Springsteen Super Bowl Half Time Show

[Gil Dobie]

......is pretty bad xboringx xboringx xboringx

[Syntax Error]

consensus here = he is fat

[Mr. C]

What is the big deal with BS? Why do people think he is such an icon? While it was okay (better than a lot of other recent Super Bowl halftimes), I thought it was somewhat boring.

[Franks Tanks]

......is pretty bad xboringx xboringx xboringx

I guess you guys would prefer Justin Timberlake or perhaps Miley Ctrus.

[RadMann]

What is the big deal with BS? Why do people think he is such an icon? While it was okay (better than a lot of other recent Super Bowl halftimes), I thought it was somewhat boring.

The mere fact that you ask such a question means you don't need to have someone answer it. You simply don't "get" it.

[Mr. C]

The mere fact that you ask such a question means you don't need to have someone answer it. You simply don't "get" it.

No, I don't get why this guy and a lot of other "icons? are popular. I like a handful of things he does, but as a musician myself I have never understood why he is so popular. Obviously, there were others posting here that were less than impressed as well.

If you don't have an answer don't come off so smug. I was looking for someone to actually discuss his popularity with an open mind.

[Mr. C]

I guess you guys would prefer Justin Timberlake or perhaps Miley Ctrus.

U2 was pretty awesome a few years back.

[danefan]

No, I don't get why this guy and a lot of other "icons? are popular. I like a handful of things he does, but as a musician myself I have never understood why he is so popular. Obviously, there were others posting here that were less than impressed as well.

If you don't have an answer don't come off so smug. I was looking for someone to actually discuss his popularity with an open mind.


I actually like Springsteen, but I've never like him live (well on TV as I've never been to a concert).

Some of his earlier stuff is great though.

Just take a look at the greatest hits album and there are 8 or 9 songs that are just really good songs.
http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=BrHhJSIR7vC&aid=cAi-1ZTKOgK&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result

Living in and growing up in NJ and seeing his "faithfuls" first hand I can give you my perspective. He came around in a time when he really didn't fit in the music world, but he was the quintessential New Jersyin. You could see him (or a guy like him) down the shore every weekend. I think people from his hayday related to him on a personal level and his "icon" is a way for those folks to go back to their teenage years.

[JohnStOnge]

ZZ Top was good last year but they didn't play enough.

I never have understood the Bruce Springsteen thing. To me he's never produced anything good worth spending money on.

[danefan]

ZZ Top was good last year but they didn't play enough.

I never have understood the Bruce Springsteen thing. To me he's never produced anything good worth spending money on.

Really?

Born to run
Streets of Philadelphia
My Hometown
Hungry Heart
Dancing in the Dark
Glory Days
Born in the USA
Thunder Road

?????????

[Mr. C]

ZZ Top was good last year but they didn't play enough.

I never have understood the Bruce Springsteen thing. To me he's never produced anything good worth spending money on.
Tom Petty played at halftime last year. It was pretty bad.

[Syntax Error]

... as a musician myself I have never understood why he is so popular...We have played three of the songs he performed at halftime. He still works the stage very well. Surprised he didn't do "Born in the USA"

[Mr. C]

We have played three of the songs he performed at halftime. He still works the stage very well. Surprised he didn't do "Born in the USA"

I just have never been a big fan, though I like some of his stuff, like the Woody Guthrie tribute he did a couple of years ago. Of course, I'm not a big popular music kind of guy.

[HiHiYikas]

Tony Bennet's really looking young.

[JohnStOnge]

Tom Petty played at halftime last year. It was pretty bad.

What am I thinking of? Was it the BCS championship game? I can remember ZZ Top playing at some big event.

[Reign of Terrier]

What am I thinking of? Was it the BCS championship game? I can remember ZZ Top playing at some big event.

That would be American Idol last seasonxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

but Super Bowl wise that would be Super Bowl XLI (Colts vs Bears)

[ButlerGSU]

I walked the dog during it...

[mrklean]

Iam no BOSS fan, but this man can not sing. I mean he does not have a great singing voice. What gives??

[93henfan]

What am I thinking of? Was it the BCS championship game? I can remember ZZ Top playing at some big event.

