After NBC’s broadcast of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, music fans in the US were left infuriated due to the omission of several crucial musical segments.
While Arctic Monkeys’ rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Come Together’ was showcased, their performance of ‘I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ was overshadowed by an advert break, and similarly, Scottish artist Emeli Sande’s tribute performance of ‘Abide With Me’ honoring the victims of the July 7, 2005 terrorist bombings in London was also interrupted by commercials.
The broadcast further excluded the segment featuring the Sex Pistols’ classic ‘Pretty Vacant’, along with Frank Turner’s appearance in the ceremonial prologue.
Across the four-hour Opening Ceremony, a staggering twenty-four commercial breaks were inserted.
As music enthusiasts across the U.S. tuned into the delayed broadcast, frustration erupted on Twitter with the hashtag #nbcsucks trending as it became evident that the complete event was not being aired.
by Wallace McTavish