Do you recall the time when Garth Brooks came close to not singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl? It is said that Garth Brooks almost decided not to perform at the Super Bowl in 1993, and in doing so, he changed the guidelines for future Super Bowl performers.
Other country music stars like Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also been chosen to sing the anthem in the past. However, when Brooks unexpectedly refused to perform at the show, it led to a change in policy that has now become a tradition within the institution.
According to a book written by Don Weiss, a former NFL Executive Director, Garth Brooks had plans to premiere his music video for the song "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast of the Super Bowl on January 31, 1993. The song was a response to the riots in Los Angeles that occurred after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The video included footage depicting the KKK, riots, wars, and burning of crosses and flags. However, the network considered the video too controversial and as a result, Brooks left the stadium only 45 minutes before the kickoff.
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Brooks refused to pre-record his performance for the network, causing the producers to frantically search for a last-minute replacement. Jon Bon Jovi was present at the game and was ready to step in while the producers were negotiating with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks prevailed, resulting in the biggest sports event in America being delayed for the first time ever in order to showcase his video. Brooks, sporting a mullet and a complete mustache and beard reminiscent of Cyrus, then went onto the field to perform. He was accompanied by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is hearing impaired, providing sign language interpretation.
After Garth Brooks performed live, the NFL decided that all future renditions of the national anthem during the Super Bowl should be pre-recorded, as stated by Ricky Minor, the former Music Director of the Super Bowl.
He states that doing it in that manner is correct. He believes that going live has too many unknown factors. According to him, he would never advise any artist to go live as even the smallest technical issue could ruin the performance.
15 country music artists who are well-prepared to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. Credits for the gallery go to Jess.
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