image from horsuprocks.blogspot.com
Beyonce is set to perform the halftime show at the Super Bowl today. Who, however, should perform next year? As with all DMDB lists, I started out compiling best-of lists on who should do a halftime show. I decided I’d still present the top 20 (see bottom of page), but thought it would be more interesting to break down the list into several categories so as to talk about more possibilities. In each category, I also list the DMDB pick. This is not necessarily my favorite in the category, but the one which I believe would have the widest appeal. So here we go.
Let’s Get the Band Back Together. This could also be called the “wishful thinking” category. These are bands no longer working (or at least not in the capacity in which we knew them best), but we’d like to think would step up to the plate for another go. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Guns N’ Roses would be the biggest candidates here. DMDB Pick: Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, image from spin.com
Long in the Tooth, But Still Rockin’, Part 1: The Bands. These are classic rock bands which are still working, be it touring, releasing music or both. Most of the halftime faves fall here. AC/DC, Van Halen, Rush, the Eagles, Journey, Fleetwood Mac, and Kiss all made the list. DMDB Pick: Eagles
Eagles, image from glennfreyonline.com
Long in the Tooth, But Still Rockin’, Part 2: The Solo Artists. Because classic rockers dominate the picks so much, I broke it into two categories. David Bowie, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, and Elton John all made the cut. DMDB Pick: Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, image from skyarts.sky.com
Are They Considered Classic Rock? These are the groups which have been around 20 years or more, but we sometimes can’t bring ourselves to call them “classic rock.” As such, they might have a bit more relevancy. Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Bon Jovi all made the cut. DMDB Pick: Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi, image from fanpop.com
Why Not a Rapper? Rap stars have made guest appearances in past Super Bowls, but none have ever been given the stage to themselves. Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne rated highest. DMDB Pick: Eminem
Eminem, image from vibe.com
Keep Up the Pop Stuff Fans of pop divas have been in heaven the last couple years with Madonna and Beyoncé, but there are still others out there who could command a worldwide audience. Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Adele, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Ke$ha are the biggest names. DMDB Pick: Rihanna
Rihanna, image from hiphopwired.com
Go Alternative Once you’ve reached the point that you are even mentioned as a possibility for the Super Bowl, I’m not sure if the alternative tag even sticks, but these are acts who have launched huge careers with a large debt to alternative fans. Green Day, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Keys, and the Dave Matthews Band most fit the bill here. DMDB Pick: Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters, image from outofordershow.com
Kickin’ It Country Style Like rap, country music gets a little more specialized but there are still some country artists who’ve gained huge audiences. Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and Tim McGraw all made the cut. DMDB Pick: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, image from inquisitor.com
And Don’t Forget… There were other genres, like R&B and adult contemporary, which didn’t muster enough acts to justify a category, but there were still individual names worthy of mention. Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, and Weird Al Yankovic (?!) all made the list. DMDB Pick: Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, image from wmur.com
Here were the results after aggretating 18 best-of lists:
1. AC/DC
2. Van Halen
3. Green Day
4. Metallica
5. Rush
6. Pearl Jam
7. Jay-Z
8. Lady Gaga
9. Coldplay
10. Foo Fighters
AC/DC, image from last.fm
12. Journey
13. Eagles
14. Eminem
15. Bon Jovi
16. Kanye West
17. David Bowie
18. Rihanna
19. Kenny Chesney
20. Lil Wayne
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