One of the world’s most iconic rock bands has reportedly turned down an eye-watering $20 million offer to headline the AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment.
Instead, organizers turned to pop superstar Katy Perry, who took home $5 million to wow the crowd with a spectacular performance at the MCG on Saturday.
AFL bosses were said to be interested in securing the Rolling Stones, consisting of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, for the much-sought top spot.
The rock icons, who recently embarked on a successful US tour to promote their latest album Hackney Diamonds, would have been a dream act for the AFL finals.
However, negotiations reportedly hit a roadblock when the AFL balked at the high price for the brief 20-minute headlining slot.
In the end, the decision saved organizers a whopping $15 million, as Perry was reportedly signed for a comparatively modest $5 million, although Australians were still shocked by the multimillion-dollar payday.
Radio host Ross Stevenson shed light on the negotiations, telling 3AW listeners: ‘A very senior AFL source told me they asked the Stones… $20 million for four songs.
“That was the asking price and the AFL just couldn’t afford it.”
One of the world’s most iconic rock bands, The Rolling Stones, have reportedly turned down an eye-popping $20 million offer to headline AFL pre-game entertainment.
Instead, organizers turned to pop superstar Katy Perry, who took home $5 million to wow the crowd with a spectacular performance at the MCG on Saturday.
This is not the first time the AFL has tried and failed to land a global megastar for the Grand Final.
Last year, there were reports that Bruce Springsteen had turned down a lucrative offer to play the pre-game show, leaving organizers scrambling to find a replacement.
Instead, international rock ‘n’ roll giants KISS ended up headlining the Australian sports profiteer in a high-energy performance.
Perry’s 20-minute AFL Grand Final set included two tracks from her latest album 143, Lifetimes and Gorgeous, her collaboration with Kim Petras, after reports AFL bosses had restricted her to a single song new.
AFL bosses were said to be interested in securing the Rolling Stones – made up of Mick Jagger (pictured), Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood – for the much-sought top spot.
Despite including the new songs, it was the hits that got the crowd going as Katy performed a performance of Roar before launching into her hits Teenage Dreams, Dark Horse and Firework.
Katy also sang a rendition of I Kissed A Girl with Tina Arena before the pair performed a rendition of the Australian pop star’s hit Chains.
But he raised eyebrows with his setlist by not singing Hot n Cold, despite it being the famous theme song for MasterChef Australia and many jokingly considering it to be the true Australian “national anthem”.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the AFL and the Rolling Stones for comment.