Courtesy Wikipedia:

Superbowl XXXI (Jan 26, 1997) Halftime show

The halftime show was titled "Blues Brothers Bash" and featured actors Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, and Jim Belushi as the Blues Brothers. The show highlighted blues music and also had performances by the rock band ZZ Top and singer James Brown.

While practicing for the show, Laura Patterson, one of a 16-member professional bungee jumping team, died of massive cranial trauma when she jumped from the top level of the Superdome with improperly handled bungee cords and smashed head-first into the concrete-based playing field. The bungee jumping portion of the show was removed from the program and a commemoration of Patterson was added.

[slycat]

I don't get it either. I listen to a lot of 80s music and his stuff is never on.

[mrklean]

I don't get it either. I listen to a lot of 80s music and his stuff is never on.

Because he can not sing...PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[slycat]

Because he can not sing...PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No kidding I couldn't even pay attention.

[panther84]

That was 12 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

[mrklean]

That was 12 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xlolx

[LeopardFan04]

Well...I liked it...

[UNCBears2010]

Poor Springsteen...James Harrison stole all of his thunder.

[ngineer]

Really?

Born to run
Streets of Philadelphia
My Hometown
Hungry Heart
Dancing in the Dark
Glory Days
Born in the USA
Thunder Road

?????????

...and don't forget The Rising album. Great stuff.

[seantaylor]

Why does Springsteen always look like he is in the middle of dropping a deuce?

[JayJ79]

While practicing for the show, Laura Patterson, one of a 16-member professional bungee jumping team, died of massive cranial trauma when she jumped from the top level of the Superdome with improperly handled bungee cords and smashed head-first into the concrete-based playing field. The bungee jumping portion of the show was removed from the program and a commemoration of Patterson was added.

"equipment malfunction" is a heck of alot more major/tragic than "wardrobe malfunction".
but of course, which instance got more coverage.......

[dlsiouxfan]

I though it was a so-so performance by the Boss. I have to give him credit for hitting that camera pretty hard and shaking it off to finish the performance. I really didn't feel that he picked his best four songs. "Glory Days" and "Fifth Avenue Heartache" (not sure on that title) aren't what I would consider some of his better songs. Overall better than Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers last year but not nearly as good as U2 a few years ago or Prince performing "Purple Rain" in the rain a few years ago.

Also can we all agree that it was better than the assualt on our eardrums perpetrated by Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Run DMC, and Aerosmith a few years ago.

[Syntax Error]

... "Fifth Avenue Heartache" (not sure on that title)..."Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenth_Avenue_Freeze-Out) xthumbsupx

album audio ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktliuvsPa4g
concert performance -------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3KkgrX_cmg

[Ivytalk]

I liked it! The Boss looked great. He was certainly full of energy!:)

[Gil Dobie]

I guess you guys would prefer Justin Timberlake or perhaps Miley Ctrus.

NOT...............

I'd prefer a shorter half-time show, more analysis, highlights, Super Bowl History, and back to football xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

Anyone hear if the cameraperson that Bruce crotch-tackled is OK? He really misjudged that knee slide. I like Bruce and all, but I really didn't need to see a 50-something year old guy from New Jersey sliding schmeckle first at me in 42" high definition.

[Hoyadestroya85]

bruce is a real "man of the people" he sounded bad last night.. his band however sounded great

[89Hen]

I'm not here to defend Springsteen... I love most of his stuff, but can totally see how somebody could hate all of his stuff. He is a love/hate type artist. I thought the halftime show was fine... not great, not awful.

That said, I will say on his defense, he is not a 12 minute type performer. Most of the crappy kid artists today would be perfect in a 12 minute time slot because that's all the material they have. Springsteen concerts are great, but you have to give him a couple hours.

The other problem is that many of his popular songs with the general public are not the same songs most of his fans would pick to hear. Tenth Avenue Freezeout was a strange pick and I never cared for Glory Days but it was a radio hit. You had to know Born to Run was coming and that was a good pick. However, it's not like he could launch into an 8 minute Jungleland or Thunder Road. So I guess what I'm saying is that people that hate BS, probably have never really listened to any of the songs that I would site as his best. This is the exact same problem Dire Straits has. The popular songs were some of their worst.

