Photo: By proacguy1 from Montreal, Canada [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The following year in 2003, the NFL decided to mix it up again pairing Sting with Shania Twain and No Doubt. In 2004, classic rock took a leave of absence from the Super Bowl stage as the NFL hired Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly to perform along with the pairing up of Justin Timberlake with Janet Jackson. We all know how that went.
After the Timberlake Jackson issue, the NFL decided to go back to the classics. For the next 5 years, NFL Half Time Super Bowl performances featured some of the greatest legends in rock and roll history. You don’t get any bigger than Paul McCartney as far as rock and roll goes. The former Beatle gave a thrilling performance in 2005. And just like old times, who best to follow up Paul McCartney the following year than his former 1960’s rivals The Rolling Stones. So how do you top the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, well you really can’t. However, one can always visit the following decade of greatness and choose one of the most electrifying performers to ever grace the stage. The NFL nailed it perfectly by inviting Prince to perform in 2007. It was one of the most exciting NFL Half Time Super Bowl performances of all time. Some people have argued that Prince was not rock. Just take one listen to one of his blazing guitar solos and passionate filled vocals and try to make that argument again.
The following year in 2008, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took the stage together as a band that knew how to light it up. In 2009, a performer that many have argued is simply the greatest stage performer of all time performed at the Super Bowl Half Time Show. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tore down the house in 2009. So how do you possibly follow up Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band when you have already featured The Rolling Stones, Prince, and Paul McCartney. Simple, you turn to the one other classic rock band that performed and released music in the same leagues as the Beatles and The Stones. Yes, that right, you bring in The Who.
After The Who performed in 2010, the NFL went in another direction with their half time performers. The Black Eyed Peas followed The Who in 2011 and that was about it for Classic Rock Bands performing in the Super Bowl. Yes, last year, Coldplay performed, but the band shared the stage with Bruno Mars and Beyonce
So that brings us to the NFL’s 2017 Super Bowl performer. Lady Gaga may not be classified as Classic Rock, but her abilities to sing her butt off and write songs of substance and passion echo the heart and soul of the Classic Rock Era.
Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Performance opened with Woody Gutherie’s This Land Is Your Land. The somg was the perfect choice to make a political statement without having to say a word. Lady Gaga’s performance seemed to be aimed at creating a feel good atmosphere that is desperately needed amongst the turmoil of the past few months. But it wasn’t all smooth political thought. From standing atop the stadium Lady Gaga basically flew down into the stadium and exploded into a melody of her biggest hits. Opening with Poker Face, Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance shifted into high gear and defined the excitement that a typical Lady Gaga show presents. It was exciting, dramatic and pure Classic Lady Gaga. We like her here no matter what style of music she performs, In our book, Lady Gaga is rock and roll.
