It’s been a few years, but there have been a pretty solid number of rock acts that have appeared as part of the Super Bowl Halftime show.
Pop has dominated the halftime spotlight for most of the past decade, but for many years prior a number of legendary rock acts were called upon to provide the entertainment during the biggest football game of the year.
Some were the actual featured artist (like Tom Petty or Prince), while others were invited as special guests to get in on the fun (much like the Red Hot Chili Peppers jumping good time with featured artist Bruno Mars or Slash rocking out with Fergie of Black Eyed Peas).
Believe it or not, there was a time when the Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t that big of a deal. The inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 featured the University of Arizon and Grambling marching bands. Marching bands actually played a key role in the halftime entertainment well into the ’70s.
The year 1969 brought the first themed performance with “America Thanks” aided by the Florida A&M marching band. Pulling in name talent for themed performances started to take off in the ’80s, and Michael Jackson‘s 1993 performance really ushered in the star-studded halftime performances we’ve come to expect today.
Who was the first rock band to play the Super Bowl? That would be ZZ Top in 1997, but it was part of a collaborative performance with The Blues Brothers and James Brown also taking the stage.
Despite a recent drought of rock acts in the Super Bowl halftime spotlight, there was a stretch of six years in the 2000s where a sole rock performer took center stage.
READ MORE: 25 Most Memorable Super Bowl Commercials
Which rock artists have played the Super Bowl halftime show? Check out the gallery below.
Every Rock Artist That Has Played the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Rock on the biggest stage!
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
10 Rock Bands That Should Play the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Hey NFL! Rock music and football CAN go together, ya know.
Gallery Credit: Todd Fooks
