I dunno about you guys, but when Bruce Springsteen asks me to ”put thechicken fingers down,” I put those things DOWN. Good thing, too: The Super Bowl halftime show thatfollowed was a 12-minute musical feast, no snack food necessary. The set kicked off on just the right note with ”Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” the great E Street Band creation myth. Bruce even fit in one of his trademark across-the-stage knee slides there; it might have taken a little out of him, judging by the tired note that crept into his voice when the band transitioned into "Born to Run." But man, those two songs are still exactly what stadium rock is supposed to sound like, almost 35 years after they were recorded. Next up was a very nice "Working on a Dream," backed by a choir. It’s a mellow number, and a new one, so of course the energy in the arena died down just a tiny bit. Still, it shot right back up when the band segued into "Glory Days" — complete with occasion-appropriate lyrical changeups. (Bruce’s old high school buddy was "a big football player" tonight, not "baseball," and he liked to throw a "Hail Mary" instead of a "speedball.") Some fireworks, some very funny shtick with Steven Van Zandt ("Steve, what time is it?" "IT’S BOSS TIME!"), a quick spin of Bruce’s guitar around his body, and then — over, already? Whew!
In case you can’t tell, I thought that was one kick-ass halftime show. But how’d you like it? Chime in below, and check back here for video of the performance as soon as it’s available online.
UPDATE: Here’s some decent-quality video of Springsteen’s halftime show, in two overlapping parts. Part one is below, part two after the jump.
More on Springsteen and the Super Bowl:
Ken Tucker mulled whether Springsteen should "go rogue" at the halftime show
Listening to Springsteen’s wacky Super Bowl press conference
Mandi Bierly went over your best Super Bowl counter-programming options
Oscars snub Springsteen: WTF?
EW Gallery: Rare Springsteen Photos Unveiled
Comments (1-30) of 392 Add your comment
Kick-ass half-time show! I lOVE BRUCE!!!!!
wahoo! that was 12 minutes of a bruce concert, not a halftime show! fantastic. i just hope bruce didn’t break the cameraman’s nose when he slid/crashed into the lens!
but why no “dancing in the dark” or “badlands”? still, you gotta love bruce.
I hated it!! John Mellencamp would have been better.
Dug it! Have seen him live…nice, little mini-show…Patty looked lovely…great to see Steve now that Sopranos are gone. Bravo!!
Couldn’t stand it. It’s like when they had Elton John play at the 100th Harley Davidson Anniversary.
horrible. 30 minutes of my life wasted when I could have been doing ANYTHING else…
Best half-time show ever! More than I expected, with the Boss and the band all looking good and sounding great. Hope the knees are OK though . . . .
Absolutely amazing. I would have preferred a 12 minute game and a 4 hour Bruce concert. He and the band are still the best!!!
Video?
I thought it was very good (U2 was better) but this was very good. Energetic.
It was awesome!! Good song choices, and i agree it was a mini Springsteen concert, but thats ok, cos the crowd loved it!
There are so many awesome songs, spose he had to fit in one from the new album hey….
Absolutely amazing!!! Showing the kids these days what REAL rock n roll is.
i’m not sure in what world 12 minutes translates into 30, but thanks for watching.
I thought the half time show was great. I have no strong feelings about Springsteen one way or another, but as far half time shows go, it was full of energy and he had me interested. Prince’s half time show is still #1 in my book, but this one is up there too.
The Super Bowl half time show to end all Super Bowl Half time shows.
Bruce ROCKS!!! That was awesome!!! I’ve never seen a band that appears to have more of a good time performing. Love to Bruce and the E Street Band from an Asbury Park gal!!
Disappointed. Too many corny theatrics. What the hell was up with that fake flag throwing referee? Bruce should be above stuff like that.
was i the only one who noticed when he almost took out a stage hand when he through his guitar to him? or that he slide on his knees into the camera, all crotch shot status?! that was almost a wardrobe malfunction, hahaha. anywho, i’m no springsteen fan but it was a pretty good show! good job bruce & e street!
Excellent! Having to stay away from political commentary the Boss did the next best thing…threw a rockin’ , grinning ,high -fiving party!
Best ever.
To It Was Kick-Ass: Because he had 13 MINUTES.
Simply the best
I enjoyed Paula Abdul’s act from last year better (at least she’s HOT!) and that’s not saying much. Maybe we could get someone from this century.
Bruce ROCKS! Always puts on a great show, mini or otherwise.
Monica242 – If you have to undermine “kids these days” to anchor your praise, your opinion becomes meaningless.
If you love music, rock’n'roll comes in many flavors and interpretations, thanks.
As usual, Bruce delivered a 110% performance. He is and always will be THE BOSS! Thanks again, Bruce!
Great half-time show! Good energy and some kick ass tunes! Awesome job E Street Band!
I thought it was good, but not the greatest of all time. That honor belongs to U2. And I agree the ref thing was corny.
I totally have a huge crush on Bruce Springsteen now. He’s like 60, and I am in love with him. He rocked it!