BTW, as I'm typing this an e-mail from Mrs89 just popped up saying tix go on sale at 10am for his upcoming DC show. I'm not interested. He's too political these days. xpeacex

[andy7171]

I actually like Springsteen, but I've never like him live (well on TV as I've never been to a concert).

Some of his earlier stuff is great though.

Just take a look at the greatest hits album and there are 8 or 9 songs that are just really good songs.
http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=BrHhJSIR7vC&aid=cAi-1ZTKOgK&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result

Living in and growing up in NJ and seeing his "faithfuls" first hand I can give you my perspective. He came around in a time when he really didn't fit in the music world, but he was the quintessential New Jersyin. You could see him (or a guy like him) down the shore every weekend. I think people from his hayday related to him on a personal level and his "icon" is a way for those folks to go back to their teenage years.
Dude, you HAVE to go see him live. It shouldn't even be a question.


We have played three of the songs he performed at halftime. He still works the stage very well. Surprised he didn't do "Born in the USA"
Born in the USA is an anti Vietnam song about people dying and losing their homes. Why would he sing that with Obama in office. He loved singing it during the Bush years.


I liked the halftime show, his songs aren't the kind that can be cut up to fit into a 12 minute segement. He can stretch Born to Run out for 12 minutes at a concert.

I didn't like the ref part. xrolleyesx

[andy7171]

I'm not here to defend Springsteen... I love most of his stuff, but can totally see how somebody could hate all of his stuff. He is a love/hate type artist. I thought the halftime show was fine... not great, not awful.

That said, I will say on his defense, he is not a 12 minute type performer. Most of the crappy kid artists today would be perfect in a 12 minute time slot because that's all the material they have. Springsteen concerts are great, but you have to give him a couple hours.

The other problem is that many of his popular songs with the general public are not the same songs most of his fans would pick to hear. Tenth Avenue Freezeout was a strange pick and I never cared for Glory Days but it was a radio hit. You had to know Born to Run was coming and that was a good pick. However, it's not like he could launch into an 8 minute Jungleland or Thunder Road. So I guess what I'm saying is that people that hate BS, probably have never really listened to any of the songs that I would site as his best. This is the exact same problem Dire Straits has. The popular songs were some of their worst.

BTW, as I'm typing this an e-mail from Mrs89 just popped up saying tix go on sale at 10am for his upcoming DC show. I'm not interested. He's too political these days. xpeacex

I am in denial. Deep deep denial.

[89Hen]

I am in denial. Deep deep denial.
You were at the FedEx show a few years ago, weren't you? Fans were grumbling something awful (almost booing) when he started in with his political talk. I heard a few shouts of "shut up and play". xlolx xnodx

[bandl]

I just got my tix to see Bruce at Verizon! xnodx

If my count is correct (and I think I've lost a couple ticket stubs here and there), this will be my 20th time seeing him. :) My parents are working on their hundredth... xeekx

[89Hen]

I just got my tix to see Bruce at Verizon! xnodx
How did you make out?

[danefan]

Was that guy with the bandana on his head the guy from the Sopranos?

Yes. Same guy. Little Steven.

Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante

[bandl]

How did you make out?

2 tickets right behind the stage for the wife and I. Not the best, but it's actually much closer to the stage than the 400 section across the arena, and even closer than most of the GA floor seats. I've sat behind the stage before and Bruce has always made it a point to perform for all sections, since he's a spazoid and won't/can't stay in one place when performing. xnodx

[93henfan]

2 tickets right behind the stage for the wife and I. Not the best, but it's actually much closer to the stage than the 400 section across the arena, and even closer than most of the GA floor seats. I've sat behind the stage before and Bruce has always made it a point to perform for all sections, since he's a spazoid and won't/can't stay in one place when performing. xnodx

Yeah, I got some for right of the stage, all the way up top, but I released them. I'd rather be in front. Like you said though, it should still be enjoyable.

[bandl]

Yeah, I got some for right of the stage, all the way up top, but I released them. I'd rather be in front. Like you said though, it should still be enjoyable.

