At the present time the entertainment industry has turned the Super Bowl halftime shows in an event that is in many ways more important than the game itself. It was not always so. In the early Super Bowls shows consisted of Up With The People singing medleys of classic tribute to something: Caribbean music, the great Hollywood musicals. But suddenly the NFL started to dress up the quasi-event. Here we list the best Super Bowl Halftime shows
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
When and where? 2008 Superbowl XLII, Glendale, Arizona
Why it was memorable? Tom Petty is one of the best live performers of all time. If you do not agree we can scratch from the list the Black Eyed Peas, Diana Ross and the three times Gloria Estefan has performed.
The best? The band opened with “American Girl” and closed with “Runnin ‘Down a Dream” and rocked hard. He and his band are one of the most impressive live acts, and the fact of presenting an abbreviated set inside a stadium did not made them flinch even a little bit.
Worst? Petty is a Central Florida southern guy, playing in the state of Arizona, maybe he might have injected some social commentary at the time.
The Rolling Stones
When and where? 2006 Superbowl XL, Detroit, Michigan
Why it was memorable? The Stones were born to be on the big stage, and there is nothing bigger than a Super Bowl halftime stage.
The best? We all knew they would open with “Start Me Up”, but still mesmerized people. It was also surprising performance of Keith Richards, who intercepted two drops of hard drugs in his hotel suite.
Worst? Including the mediocre song “Rough Justice” between the only three songs they played. Okay, they are old, but they should still perform at a high level. Okay they are really old, they did a great job.
Paul McCartney
When and where? 2005 Super Bowl XXXIX, Jacksonville, Florida
Why it was memorable? Just one Beatle is enough to fill the place in any musical venue. Although he chose to open with the slow burner “Drive My Car”.
The best? “Live and Let Die” is always a live adventure, and to close with “Hey Jude” guarantees that most fans at the stadium will at least be able to accompany the choir.
Worst? Sir Paul is a vegetarian, so he did not have the decency to shoot up a hot dog at the stadium as tradition dictates.
Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock and Justin Timberlake
When and where? 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII, Houston, Texas
Why it was memorable? Obviously Janet Jackson’s nipple. No, that does not guarantee a first place in the list. To be honest the performance was just common and the only moment people remember is the wardrobe malfunction or another dumb term used to explain the accident. Memorable for all the wrong reasons but memorable still.
The best? Janet did very well with “Rhythm Nation”, in a show that basically brought the bottom exponents of the MTV Generation era. Timberlake was still the kid from that boy band.
Worst? Kid Rock? Nelly? P. Diddy? This was not a show worthy of the Super Bowl, not even close.
Beyoncé
When and where? 2013 Superbowl XLVII, New Orleans, Louisiana
Why it was memorable? Yes, you read that right, and let me explain before you start with your negative arguments. Beyoncé will perform with all the enthusiasm in the world. Her live shows are notorious for that same reason, because she does not do any playbacks (Spears) or flaunts her body while the dancers carry her into the stage so she does not get tired (Perry). I don’t particularly like her music but is undeniable she gave a good show.
The best? See her dance “Single Ladies” with those incredible thighs.
Worst? she shared nine songs during her show only to close with a heartfelt ballad like “Halo” was a bad decision.
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