Bruce Springsteen at the Super Bowl: Were you sold?

The National Football League announced in September that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band would provide the halftime entertainment at today's Super Bowl. Last week, Springsteen released an album that surely warmed the hearts of NFL and NBC execs. His "Working on a Dream" is largely an upbeat and positive pop record -- one without any deep political implications and plenty of PG-safe proclamations of love.

In the post Nipplegate-era of halftime entertainment, that's just the way the NFL likes it. No risks, no surprises and nothing that's going to slow the momentum of one of the biggest rah-rah moments on American television. Oh, and keep the new stuff to a minimum.

Springsteen got in a couple verses of the title track off his album, but it was straight into "Glory Days" just as the crowd was warming up to the cut's gospel groove. When you have 12 minutes, better go keep them wanting more, especially when dabbling with the unfamiliar.

It was apparent that Springsteen and the E Street Band -- introduced as "booty-shaking" in a pre-taped reel of NFL personalities -- understood the game from the moment the performance started. "Step back from the guacamole dip," Springsteen yelled through gritted teeth. He then followed it up with this impassioned order: "Put! The! Chicken! Fingers! Doooowwwwwwwn!"

Love him or hate him, is this what we want from one of our most celebrated songwriters? Springsteen's always been at the very least an artist who's unafraid to tackle big topics. He shouldn't be faulted for trying to drum up some excitement for his new album, but is it necessary for him to have to deliver jokes for the NFL to do so?

Heading into the performance, the only major question was why Springsteen needed to sing in Tampa Bay today at all. The halftime show rakes in the viewers -- last year's Super Bowl was watched by a record 97.5 million people, according to Nielsen Media Research -- but it turns artists into pitchmen. In getting the spotlight for just 12 minutes, verses are dropped and melodies are clipped.

It's not a concert, but a teaser -- and it was, admittedly, an entertaining one -- for Springsteen's upcoming tour, which comes to the Los Angeles Sports Arena on April 15 (tickets, conveniently, on sale tomorrow morning). While Springsteen has been saying that there are few outlets for an artist of his age to promote his music these days, the Bruce Springsteen Business hasn't exactly been dipping. According to Billboard, Springsteen tallied the second-highest grossing tour of 2008, bringing in a total gross of more than $204 million.

But today's Super Bowl performance will net Springsteen a whole lot more than brisk ticket sales. In the days following his halftime performance last year, Tom Petty saw a 352% increase in digital track sales. The four songs performed today -- the set ended with "Glory Days" (you were expecting something else?) -- are surely rocketing up the iTunes sales chart as this quick reaction blog is being typed.

There was, however, plenty to like, and Springsteen is one of the world's most successful live performers for a reason. The set began when the band broke into the swinging "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," striking a communal vibe from the start. If the easy-going saxophone sway of the tune was a surprising way to begin, Springsteen punctuated every note with a high-five to a fan and wasn't above a little lyric-altering pandering -- "bust this city in half" became "bust this Super Bowl in half."

Indeed, when it comes to providing entertainment for big-time events, few are more fit for the job than the Boss. Fewer still can follow the likes of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Prince and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers -- the artists who have been called upon to provide family-friendly entertainment since the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake debacle of 2004.

In contrast to Petty's performance last year, Springsteen was more than eager to ham it up. The set ended with a gag-worthy shtick with Steven Van Zandt and a referee. When time was up, Springsteen egged the crowd on, suggesting the band play on and get taxed with an over-time penalty (ha!).

Yet every bad moment was tempered with something good. Springsteen showed off his agility, even if he couldn't stop himself from sliding straight into a cameraman between "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and "Born to Run." The look on Springsteen's face -- he was clearly struggling not to laugh -- seemed to imply the moment wasn't staged, which would be a true rarity in halftime gigs.

So yes, things got corny toward the end -- tradition or not, never again does Van Zandt need to declare that it's "Boss time" anywhere ever -- but Springsteen still largely fulfilled the goals he set out for himself. Speaking about the halftime performance in the New York Times, Springsteen said, “If you do it right, you should feel the tension of it wanting to spread beyond that time frame. But it can’t.”

And this was a moment to celebrate the crowd sing-along. Every lyric of a joyous rendition of "Born to Run" was hammered home with a fist-pump or a pyrotechnic display. "I wanna die with you Wendy," sang Springsteen, but he may as well have been cheerleading a punt return.

If "Glory Days," a song built for sports nostalgia, was an obvious choice for a set-ender -- "Born in the U.S.A." is too political a tune for the NFL -- Springsteen proved himself to be a rather excited salesman.

Give Springsteen credit. He was clearly enjoying the stage, although he misfired by changing the lyrics to "Glory Days," swapping out the dead-beat baseball player references for lame nods to football. But this was a Springsteen clearly caught up in the advertising-driven spectacle of the Super Bowl, and completely unashamed about all of it.

His performance ended not with a statement -- but a joke that felt like another sales pitch: "I'm going to Disneyland!"

