, the band wrote that they were offered to play the 'Symphony Of British Music' event planned at the closing ceremony of the games in August, but declined because of touring commitments.

The post reads: "Seen rumours of MSP playing the Olympic closing ceremony. To confirm, we were offered but declined. Shame because I truly love the Olympics - the sport that is not all this other nonsense - the offer was weeks ago, we'll now be in S. Korea."

The line-up for the closing ceremony, which will celebrate 50 years of British music, is being kept a closely guarded secret.

Paul McCartney announced that he will be performing at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which will take place on July 27 in east London. The ceremony is being staged by Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire director, Danny Boyle.

Coldplay are set to play the closing ceremony of the Paralympic games. They will play the ceremony of September 9 at London's Olympic Stadium as part of an event named 'Festival Of Flame'.

Watch Manic Street Preachers discuss what they think are their best and worst songs in the video below.

Video: Manic Street Preachers - Our Best And Worst Singles

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook