Fox announced Sunday during its NFL pregame show that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will perform during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show. The Super Bowl will take place at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 3. According to Variety, "Petty and the Heartbreakers represent yet another classic choice for the NFL, which was burned when it attempted to get contemporary with Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. Since 'nipple-gate,' the NFL has gone with performers with lengthy and established careers who perform catalog hits rather than attempt to introduce songs that are about to be released." Though Prince was widely considered a safe bet last year, his guitar became a giant phallic symbol when illuminated against an uplit drape.
The New York Observer summed up its opinion with this headline: "Tom Petty to Soft Rock Super Bowl."
The New York Observer summed up its opinion with this headline: "Tom Petty to Soft Rock Super Bowl."