I pushed my luck and released 4 sets of tickets. I never had any luck at all though trying to get more than 2 seats. No biggie, I'm going so that's all that matters! xthumbsupx

[93henfan]

I pushed my luck and released 4 sets of tickets. I never had any luck at all though trying to get more than 2 seats. No biggie, I'm going so that's all that matters! xthumbsupx

If the stage for this tour is the same one used at the Superbowl, you're fine because it was very short with no obstructions like speaker stacks or anything behind the stage. And like you said, Bruce works all 360 degrees of crowd.

[HiHiYikas]

Iam no BOSS fan, but this man can not sing. I mean he does not have a great singing voice. What gives??
I like his voice, even if it's not 'good.' As a mainly folk-inspired rocker, he's connected to a world where the song matters more than the singer.

There are lots of people who can sing the lights out, but couldn't write interesting lyrics (or any lyrics at all) to save their lives. But they look good and they sound good.

It takes all kinds. Some people like movies with an interesting plot and clever dialogue...some people like 2 hours of spaceships, robots, and explosions. Some people like a little of both.

[CrackerRiley]

Did anyone notice the Max Weinberg (sp?) 7? Are they his usual band members? I know nothing about Bruce Springstein so sorry if it's a dumb question.

[89Hen]

Did anyone notice the Max Weinberg (sp?) 7? Are they his usual band members? I know nothing about Bruce Springstein so sorry if it's a dumb question.
Max is a long time member of the E Street Band. xpeacex

[CrackerRiley]

Max is a long time member of the E Street Band. xpeacex

ahhh, forgot that they said it was Bruce with the E street band... i see, thanks.

[GSUhooligan]

I love Labamba

[Cobblestone]

U2 was pretty awesome a few years back.


Agree. So was Bruce.

[JoltinJoe]

Did anyone notice the Max Weinberg (sp?) 7? Are they his usual band members? I know nothing about Bruce Springstein so sorry if it's a dumb question.

Weinberg has been the E-Street Band drummer since 1975.

The horn section in the Max Weinberg 7, a/k/a as the "Miami Horns," have played on a number of Springsteen records and they were originally the horn section in Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (and often still back Southside Johnny when he performs).

The "Miami Horns" were featured on Springsteen's "Born to Run" album on "Tenth Avenue Freezeout," and lateron the on "Tunnel of Love" album. They also went on tour with the E-Street Band on the Tunnel of Love Tour in 1988-89.

If you want to listen to three under-rated gems, get Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes first three records. Brilliant stuff.

[ASUG8]

I'm not here to defend Springsteen... I love most of his stuff, but can totally see how somebody could hate all of his stuff. He is a love/hate type artist. I thought the halftime show was fine... not great, not awful.

That said, I will say on his defense, he is not a 12 minute type performer. Most of the crappy kid artists today would be perfect in a 12 minute time slot because that's all the material they have. Springsteen concerts are great, but you have to give him a couple hours.

The other problem is that many of his popular songs with the general public are not the same songs most of his fans would pick to hear. Tenth Avenue Freezeout was a strange pick and I never cared for Glory Days but it was a radio hit. You had to know Born to Run was coming and that was a good pick. However, it's not like he could launch into an 8 minute Jungleland or Thunder Road. So I guess what I'm saying is that people that hate BS, probably have never really listened to any of the songs that I would site as his best. This is the exact same problem Dire Straits has. The popular songs were some of their worst.

BTW, as I'm typing this an e-mail from Mrs89 just popped up saying tix go on sale at 10am for his upcoming DC show. I'm not interested. He's too political these days. xpeacex

I think he's trying to channel Bob Dylan most of the time, who I also don't care for. My wife saw him a few years ago and he spent far too much time blasting the administration and political policies. If I want to hear that, I'll just buy a paper and read the Op/Ed - just play the damned music!

[jstate83]

......is pretty bad xboringx xboringx xboringx

Didn't watch.xsmhx
Never liked him in the first place.xlolx

[crunifan]

I remember when Aerosmith, Nsync, Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J Blige did the Super Bowl. That was the last one I thought was any good. It had something for basically every age group or music style.

