As a bigger music fan than football fan, I wish I could say that Bruce Springsteen is bigger than the Super Bowl, that he should have better things to do than play a hasty 12-minute medley of his hits, as a sideshow to a sporting event, for an audience that didn’t show up just to see him. But the truth is, he’s not, and after the likes of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Prince, Tom Petty, U2, and others have paved the way, there’s no way Springsteen can say he’s above performing at this winter’s Superbowl halftime show. Besides, according to the NFL, which confirmed on Sunday night the long-standing rumor that Springsteen will be the 2009 Super Bowl halftime entertainer, some 148 million Americans watched last year’s halftime mini-show. Who could turn down an opportunity to play for an audience that big, even for just 12 minutes?
Still, I’m already wondering who they’ll book for 2010. The list of all-American (or British-but-America-loving) classic-rock icons who are still as popular as Springsteen or McCartney or Petty who haven’t already done the show is slim to nonexistent. (My colleague Michael Slezak suggested Madonna, but after the 2004 Janet Jackson incident, I doubt the NFL will go anywhere near someone who might risk a wardrobe malfunction.) Who else is there, PopWatchers? What do you think of Springsteen landing the gig? And which 12 minutes of music should he use to summarize his 36-year recording career?
Would love to see Bruce at the Superbowl!
My 12 minutes?
Rosalita
Thunder Road
Glory Days
and of course you have to end it with Born to Run
What about ColdPlay? They appeal to a big audience and won’t run the risk of a wardrobe malfunction or using their guitars as giant …um…well, you all remember what Prince did.
And SugarLand would be great too, since they appeal beyond just country.
Jimmy Buffett!
BON JOVI…. nuff said
Coldplay would be cool.. Madonna would never happen.. Tina Turner could be another good one.. Pearl Jam would be great – but that would never happen either.
Whatever he plays in 12 minutes, I hope he’ll keep it all before 1984!
Metallica- They would be awesome…but since their songs are so long, they would only get to play like two songs.
Pearl Jam- That would be sick
The Who- Keeping the tradition of very established acts for the last few years, The two whos alive would be pretty sweet.
Springsteen puts on the most amazing live show you could ever wish for! My only wish is that they would give him more time! But with that said I will be happy as long as he works in Thunderoad, 10th Avenue Freeze Out, Born to Run, Glory Days, Hungry Heart, Candy’s Room and let’s throw in Born in the USA, just to be patriotic at the Super Bowl!
Get michael back to do the show. He rocked back then and still does now.
I think Bruce will play these four songs: Radio Nowhere (since it is on his most recent album), The Rising, Dancing in the Dark, Born to Run
“As a bigger music fan than football fan, I wish I could say that Bruce Springsteen is bigger than the Super Bowl, that he should have better things to do than play a hasty 12-minute medley of his hits, as a sideshow to a sporting event, for an audience that didn’t show up just to see him.”
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Cry more.
Keep the politics out of it…especially if B.Hussein wins and not J. Sidney. No rants please. Shut up and sing:
Dancin in the Dark
Born to Run
Born in the USA
For You
I saw Springsteen in July, and was surprised how much I liked his new single Radio Nowhere. Fine by me if he puts that one in the mix!
I don’t like Bruce Springstzzzzzzzzzz…….
He should play “Born in the USA” and then explain the lyrics so football fans can understand politics.
Madonna would never happen – she’s more manly than most of the players.
And Carolyn-
“Get michael back to do the show. He rocked back then and still does now.”
please tell me you’re joking. he NEVER rocked and he NEVER will. he’s a child molester and a crazy person. get real.
are you sarah palin? you should be preparing for the debate this thurs, because you are going to be embarrased beyond belief.