The buzz surrounding the potential headliners for the Super Bowl LX halftime show is intensifying as the NFL preseason kicks off. If the current predictions from the odds makers at Kalshi hold true, it seems that classic rock bands may be sidelined this year.
Betting lines are in constant flux, so it’s essential to stay updated. However, as of midday, Kalshi placed Jay-Z in the lead for headlining odds at the highly anticipated event in Santa Clara, California, boasting a solid 28% chance. Close behind is Post Malone at 25%, followed by Miley Cyrus at 23%. Metallica has made a surprise entry into the Top 5 with 13%, whereas Foo Fighters languish at a distant No. 20 with a mere 4%. Notably, no other rock acts have made the list.
This shift in headlining trends is a relatively new phenomenon.
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The legendary Paul McCartney initiated a remarkable era of classic rock headliners at the 2005 Super Bowl XXXIX held in Jacksonville. Following him, the Rolling Stones graced the stage at Super Bowl XL in 2006 in Detroit, with Tom Petty taking center stage at the 2008 Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona, and Bruce Springsteen captivating audiences during Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 in Tampa.
When Was the Last Classic Rock Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Over the years, many notable rock acts have participated, including U2 at the 2002 Super Bowl XXXVI held in New Orleans, Aerosmith at the 2001 Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, Phil Collins at the 2000 Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta, and the dynamic duo of ZZ Top and The Blues Brothers at the 1997 Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans. Additionally, Prince headlined Super Bowl XLI in 2007 in Miami, delivering one of the most iconic halftime performances in history.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since then, as no classic rock band has headlined since The Who performed at 2010’s Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. The most recent band with rock influences to headline was Coldplay during Super Bowl 50 in 2016 in Santa Clara. In recent years, the focus of the halftime show has increasingly leaned towards R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, and it is noteworthy that there hasn’t been a featured country act in more than three decades.
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