By Sara Pintilie/entertainment editor
As Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks take the stage for the 2008 halftime show, we look back on the hits and misses in recent memory.
HITS
Headliner: Prince
Year: 2007
Why it’s a hit: The talented musician played an acclaimed set in heavy rain on a stage shaped like his logo. He visited his classics with a great energy, and even with the suggestive placement of his guitar in the final, he tore up the stage.
Headliner: Janet Jackson, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock and P. Diddy
Year: 2004
Why it’s a hit: It is probably the most memorable halftime show yet. Sure it’s not for the music—who remembered that Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson and P. Diddy were even there? But this halftime show and its wardrobe malfunction gave FCC a massive headache and changed the game for halftime shows.
Headliner: U2
Year: 2002
Why it’s a hit: The sentimental show paid tribute to the victims of 9/11. As their names scrolled on a giant screen, the band played their hits such as “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “Beautiful Day” from their 2000 CD.
Headliner: Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, ‘N Sync and Nelly
Year: 2001
Why it’s a hit: It is one of the oddest live collaborations the Super Bowl has had, but it somehow worked out well. The pre-recorded skit before the show featured Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock and brought a nice comedic touch to the live event.
misses
MISSES
Headliner: Paul McCartney
Year: 2005
Why it’s a Miss: There is absolutely nothing wrong with Paul McCartney, but when it comes to the Super Bowl, the British musician seemed out of place. His mellow tunes didn’t really rev up the fans, and he was just there as a safe alternative to anything else.
Headliner: Janet Jackson, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock and P. Diddy
Year: 2004
Why it’s a Miss: It might be the most memorable show, but it achieved this title with a cheap gimmick. Also this event caused the FCC to crack down on these sorts of event, making the shows mellower and safer. And who wants that?
Headliner: Dan Akyroyd, James Belushi, James Brown, John Goodman, and ZZ Top
Year: 1997
Why it’s a Miss: Dan Akyroyd and Goodman performed as the Blues Brothers (just in time for the release of their movie Blues Brothers 2000) and Brown and ZZ Top joined in. No matter how you spin it, a publicity stunt is a publicity stunt, and no one really wanted to hear John Goodman trying to be John Belushi.
Headliner: New Kids on the Block
Year: 1991
Why it’s a Miss: It wasn’t shown live in its entirety, and it featured New Kids on the Block, enough said.