-Todd Martens

Photo credit: Win McNamee / Getty Images

Comments

[jjazznola]

PJK said "his sound mix was pretty bland" Maybe you need a better sound system. We had it cranked up and it sounded awesome. And I am a sound engineer! Best halftime ever by far. Yeah it was a bit corny but they were a blast.

[drummerdr]

This was total camp - absolutely in line with the Superbowl setting, but not the high point of integrity for The Boss. Watching him crash into the camera on his knee slide was priceless (we watched it 50 times on TiVO) - but the schtick with Steven and the final Disneyland were absolutely cornball. Bruce puts on a fun show - but the reputation for self-seriousness he has taken on in recent years (with his political activism etc.) took a hit in my mind.

[Roger]

It must be some strata of New Jersey that likes this stuff. Seeing a 60 year old do Born to Run, with the lyrics of Born to Run, was just depressing. His songs always had a sweat act quality to them on some level and now it was an older man out of breath. Liked seeing Max Weinberg and the guys from Late Night on the horns. The Stones were good at 59. They are razor thin and Jagger never seemed out of shape. Maybe whatever they do in Europe to get ready to tour Springsteen should copy?

[phillyboy]

"I'm going to Dizzkneeland", an obvious shout out to one of the Boss' favorite bands, "dada".

[woodstock1969]

Very very RICH, and married to the hot model, he lives off the music he made 25 years ago and his very phony blue collar shtick. GO AWAY Mr. Springsteen, you have not made good stuff since the 80"s. He is the General Motors of Music, living off his reputation from the 80's while producing trash in the present.

[max]

Like many of the comments have noted, Springsteen was having fun and playing around. I'm very political and like his political songs but the Super Bowl is not the place. Additionally, you seem to have something wrong with older performers at the Super Bowl. In 20 years, Justin Timberlake will be remembered as a hit maker in the 2000's and Springsteen will continue to be the American legend he is. I'd rather see the legends.

[nick]

who gives if you thought it was a media spectacular. it was the boss doing americana for the masses at a REALLY tough time in american history. i think almost everyone in the country was singing along, while you we're speculating.

and while i do understand you're just doing your job, you do come off as a little square and a lot out of touch.

[David Billotti]

Ah, modern journalism, where we take something fun and exciting and try to diminish it so we can look cool and hip and detached...

[Huntster]

"The Boss" was the perfect choice for the Superbowl halftime Show. Who else could deliver that kind of enthusiasm? He is such a great normal guy who brings it home every time. That's how every performer should perform it when they get the honor to be asked to play. Wow-- I never knew so much great entertainment could be crammed into a 12-minute package! I have never seen a performer rock it out like it was their last day on the planet!!!! Definitely held my attention span for 12 minutes. Im not sure if Todd Martens (this LA Times reviewer) saw the same halftime show I did. 2 thumbs up for the "Boss-Bowl"

[Huntster]

Definitely sold!!!! That halftime show rocked!!! I loved the back-to-back silhouettes of Bruce and Clarence at the beginning!! That was classic--reminded me like the artwork from the Born to Run album. I want that image on a souvenir t-shirt!! That is the kind of stuff that differentiates Bruce from everybody else. He always gives the crowd that something extra. He brought it!! The knee-sliding camera crashing stunt was classic! He gave it his all. He just reminds me of doing the stuff on stage I always dreamed of doing if I could be there. He is definitely a 20 year old rocker in a 59 year-old body. He definitely I truly think Bruce's last day on this planet will be on stage calling out to the crowd til the end. That was a 12 minute package crammed with Rock n Roll exuberation! Great job! He picked out the perfect song choice for this gig. It was crazy how the crowd already knew and was singing the words for his latest song "Working on a Dream" Man--he can reign in a crowd. I just dont know anyone else that could come close to doing what he does. One of a kind. That's why he is "The Boss"

[howboutdemcowboys]

I was really surprised to hear Bruce agreed to finally do a Superbowl show, as a 12 minute gig conflicts with his ideas about how his music is represented. That said, I thought the show was great, and he obviously had fun doing it. The lyric changes did not strike me as pandering or as an effort to sell anything, it was just him having fun. This blog entry comes across as way too serious for the subject, lighten up or you may get Tom Petty again next year!

[Pete]

He looked like even he wasn't enjoying. I know I wasn't. The lyrics meant nothing. Maybe Walmart was the right choice, as he seems to have lost it.

[Chris Blood]

I know I risk castration for saying this,but the boss wasn't able to hold the notes like he used to. Old age gets us all in the end. He was on key but the vocals are starting to fade.Rock on anyway my brother!

[lastdaysguitar]

A 59 year old man gave it his all and rocked out - probably knowing thousands would pick him apart the next day... I say God Bless him!

[Byron O'Hanlon]

You're a pathetic music snob. Give the guy a friggin break! You're not his parents! He can say what he wants and do what he wants. He's the hands-down best live act in the world and he better get some damn respect for it! Oh and by the way, for that guy who said he's a fake and he's probably never had a real job in his life, READ THE BIOGRAPHY AND MAYBE YOU"LL CHANGE YOUR MIND!

