My Top 3: Super Bowl Halftime Shows

In light of last nights abysmal performance by the Black Eyed Peas, I was reminded of a day when the Super Bowl halftime show was a fusion of lights, visuals, screaming fans, and LEGITIMATELY GOOD MUSIC.
While very cool visually, the BEP failed to deliver vocally.

See what I mean about abysmal?

Ever since the Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" of 2004 the committee in charge of halftime music seems to have been reduced to choosing old washed up bands who have already seen their prime. With the exception of Paul McCartney and possibly the Rolling Stones, these performances by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and The Who were lackluster, safe and a letdown.

Let's journey back in time to what are in my opinion the 3 best halftime shows to ever grace the tv screen.

3. Super Bowl XXXIV "Tapestry of Nations" feat. Christian Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Phil Collins

Produced by Disney, this halftime show is somewhat forgotten now amid the controversy and pop power of the following acts, but there is no denying the impressive quality of 2000's Super Bowl halftime show.
Hearkening to The Olympic ceremonies and Cirque du Soleil, the staging of this massive spectacle is impressive in itself. Featuring a live orchestra, choir and performers, this was a feast on the eyes as well as the ears. "Reflections of Earth" can be heard at Disney's EPCOT park in Orlando as part of the"Illuminations" show. The translation to stadium went well and the performances from Aguilera, Iglesias and Collins were all very well done. If you haven't seen this one, you will want to check it out!

2. Super Bowl XXVII "Heal the World" feat. Michael Jackson

Say what you will about the man, there is no denying that the King of Pop knew how to put on a show. Not only was his 1993 Super Bowl performance the first halftime show to ever feature only 1 artist, it also helped to boost the tv ratings of based solely on the halftime performance. Ever since then, the committee put an emphasis on getting A-list performers for this show.

1. Super Bowl XXXVI "Tribute to 9/11 Victims" feat. U2

U2 is the biggest rock band in the world. Was it really a suprise that they would give one of the most unbelievable Super Bowl halftime performances in history in 2002? From Bono's entrance to the touching tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, U2 didn't disappoint. Not only is their stage presence huge and their live sound as good if not better than their studio works, U2 has long been known for the massive qualities of their live sets. The huge catwalks and lights just enhanced what would have been an amazing show anyway.

The performance of "Where The Streets Have No Name" while the names of those lost in the attacks scrolls behind the stage is moving and one of the most beautiful moments in the performance. Check out the show in the links above...

I want to hear what YOU think?
What do you think the top 3 Super Bowl halftime performances are?
Signing out,
The REAL Bowman