And those were the London 2012 Olympic Games. What was started by a brilliant opening ceremony, was continued for 16 days in the pool, on the cycling track, in the different arenas, in the sand, on the sea and in the Olympic stadium, came to an end with a, let’s be honest, not too briliant closing ceremony. The world was served an array of British popstars from days gone past and the present, but these were stars we see every time there is a Live Aid, Aids concert, or other world event. Annie Lennox, George Michael, The Spice Girls, Brian May. We’ve seen them too many times before doing the same thing, show us something else. No Rolling Stones, no Primal Scream, no Coldplay, no Adele, no Carl Cox. Instead we got One Direction and Jessie J. For me the Olympics ended at 21pm last night. Thank you London, thank you athletes and thank you volunteers for giving the world two weeks of amazing sports. And thank you for checking out our daily updates.
An overview of the Olympic Stadium before the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Technicians prepare scenery before the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
The Olympic Torch and flag are seen during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
The Olympic Torch is seen during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERS
The pre-show is performed at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Guests stand and wave Britain's flag during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
An overview of the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Timothy Spall plays the role of Winston Churchill during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
General view of pre-show performance of the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Performers wave Union Jack flags during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
Members of the Pet Shop Boys perform during the pre-show at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
British singer Emili Sande performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. CHRIS HELGREN/REUTERS
Performers dance and play music during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Performers ride their bicycles during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Artists perform during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
A musician plays the cello atop a model of the Royal Albert Hall during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
The British military band is lead into the stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERS
A general view of the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
The Pet Shop Boys during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
A general view of the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. CHRIS HELGREN/REUTERS
Athletes carry national flags during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
The Queen's Guard play their musical intruments during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Athletes stream into the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. MARK BLINCH/REUTERS
Flagbearers take part in the athletes' march during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Members of the French team celebrate as they march in during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Athletes attend closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS
Athletes arrive at closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson takes a photo as the teams march in during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Athletes attend the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
An athlete from Greece carries a sign thanking her coach as athletes march into the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
Performers hold national flags during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Athletes attend the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Overview of Olympic Stadium with athletes down on track during closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games. MARK BLINCH/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS
Cyclist Chris Hoy of Britain marches in with his teammates during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
British gymnast Louis Smith rides a scooter as the athletes march in during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
The men's marathon winners march in with other athletes for the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Team Spain marches into the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Britain's flag bearer, sailor Ainsley marches into closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
A giant model of a portrait of John Lennon is made with panels carried by performers during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Singer George Michael performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Team Japan marches into the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Model Campbell takes part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Flag bearers carry flags of countries represented into the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. SUZANNE PLUNKETT/REUTERS
DJ Fatboy Slim performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
An overview of the Olympic Stadium as athletes attend the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Athletes stand in front of a giant poster of model Georgia May Jagger during in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
British models take part at closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Performers ride motor scooters during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Singer Jessie J performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
A general view of the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
The Spice Girls perform atop London taxis during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Melanie Chisholm and Emma Bunton of British pop group Spice Girls performs on top of a London taxi during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Britain's Prince Harry and Dutchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton applaud as they view the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Musician Fatboy Slim performs during closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
British DJ Fatboy Slim performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
The Olympic flame burns during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. PASCAL LAUENER/REUTERS
Singer Annie Lennox performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
The Spice Girls perform during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Singer Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. LUKE MACGREGOR/REUTERS
Victoria Beckham of British pop group Spice Girls performs on top of a London taxi during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
An overview of the Olympic Stadium as fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
The Spice Girls perform during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium. DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS
The Olympic flag is lowered at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes waves the Olympic Flag with IOC President Jacque Rogge and London Mayor Boris Johnson during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. CHRIS HELGREN/REUTERS
British actor Eric Idle performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium . FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
Performers take part in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Singer Jessie J performs with the band Queen during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS
Fireworks during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PASCAL LAUENER/REUTERS
Brazilian samba dancer Renato Sorriso performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
Extinguishing of the Olympic Flame during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. TIM WIMBORNE/REUTERS
Fireworks are seen during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS
The last flames slowly extinguish during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. TIM WIMBORNE/REUTERS
British actor Eric Idle performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
A flaming phoenix flies over the crowd coming out of the Olympic flame before being extinquished at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. DAVID GRAY/REUTERS
German athletes, including bronze medal winning pole vaulter Raphael Holzdeppe, celebrate during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium . KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
A performer takes part in a tribute to Brazil, next site of the summer games, during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS
Athletes watch the fireworks show at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games . MARK BLINCH/REUTERS
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. PASCAL LAUENER/REUTERS
Performers pose after the end of closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
People cheer as they watch the fireworks show at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
A flaming phoenix flies above the Olympic flame during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. LUKE MACGREGOR/REUTERS
Germany's Storl, silver medalist in men's shot put watches the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
A performer watches the fireworks show at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 12, 2012. KAI PFAFFENBACH/REUTERS
Rogge and Coe attend the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS
A worker hauls a trolley during the cleanup operation at the London 2012 Olympic stadium after the closing ceremony. CHRIS HELGREN/REUTERS
A combination photo shows the Olympic Flame being extinguished during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. PAWEL KOPCZYNSKI/REUTERS
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The 2012 edition of Defqon.1
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In The Picture: Simon Kiefer
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Today is a Gift: Mysteryland 2012
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