Now it just seems catered to baby boomers.

[grizband]

Would you have liked it if it was NWA?
xeyebrowx

[grizband]

Weinberg has been the E-Street Band drummer since 1975.

The horn section in the Max Weinberg 7, a/k/a as the "Miami Horns," have played on a number of Springsteen records and they were originally the horn section in Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (and often still back Southside Johnny when he performs).

The "Miami Horns" were featured on Springsteen's "Born to Run" album on "Tenth Avenue Freezeout," and lateron the on "Tunnel of Love" album. They also went on tour with the E-Street Band on the Tunnel of Love Tour in 1988-89.

If you want to listen to three under-rated gems, get Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes first three records. Brilliant stuff.
Saw him live on New Year's Eve 2004, his band rocks!

[93henfan]

Would you have liked it if it was NWA?

In a very different sort of way, Bruce carries much the same F*** da Po-lice message that NWA did.

[jstate83]

Would you have liked it if it was NWA?

Anybody but that raspy voiced screaming mofo Bruce.
But what do the first gangsta rap group have to do with me not liking Bruce.xconfusedx

Oh..........My bad.
I forgot who quoted me.xlolx
Surprised you didn't work OJ into it.

You can add Dillon with this.
never liked his stuff either.xlolx

[jstate83]

In a very different sort of way, Bruce carries much the same F*** da Po-lice message that NWA did.

Somehow this fact will escape his grasp. xlolx

[WWII]

That's about the total list of songs that I like. I'm not a huge fan. My buddy sells takamine guitars, so he liked the halftime show.

[andy7171]

Somehow this fact will escape his grasp. xlolx

You don't think Dope Man would go over well at halftime?

[jstate83]

You don't think Dope Man would go over well at halftime?


Why ya'll bringing these questions to me.
I just said I don't like Bruce, the boss, or whatever his name is.xlolx

[andy7171]

Why ya'll bringing these questions to me.
I just said I don't like Bruce, the boss, or whatever his name is.xlolx

Why do you HATE Bruce because he's white?





xlolx:p

[WOCO]

Why do you HATE Bruce because he's white?





xlolx:p


Bruce is not relative to anyone under 40 years old. Secondly why do you throw rappers into this. wasn't even the subject. Jstate wasn't the first in this thread to say that he didn't like bruce but I guess he made the mistake of being the 1st from a HBCU to say it on this board. Its 2009 people!

[jstate83]

Why do you HATE Bruce because he's white?





xlolx:p

Yep. xlolx

[andy7171]

Bruce is not relative to anyone under 40 years old. Secondly why do you through rappers in this. wasn't even the subject. Jstate wasn't the first in this thread to say that he hated bruce but I guess he made the mistake of being the 1st from a HBCU to say it on this board. Its 2009 people!

For the record, I was making a joke and asking him another question. xrolleyesx

...and if you read past the last post, you'll notice I wasn't the one that brought NWA up. It caught my eye because I have several NWA CDs. Which is why I brought up Dope Man, because of the absurdity of it being played at halftime of the Super Bowl. I was trying to diffuse the racist slant, that bdfan brought into this, with humor. Sue me. xpeacex

...and another thing, I'm under 40 and find Bruce "relative". I was 14 when Born in the USA came out.

[McNeese75]

Yep. xlolx

xlolx xbowx

[Syntax Error]

Songs we played before in concert:
"Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"
"Born to Run"
"Glory Days"

[andy7171]

Songs we played before in concert:
"Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"
"Born to Run"
"Glory Days"

10th avenue Freeze Out is one of my favorie Bruce songs. Mainly because he plays it when he introduces the band in concert. xthumbsupxxthumbsupxxthumbsupx

[Syntax Error]

yeah since I was the one to sing lead on "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" I always liked pointing at the audience while spurting "The night is dark but the sidewalk's bright and lined with the light of the living." xthumbsupx

[Cobblestone]

NWA RULES! I always loved their longest reigning Champion....

woooooooooooooooooo!

http://www.derok.net/derek3/images/classics/wwf%20ric%20flair.jpg

[GoBears]

You want a real haltime show? I say METALLICA!!!