It doesn't get much more American than football and rock 'n' roll. This year's Super Bowl tradition will likely be quite a bit different than we're all used to, but we've still been reminiscing about some of our favorite rock performances of the mid-2000s. In celebration of Sunday's big game, we've put together a list of the most memorable guitar-centric Super Bowl halftime shows in recent memory -- and even included some tutorials so you can get in on the action.
Take a look below, and let us know what your favorite halftime performance is in the comments!
Prince - Super Bowl XLI
This critically acclaimed performance occured in February 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, FL and featured Prince at the absolute top of his game. Inclimate weather and some technical difficulties didn't stop the guitar icon from putting on a blazing-hot show including hits like "Purple Rain" and adaptations of "We Will Rock You" and "All Along the Watchtower."
Dive in below to learn "Purple Rain" with Guitar Tricks instructor Mike Olekshy
Paul McCartney - Super Bowl XXXIX
Considered a "safe" choice after the controversey that surrounded a certain "wardrobe malfunction" at Super Bowl XXXVIII, beloved Beatle Paul McCartney was chosen to headline the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXIX. The show took place at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL and saw Paul giving the fans exactly what they wanted with energetic performances of the Beatles hits, "Hey Jude", "Get Back", and "Drive My Car" as well as some standards from his time with Wings.
Check out this tutorial to learn "Band on the Run" with Guitar Tricks instructor Mike Olekshy
The Rolling Stones - Super Bowl XL
The selection of The Rolling Stones for Super Bowl XL sparked a bit of controversey due to the fact that for the first time, the game was held in Detroit, however, no acts from Motown were asked to perform. Mick Jagger was also warned prior to the show that some of his lyrics and on-stage banter would likely be censored by the NFL and broadcasting network. Regardless, The Rolling Stones put on an impressive halftime show filled with searing renditions of three of their most iconic songs: "Start Me Up", "Rough Justice" and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Jump in below to learn "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" with Guitar Tricks instructor Mike Olekshy
The Who - Super Bowl XLIV
Performing a medly of greatest hits, including "Pinball Wizard" and "Baba O'Riley," The Who delivered a truly rockin' halftime show at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL in February, 2010. The Who's appearance at Super Bowl XLIV would be the last of a series of classic rock acts enlisted to smooth over the reputation of the halftime show, which had previously been marred by controversey following the now infamous 2004 performance between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. The following year would see a return of pop acts with The Black Eyed Peas and Usher taking the stage.
Check out this tutorial to learn "Pinball Wizard" with Mike Olekshy
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Super Bowl XLII
Supposedly the haltime show for Super Bowl XLII was initially offered to the Eagles, before being confirmed for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. While the Eagles would have offered their own brand of guitar-centric rockin', we're glad that Tom Petty graced the stage at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. During a performance that would kick off a subsequent world tour, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played all the hits, including "Free Falling", "American Girl", "Runnin' Down a Dream" and "I Won't Back Down".
Dive in below to learn "American Girl" with Mike Olekshy
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