Posted on 02/09/2024 5:09:10 PM PST by nickcarraway
Usher's performance during this week's Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas extends the NFL's streak of halftime shows without a headlining rock act to 14.
Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes was still a freshman in high school when the Who concluded their set with "Won't Get Fooled Again" in 2010 at Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. He's now attempting to claim his third Super Bowl crown, and there hasn't been a top-billed rock act since.
Ironically, rock basically ruled halftime celebrations as the 21st century dawned. Aerosmith kicked things off in 2001 in Tampa for Super Bowl XXXV. U2 took the stage a year later in New Orleans for Super Bowl XXXVI. Sting was a special guest at 2003's XXXVII halftime in San Diego.
Paul McCartney then kicked off six straight rock-focused halftime performances in 2005 at Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville. The Rolling Stones took over in 2006 at XL in Detroit, followed by Prince (2007's XLI in Miami), Tom Petty (2008's XLII in Miami), Bruce Springsteen (2009's XLIII in Tampa) and the Who.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers served as non-headlining guests at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, but then found themselves embroiled in controversy over whether they actually played their instruments. By then, Mahomes was finally set to leave high school for the NFL Draft. Super Bowl organizers have since turned to R&B, pop and hip-hop performers.
Could rock make a triumphant return? No rock star has ever repeated as a Super Bowl halftime performer, but plenty of worthy candidates remain. Among those who've never played are Guns N' Roses, Billy Joel, Foo Fighters, Elton John, Eagles, Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi and Metallica.
Still, there are precious few stragglers who are big enough to command worldwide attention – and that's very much an issue for the NFL. These acts also have to spark internationally. As much as Americans love football, the Super Bowl is very big business elsewhere too. Nielsen reports hundreds of millions of viewers for these games, with more than 50 million coming from outside the U.S.
They’re like Biden, they can’t remember the songs and how to exit the stage. My WAG. 😜
I believe that the best Super Bowl halftime performance ever was ZZ Top.
We turn the TV off during half-time.
When I got to see the Super Bowl in person, Diana Ross showed up in a helicopter. She was past her peak, but was still a recognized name. I am glad I didn’t go when Usher or Snoop Doggy Dogg or whoever was there. Bad enough I had to see the Cowboys and Steelers. (Neil O’Donnell in a Super Bowl? How very Rex Grossman of them.)
When I was a kid the Super Bowl had groups like “Up With People”, now they go with edgy.
I think the Michael Jackson half-time show was such a draw, the NFL was hooked.
Rock bands do not play the Super Bowl because the NFL does not need to attract more dudes to watch the game, they all watch no matter who plays.
Didn’t Kiss play one time?
They were good but I’d have to say Prince.
L
The NFL is pandering to the black audience.
The same reason why Rock Bands aren’t at the Grammies .....
I’m gonna turn that one up to 12and a half...
Only Rap is approved. Woke planners. Imagine someone suggesting having the Eagles or America as a half time show. They would be run out of town on a rail.
Because autotune doesn’t work in stadiums....
It’s a thug game for a thug audience.
Uncle Ted has my back.
So they don't have to humiliate themselves.
Still waiting for Black Flag to play then 🙂
but plenty of worthy candidates remain. Among those who’ve never played are Guns N’ Roses, Billy Joel, Foo Fighters, Elton John, Eagles, Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi and Metallica.
this guy is funny...
Rock is dead, long live rock.
Speaking of marching bands on football fields, "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac is very underrated.
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