Singer George Michael -- aided and abetted by Fatboy Slim, Russell Brand, and the Spice Girls, among a host of British musical icons -- helped put the spectacle in the spectacular closing ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Sunday.
Michael kicked the closing ceremony up a notch with a rocking performance of his hit song "Freedom." The name of the tune was illuminated in large electronic lettering behind him. After covering "Freedom," Michael, wearing black leather with a skull belt buckle, treated the audience to his new single "White Light."
Memorable moments in the production included musical tributes to the Beatles in general and John Lennon in particular, the Liverpudlians who exemplified the British Invasion of the U.S. -- and points north, east, south, and west -- in the 1960s.
For example, actor-comedian Russell Brand did a rendition of the Beatles song "I Am the Walrus," accompanied by a colorful lot of dancers attired in perfect 1960s-era hippie costumes.
DJ Fatboy Slim also took the stage, performing inside a giant electronic octopus as dancers supported his performance.
Meanwhile, singer Annie Lennox rode onto the stage on a large pirate ship, backed by performers in spooky Victorian outfits. Lennox herself wore a red-and-black basque during her performance.
Reunited for one show only, the Spice Girls also gave a stunning performance, as members of the girl group rode into the arena in different London taxi cabs to begin their performance.
In paying tribute to Lennon -- possibly the U.K.'s most famous musician of the 20th century, the production's organizers had the video screens at the Olympic Stadium showing Lennon as he sang his classic anthem "Imagine," while a series of performers brought in puzzle pieces that eventually formed the singer's face.
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