In November 2011 , it was announced that Elbow were to compose the theme for the BBC 's 2012 Olympic coverage . The six-minute anthem entitled " First Steps " was recorded with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the NovaVox gospel choir . Elbow were also one of the few artists chosen to perform at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony , where they performed " Open Arms " and " One Day Like This " as the athletes began their entrance into the stadium . This resulted in a sales increase of over 1000 % , among the highest of any performers
2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
Elbow (band)