Alright, so the other day I got this question stuck in my head – who actually played guitar at the Super Bowl? It sounds simple, right? But then I started thinking about it, and man, there have been a lot of Super Bowls and a whole lot of performers. It’s not like one single person is the Super Bowl guitarist.
So, I decided to do a little digging, mostly just racking my brain and maybe doing a quick check on past shows I remembered. It’s kind of a fun trip down memory lane, actually. My first thought usually goes to the big halftime shows because that’s where the most iconic stuff happens.
Thinking Back on Halftime Shows
The first name that really jumped out at me was Prince. Seriously, his performance back in 2007? Playing “Purple Rain” with that custom guitar, in the actual rain? That’s probably one of the most legendary guitar moments in Super Bowl history, hands down. You just remember that image.
Then my mind went to some other rock legends who’ve graced that stage.
- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played in 2009. You know The Boss had his guitar, and Little Steven was right there too. Lots of classic rock guitar feel there.
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 2008. Tom himself and Mike Campbell – pure guitar rock goodness. They sounded great.
- Can’t forget The Rolling Stones in 2006. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, weaving those guitar lines like only they can.
- And U2 back in 2002, right after everything that happened in 2001. The Edge playing guitar on that heart-shaped stage was pretty powerful stuff.
More Recent Guitar Sightings
It’s not just the classic rockers, though. I recall some more recent appearances too.
H.E.R. did a really cool version of “America the Beautiful” before the game back in 2021. She shredded a pretty awesome guitar solo in the middle of it. That definitely stood out.
And sometimes, it’s special guests bringing the guitar heat.
- Remember when Lenny Kravitz joined Katy Perry in 2015? He came out blasting on his guitar.
- Or how about Slash popping up with the Black Eyed Peas in 2011? Seeing that top hat and Les Paul guitar was quite a moment, even if it felt a bit random to some folks.
- Bruno Mars had the Red Hot Chili Peppers join him in 2014. Flea was rocking the bass, naturally, but Josh Klinghoffer was there handling guitar duties.
So, Who Played? Lots of People!
Basically, after thinking it through, there isn’t just one answer. Lots of amazing guitarists have played at the Super Bowl, either as the main act or as part of the band, or even as surprise guests. It really depends on which year you’re talking about. But some performances, like Prince’s, just stick in your memory more than others. It was a fun little exercise just recalling some of these moments!
