When Lawrence Tynes of the New York Giants kicked that dramatic, overtime field goal in the NFC Championship Game, not only did he set up a rematch of Super Bowl XLII with the New England Patriots, but he also made a date with the one and only Madonna. “The Queen of Reinvention” will be providing this year’s halftime entertainment, joining a star-studded roster that has recently included The Who, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I am one of millions who would rather forget that the Black Eyed Peas were at the Super Bowl last February; as will.i.am and Fergie were badly lip-syncing, I distinctly remember thinking that there are at least 10 other artists more deserving of this position and honor than BEP.
And so, as the wagering begins to intensify over who will have the best commercial, let alone which team will cover the damn spread, Consequence of Sound would like to take this opportunity to present — a themed list. What follows are 10 musical acts who we could envision belting out some of their tunes either in New Orleans, New York City, or Glendale, Arizona, the respective homes for the next three Super Bowls. Most are rational choices, while some can be construed as wishful thinking. Rather than count these down as per usual with a list, we’ve divvied things up into three categories: Dependable Divas, Veteran Rock Warriors, and for the win, Alt/Indie Hail Marys. Ready, set, hut!
Dependable Divas:
Adele
Here’s hoping Adele’s health issues are behind her and that the two-syllabled sensation from the UK can get some rest before starting work on her highly anticipated third album. She probably won’t be “23” any more by the time it comes out, but it’ll no doubt be huge and deserving of a stage at the Super Bowl. The only question really is if she can be “engaging” enough as a halftime show performer. Vocally, there’s no doubt. Wonder if her ex-boyfriend was a London Monarchs fan? Anyone remember the World League of American Football?
Beyoncé
Not that she isn’t talented enough on her own to command the attention of 100 million people at the Super Bowl, but the possibilities that exist with Ms. Knowles as a headliner are truly head-spinning. Hip-hop fanboys would drool at the prospect of a Jay-Z guest spot, maybe even with Throne cooperator Kanye West to do “Paris” a half-dozen times. And what if “B” were to take some time off only to make a triumphant return at a future Big Game? Can you imagine the hoopla that would be created if daughter Blue Ivy Carter made an appearance? Anyone know the record for youngest singer at a Super Bowl? (She already has one accolade from Billboard.)
Katy Perry
Given that Super Bowl halftime shows tend to lean pop more than any other music genre, I think it’s pretty safe to say the now former Mrs. Russell Brand is a virtual lock to add this event to her resume at some point–likely when she records the follow-up to her mega-smash Teenage Dream. You know, the album with as many number one singles as Michael Jackson had for Bad. Not sure if this necessarily puts Katy Perry in the same league as MJ, but whatevs. And hey, there’s a chance ‘Ye would show up to sing his parts on the “E.T.”.
Veteran Rock Warriors:
Queen
I am very tempted to type “Led Zeppelin” here instead, but I think that ship has finally sailed for good. Queen has more big game anthems anyway, and they are also going to become a lot more topical amongst Americans thanks to an upcoming biopic on the life and times of singer Freddie Mercury. Sasha Baron Cohen is starring in that (currently titled A Kind of Magic), and there always seems to be talk that the surviving members of Queen are gearing up for something or another with either Paul Rodgers, Adam Lambert, or even Lady Gaga. If not Queen, then maybe…
Green Day
Photo by Heather Kaplan
No, Queen’s We Will Rock You musical hasn’t hit Broadway yet, but American Idiot sure did and quite successfully to boot. It was such a success that Green Day are franchising it out, first as a national touring production, and a film version is due sometime in 2013. Super Bowl XLVIII, or 48 in case you skipped the class on Roman numerals like Bart Simpson did, will be held in New York City. I’ll take Green Day backed by the AI cast any day over some gawd-awful tribute to Broadway that will try to be foisted on viewers. Green Day also has strong ties to next year’s SB hosts, New Orleans, since reopening the Superdome along with U2 after Hurricane Katrina, but I already have someone lined up for them…
AC/DC
This, to me, is the easiest no-brainer on the entire list. No one does high-octane, jock-friendly songs much better than the proverbial thunder from down under. Not that it was considered for CoS’ most anticipated list, but a new album from them is being rumored for mid-to-late 2012, with another lengthy world tour sure to follow (the Black Ice one lasted nearly three years). I’m confident the boys will be up for making a stop in New Orleans next year around Mardi Gras time. Oh, and if you weren’t aware, AC/DC will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2013. Can you say, “Super Bowl XLVII, here they come?!” You’re welcome…
Pearl Jam
Of all the great bands that made their mark during the “Alternative Nation” heyday of the early ’90s, Pearl Jam is the one whose sheer perseverance has made them household names and thus logical candidates for this honor, to say nothing of their fiercely loyal fan base. Plus, they apparently have another album in them, so they’ll continue to be relevant for another few years before the temptation to go completely nostalgic becomes too overwhelming. Knowing that Disney has produced a lot of SB halftime shows in the past, I shudder to think that the idea of an “All-Star Salute to Grunge” has at least been considered. Before you think I’m crazy, I ask you to keep this recent Mickey Mouse T-shirt design in mind.
Alt/Indie Hail Marys:
Coldplay
This actually wouldn’t be that much of a stretch, as Chris Martin and his Coldplay mates are right up there these days in any conversation regarding the “biggest band in the world right now.” No one has been confirmed yet, but maybe they’re using the London 2012 Olympics as a warm-up. Whether or not you are of the opinion that they may have, um, borrowed from other musicians on a few of their songs, they have a lot of tunes with the kind of anthemic quality that would fit in extremely well at America’s biggest sporting event. (I’m thinking “Paradise” and “Viva la Vida” in particular.)
Arcade Fire
Photo by Debi Del Grande
One year later, there’s a good chunk of the American Midwest still asking, “Who is Arcade Fire?” (Yeah, that infamous site is always up, even though it hasn’t been updated in months.) The chances of them playing a future SB halftime show are admittedly slim, but the fact that Arcade Fire are Grammy winners does carry significant, mainstream weight. It would make for quite the spectacle to see all those band members furiously banging on their instruments during something intense like “Wake Up”, a song which is no stranger to football highlight reels.
The White Stripes
No one thought the New York Giants had a prayer when they faced off against the unbeaten New England Patriots four years ago. If sports and music have one thing in common, it’s that absolutely anything can happen. So, forget a Coachella reunion sometime down the line; wouldn’t this be an unbelievable way for Jack and Meg White to come back with a bang? And for anyone who doubts The White Stripes could pull this off, did you ever think you’d hear people oh oh oohing along to the main riff from “Seven Nation Army” at stadiums and arenas around the world?
