 Some performers had declined to perform , including The Rolling Stones , David Bowie , Sex Pistols , Kate Bush and The Libertines . According to industry insiders The Who apparently refused twice , and only agreed once they had announced a US tour . The Spice Girls were said to be reluctant to appear , feeling that the event was being staged at minimal cost , before their manager Simon Fuller persuaded them to perform . Noel Gallagher turned down the chance to perform after first being asked to play acoustically and then to mime to " Wonderwall " . 
