Was he considered for the Superbowl Halftime show?

[Mellenfan71]

Thought I would repost this from Walktall International ratings or no- it will be intresting to see what they end up being.

I heard somebody in the NFL say a few months ago that the Super Bowl is a global event and John isn't popular enough outside of the United States to get offered the chance to do the Super Bowl halftime show. I imagine he would do it if asked, but hearing that gave me the sense that he will never be asked. Unfortunate.

In fact, let's get off Madonna and start a groundswell to get John selected to a Superbowl.  It would be icing to a career that many of us knew would be brilliant three decades ago.

True.

[Rhonda2]

Sorry, outside the US there is little to no interest for the Superbowl, so that was never the reason. like I said before: my guess is Madonna/her recordcompany offered her since they have a very expensive CD to promote. It's all commercialism at the Superbowl. Has been for years now. 

[walktall2010]

The point was made to me was that John doesn't have the commercial clout at this point in his career to play on a stage as big as the Super Bowl. The example I was given is that the acts that play the Super Bowl, like U2, The Rolling Stones, Springsteen, etc. could all still sell out stadiums today. John doesn't even sell out 3,000-seat theaters consistently these days, so they aren't going to have an artist who can't sell out 3,000-seat theaters consistently play the Super Bowl. I think that's a completely BS reason, but that's what I was told. Perhaps if John got on a high-profile stage like the Super Bowl he'd be selling out these theaters and even larger venues with ease because God knows that his current music is vastly superior to what those other artists are releasing today and he still has more than enough iconic songs to fill a 12-minute performance.

Also, the Super Bowl is huge, and the NFL doesn't select the artists by region. Just because John is from Indiana doesn't mean he's going to play the Super Bowl when it's in Indianapolis. If you look at the history of SB halftime performers, none had any connection to the city or state the game was played in. Springsteen played in Tampa, Prince played in Miami, Tom Petty played in Phoenix, Back Eyed Peas played in Dallas, etc.

The bottom line is there's a lot of politics that go into these selections, and it appears John's window to play on a stage this large closed some time in the '90s.  

[sheilafarmer]

I agree with you Walktall2010 as to how they pick artist and it's kind of dishearten for diehard fans of John's, but I have to say that the prices these 3000 seat theaters charge for John's concert is unbelievable. Stadium seats are cheaper and it's also who is performing there too. I went to a Ray Davies from the Kinks concert at a 3000 seat theater and the tickets were reasonable and I was 3rd row from the front. It's hard for some people, especially if you have to travel 4-6 hours to a show. Then gas money on top of it and food...etc. Just a shame.
But I remember this conversation about John performing at the Super Bowl last year and I thought his answer was that he would not do it because it's too commercial. I definitely agree with that.

[walktall2010]

But I remember this conversation about John performing at the Super Bowl last year and I thought his answer was that he would not do it because it's too commercial. I definitely agree with that.

I would disagree with that. I think he would play the Super Bowl halftime show if he was asked. He sold a song to Chevy for use in heavy-rotation commercials -- it doesn't get more commercial than that. He's played halftime at NFL games on Thanksgiving and played on NBC before the Colts season opener in 2007. He's not against putting himself on TV to promote his career and let people know that his career is still going strong.   

[Mellenfan71]

This an interview from the NY post Last Feb - So looks like he would have done it or at least expected to be asked.

Whether talking about fans' attention spans or the distinct possibility that he'll headline next year's Super Bowl halftime show on his home turf in Indianapolis, Mellencamp has the tenor of an accomplished politician.

[sheilafarmer]

Yes Mellenfan and Walktall I did see those events on tv too. That article I saw on the Internet was after Tom Petty's performance on the super bowl. So maybe he did change his mind. Maybe some day we will find out. Any chance to catch a live performance of John is awesome to me.

[sheilafarmer]

I googled the internet to find that article but did not find it, but I did see losts of gossip about John being an announcer at the Super Bowl, is there any truth to date Walktall or Mellenfan?

[marilynb]

Lord have mercy, we all know that john was done an injustice by not being asked to do half time. all the ifs and buts dont make no difference. put yourself in johns shoes, how do you think john really feels? he may not show it and he may not say anything, but make no mistake john is feeling something.

keep the faith / peace & love

[sheilafarmer]

You are so right Marilynb! Enough said.

[Mellenfan71]

but I did see losts of gossip about John being an announcer at the Super Bowl, is there any truth to date Walktall or Mellenfan

An announcer? Highly unlikely.

he may not show it and he may not say anything, but make no mistake john is feeling something.

Honestly, we have no idea what John thinks or feels about the Super Bowl.

[sharonc]

but I did see losts of gossip about John being an announcer at the Super Bowl, is there any truth to date Walktall or Mellenfan

An announcer? Highly unlikely.

he may not show it and he may not say anything, but make no mistake john is feeling something.

Honestly, we have no idea what John thinks or feels about the Super Bowl.

John will not be announcing at the Super Bowl but there was an email that went out from Farm Aid that he would be doing some interviews with them live at the SB.  John is expected to attend the Super Bowl party he usually attends with the Colts owner Jim Irsay. Here is a video from 2010 with Jim Irsay, John, Stephen Stills, Mike Wanchic and Kenny Aronoff.

[sheilafarmer]

Thanks Sharon, love the video. 

[Mellenfan71]

Im sure he would not miss it! Especially it being in IN and all
There wll be a ton of celebrities there!