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.
U2 in 2002. In the aftermath of 9/11, it was a very powerful performance.
The entire performance is excellent but fast forward to the 4:30 mark and find some onions to peel.
Didn’t Maroon 5 play a few years ago?
They used to. All the other networks loved it because everyone would change the channel and they could have their own halftime show.
Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B have taken over.
Ultimate Classic Rock is JUST NOW noticing? Garbage entertainment at the Super Bowl is now the norm.
Does the article give a reason?
Usher is the replacement for the first choice they were going to have. Lizzo.
Actually would prefer marching bands. And a rotation of singers belting out all the patriotic songs we knew and loved. Want to start a common culture again? Start here.
Nothing more boring than the caterwauling from a rock band or an overrated singer.
Are blacks the largest superbowl audience?
There are Orthodox Jewish SB halftime shows that aren’t pop star sluts. Not sure what is their point but hey, God bless Ammerica.
It's a very good song I'd remembered listening to as a kid, but had largely forgotten about for years, until it was used in the pilot episode of The Americans in 2013.
It really helped set the tone of the show as a late 70s/early 80s period piece, and was used to excellent effect to build the tension and the action. Now anytime I hear it, my mind associates it with that show.
Great video - stevie twirling the baton and mic with the cutout...too funny. everyone looks great in this video, super weather, healthy, having fun.
Not for at least 10 years when Jay Z’s contract is up.
Prince had best ever show in my opinion.
My choice is Circle Jerks, they'd bring the house down.
They were good but I’d have to say Prince.
“Purple Rain “ in the rain gives chills.
Gotta get all the white folk idolizing the cRap thugs.
Prince played Purple Rain in a thunderstorm it was epic.
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