12 memorable Super Bowl halftime shows we’ll never get over

To prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show this year, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most memorable performances from the past.

For many people, the Super Bowl is less about who is playing a sport on the field and more about who is playing instruments. The Super Bowl halftime show is always met with anticipation and many opinions. Some shows have been pretty iconic, while others have definitely missed the mark. As far as this year’s performance, we will just have to wait and see if Maroon 5 pulls out all the stops.

As we wait for the Super Bowl, whether you’re watching for the performance, the game, the commercials or a combination, let’s look back on 12 of the most memorable performances of Super Bowls past. Some of these performances were spectacular, while others were unfortunately memorable for less positive reasons. Let’s just dive right in.

Rolling Stones (2006)

You know that the Rolling Stones are always going to put on a great classic rock performance. Mick Jagger and the rest of the band were able to bring the audience to their feet with their performance of songs like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

Aerosmith and NYSYC on stage together during MTV’s Superbowl halftime show at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.. 1/28/01 Photo by Scott Gries/ImageDirect

Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige, and ‘NSYNC (2001)

Wow, this halftime show was packed full of big-name artists! With so many of the popular pop stars of the day on stage, watching this performance will bring you back to a simpler time and definitely give you a lot of nostalgia for the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott (2015)

No one can forget this performance because of Left Shark. This unprepared, disaster shark had the internet creating memes and enjoying the ridiculous fun long after the show was over.

Prince (2007)

The Super Bowl has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Prince dazzled the audience as rain poured over the field while Prince performed covers such as “We Will Rock You” and, of course, “Purple Rain.” There was also some minor controversy about the fact that part of his guitar looked like a certain body part.