The Super Bowl halftime show has lacked rock music since 1993 when Michael Jackson performed. Despite a few exceptions such as Aerosmith in 2001, Paul McCartney in 2005, the Rolling Stones in 2006, Tom Petty in 2008, and The Who in 2009, the show has mostly consisted of pop, rap, and country music. The absence of Van Halen, who would have been a great addition, is felt and there are still 10 powerful rock acts that could perform before the NFL decides to have another lip-sync performance. Unfortunately, one potential rock act has already canceled themselves from the list.
Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters are a band that are highly regarded for their approachable image, sense of humor, and mainstream success. They are versatile and can adapt to different musical collaborations or perform long, memorable shows on their own.
Metallica
The band Metallica is no longer seen as scary, but as musicians who put on a great performance. Over the years, their image has softened and they are now considered the largest rock band in the world with a huge following. It would be a no-brainer to have them perform at events like the Super Bowl halftime show.
Guns N’ Roses
Certainly, Guns N’ Roses are now in a position where they could play the Super Bowl Halftime Show without any issues such as band members going to rehab or causing drama that could lead to a break up. Guns N’ Roses are known for creating some of the greatest hard rock sing-along songs of all time. Just imagine the halftime performance with a setlist including “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “November Rain,” and “Paradise City.” This would be a great treat for both parents in middle America and the band’s fans.
Motley Crue
Motley Crue is now seen as a nostalgic band and a perfect fit for a Super Bowl halftime show. With the world longing for simpler times, Motley Crue’s music provides a sense of escapism and celebration. Although some of their songs may not be accepted in today’s more “woke” society, their classic hits such as “Kickstart My Heart”, “Dr. Feelgood”, and “Home Sweet Home” would provide an electrifying performance.
Pearl Jam
Why not consider Pearl Jam for the Super Bowl Halftime Show? In the past, they may have been considered too intense, but now we are more used to that type of vibe. With a strong catalog of hits and an energetic stage presence, Pearl Jam would be a great choice. The lead singer’s love for sports would only add to the excitement, and with the possibility of a duet with Mary J Blige paying homage to Meatloaf, this could make for a winning performance.
Slipknot
Although it’s unlikely, a band that brings energy and excitement to the Super Bowl halftime show would fit well with the physical nature of the game. Even if the band may be perceived as too intense for some, their high-energy performance would add to the excitement of the event.
Journey
The popularity of karaoke bars is a testament to the success of Journey’s music. Even without their original lead singer, the band still excels thanks to their replacement’s strong vocal abilities. The band’s all-American rock sound makes them perfect for stadium sing-alongs. They could start with “Wheel in the Sky,” move on to “Separate Ways,” bring in Tina Turner for a performance of “Faithfully,” and end with the iconic “Don’t Stop Believin'” which has become the unofficial anthem for underdogs in sports since 1982.
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, also known as the Prince of Darkness, has a massive global following and is known for his well-known sports-friendly tunes. Songs like “Crazy Train,” “Iron Man,” “Flying High Again,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” would be perfect for a Super Bowl Halftime show, and with the addition of a cameo from Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, it could be a show-stopping performance. But it’s not happening, as Ozzy recently announced his retirement.
Jack White
The White Stripes front man, Jack White, is known for his musical versatility and talent on the guitar. He has the ability to play various genres including country music, making him a unique option for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. He could potentially bring in duet partners, such as Reba and Dolly, and close with a cover of Hendrix’s “Fire.”
Green Day
Green Day is a popular punk rock band that has been active since the early 90s and has a reputation for their energetic live performances. They have a wide range of songs that can appeal to different audiences, including punk rock anthems and ballads with social commentary. They are known for their high-energy shows and have a number of popular songs that could be well-suited for a halftime performance, such as “Time of My Life” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”