Tom Petty'zzzzzzz Halftime Show

Posted at 06:00 PM

In Section: On Music Posted By: Evan Rytlewski

Super Bowl XLII ended with a jaw-dropping, M. Night Shyamalan-styled twist an entire football season in the making, but those with little tolerance for surprises could at least take solace in the halftime show: Tom Petty offered none of them. It’s not that Petty didn’t sound great, but the withered songwriter’s meandering pace and sleepy-eyed songs didn't even attempt to give sports fans the adrenaline rush they were seeking after an uneventful first half.

Since Janet Jackson accidentally flashed the country, the Super Bowl has been reluctant to book anything but the most reigned-in, aging consensus rockers, with Prince’s ultra-badass spectacular being the semi-exception. Petty’s show was the safest yet. Next year the Super Bowl might as well go all out and book Michael McDonald.

Tom Petty'zzzzzzz Halftime Show

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REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

Justin Krol

I could not agree more - Petty sounded great, but felt a little awkward for the setting. Prince’s Godlike performance ruined the coveted halftime slot for everyone. Michael McDonald would be a phenomenal pick for next year, particularly if he played “Ya Mo B There,” a deep jam off of his (nauseating) Sweet Freedom record.

REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

pappy

i disagree. Petty was perfect for the event. He balanced out what ended up being a nail-biter of a game. Petty is a muscian first. Always has been. His closest schtick into theatrics was his decades old Alice in Wonderland video "Dont Come Around Here No More". Even then he was dry and calculated. Thsi is his style. he sounded great.

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