Just finishing Super Bowl XXXIX where the New England Patriots sealed the validity of their dynasty after beating out the Philadelphia Eagles, I started pondering how the halftime shows have changed since the 2004 Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction disaster. The following is a list of shows the NFL has put on in the past decade during the halftime of each Super Bowl, a brief description of the show, and how enjoyable it was.
2001:
The theme of the show was The Kings of Rock and Pop and it featured Aerosmith, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. First of all we need to focus on whether these really are rock and pop royalty. At the time, 'N Sync and Britney Spears were about as big as you could get, but the combination of them with Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige and Nelly is just awful.
The song selection included "Bye, Bye, Bye," "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," "It's Gonna Be Me," "Jaded," and "Walk This Way."
The idea of combining big names to create an even bigger event may work for some concerts, but that doesn't mean the producer (which in this case was MTV) should pile acts that have no business sharing the same stage. Sadly, up until Jackson's epic costume blunder this would be a pretty common theme for the Super Bowl halftime show.
2002:
U2 was the sole act to pay tribute to the 9/11 victims with "Beautiful Day," "MLK," and "Where the Streets Have No Name." It was a simple, somber and great show that included the names of those who died from the terrorist attacks on a giant backdrop. Clear Channel Entertainment produced this concert, and it was their only such event before forming into Live Nation in 2005. In 2009, Sports Illustrated's website, SI.com, ranked the show as the best in Super Bowl history.
2003:
Producers Jimmy Iovine and Joel Gallen brought together three random acts for Super Bowl XXXVII. Those performers were Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting. The songs included "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," "Up!," "Just a Girl," and "Message in a Bottle."
A forgettable concert that proves by trying to do too much and appease multiple music fans, it instead alienates more than it attracts.
2004:
MTV was given another chance to produce the halftime show, whose theme was Rock the Vote, and the television network was up to their old tricks by bringing together Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Nelly, and Kid Rock. Songs heard were "All for You," "Diddy" to the tune of "Mickey," Hot in Here," "Mo Money Mo Problems," "Bawitdaba," "Cowboy," "Rhythm Nation," and "Rock Your Body" (which resulted in the infamous wardrobe malfunction).
Personally, not one song on the set list had me tapping my foot, let alone singing along with, during the performance. Despite the undistinctive concert, it ended up being the most talked about moment of the big game.
2005:
The greatest thing to come out of Jackson and Timberlake's "accident" was the downsizing of acts for each show. Since 2005, every year has featured only one performer or band per game (if you don't count a marching band with Prince). The same two producers have been used for each year as well. Don Mischer Productions was selected for 2005-2009 and White Cherry Entertainment shared responsibilities in 2007-2009 and worked alone in 2010.
The first year was Paul McCartney, who was considered a safe choice. McCartney's song selection was "Drive My Car," "Get Back," "Live and Let Die," and "Hey Jude."
2006:
A year after a Beatle took sport's biggest musical stage, the second most popular band to come out of the United Kingdom was selected. The Rolling Stones played "Start Me Up," "Rough Justice," and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Fallout from the wardrobe malfunction was still taking place as a five-second delay was put into use for the performance and lyrics were censored for sexually explicit lyrics, which was agreed to by the band prior to the show.
2007:
Prince shared the stage with the Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band for Super Bowl XLI. The music heard during the event included "We Will Rock You," "Let's Go Crazy," "Baby, I'm a Star," "Proud Mary," "All Along the Watchtower," "Best of You," and "Purple Rain."
The stage was in the shape of the symbol Prince is known best by outlined in lights. Audience members were also given flashlights to shine on the stage during "Purple Rain." Following the performance, music critics considered it the best show in the history of the Super Bowl.
2008:
Super Bowl XLII began what could be called the Senior Citizens Trilogy of Halftime Acts. The show selected in 2008 was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The upbeat and energetic show featured "American Girl," "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'," and "Runnin' Down a Dream." The performance kicked off the band's world tour and was later nominated for an Emmy Award.
2009:
Second in the "Old Man's Three-Year Show" was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The group put on a hokey NFL-themed show that included a referee coming on stage to throw a flag for "delay of game" as the show was running long. The Miami Horns and a gospel choir were included in the theatrics. Songs included "Tenth Avenue Freeze-out," "Born to Run," "Working on a Dream," and "Glory Days."
2010:
The Who is the most recent group to take the Super Bowl halftime show stage, playing a medley of "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Reilly," "Who Are You," "See Me, Feel Me," and "Won't Get Fooled Again." For the first time since 2000, no crowd was allowed around the stage on the field.
So what does 2011 hold in store for the Super Bowl halftime show? Will it continue the "grandfather" acts by booking The Eagles or a similar performer or will those in charge take a chance on a fresher, more youth-friendly singer/band.
I personally have no problem with the groups who have been selected in the last six years. I am hoping the same decisions are made for many years to come.
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