[Angelo Casarola]

Man, I guess the LA Times has some axe to grind with the Boss. First you pan his new album and now you move in for the kill by criticizing his half-time show, all the while demonstrating what is pretty obvious, that you know absolutely nothing about Bruce Springsteen. For his entire career, he has performed with almost a child-like innocence on stage, absolutely committed to the high spirit of rock and roll, and the kind of joy it brings to the people in his audience. From his days of crawling around the stage in the 70's to screaming about guacamole dip last night, this is the essence of Bruce and his bandmates, that what they do should never be taken too seriously. I can see from some of the junk that is posted here today, you and many of your readers just don't get it.

[Labor Rights]

It is disappointing that Bruce Springsteen did not speak out about the Super Bowl Halftime show sponsor, Bridgestone Firestone. Firestone has severely abused workers and the environment on its rubber plantation in Liberia for over 80 years. You can find out more and send an e-mail to the NFL and Bridgestone Firestone here: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/NFL09

[Mark]

Larene, sorry, it was one of the best, if not, THE BEST, halftime show ever. What a weak excuse to say he is "too old." That's the official excuse for people who have nothing better to offer in the form of a critique. He inspires more passion and admiration because of his age/history. Think about it, all of the "older" acts have typically been the most successful for the halftime shows. I guess the NFL should have gotten the Jonas Brothers. Lol. Does that work for you Larene?

[Daisy11]

I wanted to buy tix for "The Boss" in May. He has certainly left his blue collar roots behind!

[D.J. Aldie]

You L.A.ers always got something negative to say. I really feel this has been the best 1/2 time show in a long time. Give the "Boss" some props, he entertained! period!

[John Allman]

I have been a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band since I was a teenager, but I am not an obsessive fan and so I refuse to claim that every single performance of his is an A plus performance. Imho, the Super Bowl performance was horrible. Bruce deserves a C minus (maybe even worse) while his band deserves an A plus. I wish he would accept the fact that he can no longer hit the notes that he did when he was younger. He keeps trying his best to hit the same notes and keep up with the flow of the band as he did during the 70's and 80's, but it's not working anymore. The band sounded fantastic and hid Bruce's vocal blemishes, including his screeching of notes he once hit smoothly and with great force. No, he was never a great vocalist to begin with, especially compared to the likes of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Robert Plant, but he nevertheless should realize that he can now sing only at a much lower register. Trying to perform Born to Run the way he did 23 or 30 years ago is difficult for him at this stage of his life. I'd hate to knock him as a fan, but it is important to be as objectionable and unbiased as possible.

[J. Martin]

I wonder if it's possible to criticize Springsteen without criticizing the medium in which he works?

In this case, Springsteen essentially gets slammed for performing at the Super Bowl, which of course means accepting all the limitations involved. Taking the gig meant a 12-minute time limit, and it meant fitting in with a party atmosphere where socio-political commentary probably wouldn't be welcomed by the network or the viewers. For my money, Springsteen accepted these limitations with grace and humor, and turned in the most rocking set we've ever had in a Super Bowl hafltime (though Prince was close!)

Has anyone bothered to praise the band's performance? Or Springsteen's vocals? Go to You Tube, pull up the Stone's or Petty or any of the others, and compare the groove, the singing, guitar playing, and overall musicality. Musically, this was head and shoulders above all, save perhaps Prince, who as I've said also did a great show.

So many criticisms of Springsteen seem to ignore this seemingly obvious point (ie, his music continues to be really good) in favor of criticizing the media in which he performs. Critics want to slam the man for playing stadiums, or making a 'radio friendly' album, etc, which seems a bit unfair. What should he do? Go back to playing bars in New Jersey? Re-record 'Nebraska'? Been there, done that. He's playing on a huge stage now, and for my money, he carries it as well as anyone ever has.

[Neal Emmanuel]

Good Lord - the Springsteen performance was overwrought, overblown, hysterical and manipulative. And CLICHED (sliding on his KNEES? Come on). But then Springsteen was always a more Vegas-styled performer than most "rockers." But this performance lands him squarely in Branson.

Being a glitzy show-biz type is no crime. But conning millions of fans into thinking you are a "man of the people" and then signing deals with corporations like WalMart is pretty despicable. I don't really care that he apologized. He know what he was doing. And his apology doesn't change a thing. If any of you out there still trust this guy, you are truly gullible.

[Lisa Golden]

Priceless Opening: if we were willing to put down our glutenous habits we could all look forward to Working on A Dream together.

Much like our new president, its harder to straddle the middle and bring people of all types together into some cohesive direction than to be separatist, opinionated and irrational.

He, AND the best band anywhere, did it with music, humor, style and even cornball grace which IS so quintessentially, American.

The Boss not only knew what he had to do in an impossibly short 12 minutes, but he gave his TRUE fans memorable glimpses of times in concerts gone by. Thank you, Boss, for all the effort.

[Jim H.]

One thing about your blog I certainly agree with Mr. Allman. You are objectionable. Very objectionable.