Olympics Opening Ceremony Playlist: Beatles & Stones In, Elton and Rod Out?

MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty ImagesAn alleged "Olympic Playlist" of 86 songs that will soundtrack the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Games has been leaked, and it's notable not just for the artists who are on it, but also those who aren't.

The playlist, which Olympic officials will not confirm is authentic, was published by UK tabloid The Sun, and is said to be the music that Danny Boyle, the Oscar-winning director of Slumdog Millionaire, has chosen to soundtrack the kickoff to the Olympic Games next month, which he is overseeing.

The song list boasts tracks from every era of British music, including patriotic songs and hymns from the early 1900s all the way up to the latest chart hits.  Among the tunes are a healthy selection of songs by such revered veteran U.K. acts as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Who, David Bowie and The Kinks.  There's even a song by Michael Jackson on the list, even though he's not British. 

As mentioned, some of the artists whose names are excluded are notable.  For example, there are no songs by Elton John, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones or Phil Collins.  The Sun speculates that Boyle may be wishing to avoid certain artists who've already performed at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, or artists who are expected to perform live at the opening ceremony, like Paul McCartney, for example.

Asked to about the accuracy of the list, an Olympics spokeswoman told The Sun, "There is endless speculation about the content of the show -- much is simply guesswork -- and we are keeping the rest of the show under wraps."

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