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Paul McCartney Earned $1.57 for London Olympics Gig

Opening ceremony paid a small fee for their services

Paul McCartney performs during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in London.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
July 30, 2012 5:00 PM ET

Despite the grandeur of the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony, the musicians involved – including former Beatle Paul McCartney – earned a mere 1 pound, or $1.57, for their services, reports the Associated Press. Olympics organizers say the small sum was paid to the music stars in order to make their contracts binding.

McCartney performed a rousing rendition of "Hey Jude" at the ceremony, while rockers the Arctic Monkeys played the Beatles' "Come Together" as well as their own hit, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor." Rapper Dizzee Rascal, Mike Oldfield and Emeli Sande also performed at the ceremony, which was watched by an average 42 million people worldwide. Director Danny Boyle directed the spectacular presentation, while dance icons Underworld served as music directors.

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