A huge celebration of entertainment, music, and athletics takes place on Super Bowl Sunday. On this particular night, millions of people excitedly watch not only the game but also the halftime show, ads, and trailers. The Super Bowl Halftime Show has developed into a spectacle in and of itself over the years, and rock bands and other performers have given some amazing performances. While some artists were really amazing, others, well, let’s just say, didn’t exactly impress the audience. Now that Super Bowl LV is quickly approaching, it’s a fantastic time to rank the best rock band and artist performances from “meh” to “legendary.”

10. Maroon 5 (2019)
The 2019 Maroon 5 Halftime Show left a lot of fans perplexed. The audience didn’t quite connect with Adam Levine’s extravagant performance. He appeared more concerned with himself than with interacting with the audience. The show felt out of step with the times, even if the band had good musical skills. Some admirers were okay with Levine stripping down to his bare chest, but others couldn’t stop giggling. For the wrong reasons, this performance became notorious.

9. ZZ Top (1997)
During the 1997 Halftime Show, ZZ Top joined a strange lineup that included James Brown and the Blues Brothers. With so much talent on one stage, it ought to have been unforgettable, but it fell short. The atmosphere was totally destroyed when the legendary band was forced to perform to a replay. Even though ZZ Top is legendary in its own way, fans won’t recall much of this concert because it felt hurried and unimpressive.

8. The Who (2010)
Given that their music is ideal for large stadiums, The Who were a fantastic choice for the halftime headline act. Although they gave a good showing in 2010, it fell short of expectations. Although the band performed admirably, several viewers thought the presentation lacked the intensity required for a Super Bowl halftime show. Even the idea that the sing-alongs were pre-recorded was floated. They nevertheless delivered a powerful performance, demonstrating that classic rock still has a home on the grandest stage.

7. Aerosmith (2001)
A mashup of well-known artists, including Aerosmith, N’Sync, Britney Spears, and Mary J. Blige, performed at Super Bowl XXXVI. The entire evening exuded pandemonium from the early 2000s, complete with extravagant acts and a Ben Stiller cameo for good measure. Regarding the show’s success, opinions vary; some believe it was a disaster, while others think it was excellent. Whether you liked it or not, there’s no denying that it was a spectacle that will never be forgotten.

6. The Rolling Stones (2006)
Despite their advanced age, the Rolling Stones put on a strong show as the main act at the 2006 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Mick Jagger, now sixty-three, wowed the crowd with his trademark energy and moves. The show was just rock ‘n’ roll, with no guest stars or elaborate showmanship. The Stones demonstrated why they are among the best live bands of all time, even in the absence of any significant surprises.

5. Paul McCartney (2005)
With Paul McCartney, the Super Bowl organizers chose to be cautious in 2005 following the notorious “wardrobe malfunction” of 2004. And he delivered, guy. With well-known songs like “Hey Jude,” McCartney’s performance was endearing and suitable for a family audience. The audience joined in, making it seem as though everyone in the stadium was in unison. Although McCartney’s performance was understated, it was ideal for the situation.

4. U2 (2002)
Many people consider U2’s performance in Super Bowl XXXVI to be one of the most heartfelt halftime shows ever. Bono and the band used their twelve minutes to honor the victims and provide some hope to a nation still reeling from the tragedy of 9/11. Few shows were able to connect with audiences as deeply as their moving rendition of “Where the Streets Have No Name.” It was more than just a concert; it was a time of healing and solidarity.

3. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (2008)
Pure American rock was brought to the 2008 Super Bowl by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Petty’s timeless set, which began with “American Girl” and ended with “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” was ideal for the event. The concert embodied the essence of American rock music and was patriotic and upbeat. Petty’s performance was just what the Super Bowl Halftime Show needed, even without any outrageous pranks.

2. Bruce Springsteen (2009)
Bruce Springsteen’s performance in 2009 was truly exceptional. Springsteen delivered the kind of enthusiasm you’d anticipate from someone much younger than his 60s, supported by the E Street Band. The crowd was ablaze as soon as he took the stage, and the performance was jam-packed with timeless favorites and a lot of intensity. Even with a limited amount of time, Springsteen was able to dominate the stage like no one else thanks to his act, which was as thrilling and explosive as a rock concert.

1. Prince (2007)
Nobody could have predicted how amazing Prince’s Halftime Show would be when he took the stage in 2007. Prince’s performance, which began with a rendition of “We Will Rock You” and ended with a soggy rendition of “Purple Rain,” is regarded as one of the best in Super Bowl history. Prince’s guitar solo, which soared through the rain, only enhanced the moment’s beauty. It’s difficult to see someone surpassing this performance anytime soon, as his set was a masterwork of showmanship that combined musical prowess with pure charisma.