John Mellencamp: The former Johnny Cougar would certainly play well with the football crowd — especially if he stuck with the hits like "Rockin' In The USA," "Pink Houses," and the rest. Mellencamp's always been the sort of guy who plays well with conservatives who really want to like Springsteen, but can't get past his pinko politics (even though Mellencamp's blue stripes aren't too far removed from Bruce's). Like Petty was a few years ago, Mellencamp is the sort of journeyman rocker who is a natural choice for the tailgating crowd. Odds: 10-1
Coldplay: Their music is big like U2, anthemic like Springsteen, and ever since they started wearing military style jackets in concert, they've even started to seem a bit more masculine than they used to. Love em' or hate em', they are also one of the biggest bands in the world and should have a new album ready to pimp by next year. The downside here of course is Chris Martin's still rather feminine falsetto, and some would say sometimes whiny sounding lyrics. Not exactly AC/DC tough, but don't count em' out either. Odds: 20-1
Neil Young: His songwriting pedigree is undeniable, and his classic rock credentials are impeccable — particularly if he packs up Crazy Horse for the ride. However, his unpredictability poses a problem. A crowd expecting "Rockin In The Free World" is just as likely to get something from Fork In The Road or an impromptu set of unreleased folkabilly tunes. Despite Neil's recent embrace of capitalism with 30-disc box sets and sky-high ticket prices, Neil would also likely shy away from anything as overtly corporate as the NFL. Springsteen got away with it only because the Boss is nothing if not a populist. Odds: 50-1
Bob Dylan: Dylan on the other hand doesn't seem to have much of a problem with appearing too corporate these days, what with the ads for Victoria Secret and all. Dylan's songs are also known and loved by pretty much everybody who has ever turned on a radio or sang at a karaoke bar. However, even if he played stuff like "Like A Rolling Stone," I just don't see the croak translating to a stadium full of rowdy football fans or a national television audience. Odds: 100-1
Article comments
1 - Dr. Jimmy
I thought they would do some counter-programming this year, younger and female. Beyonce or Taylor Swift would've been good. Maybe the Black Eyed Peas next year.
2 - Glen Boyd
You know who I completely neglected to mention here is Bon Jovi. Talk about your jock-rockers! I'd put them right between AC/DC and The eagles at about a 3-1 favorite too.
-Glen
3 - Glen Boyd
I'll be damned...he actually sort of pulled off the scream. I'd bet money it was on tape though.
-Glen
4 - Dr. Jimmy
That was a pretty bad performance. They never really synched with the backing tapes, Daltrey's scream was obviously not done live and with no fan interaction (why were they kept so far away?) the energy and enthusiasm was minimal.
5 - Dr. Jimmy
Actually thinking about it a bit more, the game is in Texas next year so look out for Garth Brooks.
6 - Chris Loosley
Dr. Jimmy: "Taylor Swift would have been good". Spare us, please. You must not have heard her try to sing. The last time I looked at a poll, 92% said she couldn't.
7 - Glen Boyd
A bit easier on the eyes than Angus Young or the eagles though....
-Glen