London 2012 organisers wanted the late Who drummer Keith Moon to perform at the opening ceremony, according to the band's manager.
Moon died aged 32 in 1978 from an overdose of pills to help curb his alcohol addiction.
Bill Curbishley told The Times that he had been asked whether the musician "would be available" to play with the surviving members of the band.
"I emailed back saying Keith now resides in Golders Green crematorium, having lived up to the Who's anthemic line 'I hope I die before I get old'," he said.
"If they have a round table, some glasses and candles, we might contact him."
The London Games start on Friday, July 27.
