Do you recall the instance when Garth Brooks came very close to not performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl? It is said that in 1993, Garth Brooks was on the verge of walking away from the opportunity, and in doing so, he ended up changing the guidelines for future Super Bowl performers.
Brooks is just one among many country stars who have been chosen to perform the national anthem. Artists like Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also had the opportunity to sing it in the past. However, when Brooks unexpectedly decided not to participate in the show, it led to a change in the rules that has now become a permanent part of the event.
In Don Weiss' book, The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event, it is mentioned that Garth Brooks had planned to premiere his music video for "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast on January 31, 1993. The song was written as a response to the riots in Los Angeles that occurred after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The video included footage of the KKK, riots, wars, and acts of burning crosses and flags. However, the network found the content of the video too controversial and as a result, Brooks reportedly left the stadium just 45 minutes before kickoff.
I
The network asked Brooks if they could pre-record his performance, but he declined. This caused producers to panic and search for a last-minute replacement. Jon Bon Jovi was present at the game and was ready to step in as they debated with Brooks. However, in the end, Brooks was able to have his way, causing the biggest sports event in America to be delayed for the first time ever in order to show Brooks' video. Brooks appeared on the field with a mullet and a full mustache and beard, resembling Cyrus. He was joined by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is hearing impaired, who provided a sign language interpretation of the performance.
After Brooks left the stage, the NFL decided that all performances of the national anthem at the Super Bowl should be pre-recorded. This change was made following the walkout incident, as mentioned by Ricky Minor, a previous Super Bowl Music Director.
"He believes that's the correct approach," he mentions. "There are numerous factors to consider before going live. In his opinion, it is not advisable for any artist to go live, as even the smallest technical issue could have a detrimental impact on the performance."
15 country music artists who are ready to take the stage as the main act for a Super Bowl halftime show. Credit for the gallery goes to
Additional content from Taste of Country is available.
Details
Stay connected with us.