“A Time, A Place And An Appropriate Message”
If you missed the Super Bowl because your rabbit ears bent under the rock where you reside, I’ll give you a quick summary:
Exciting game. The Steelers won. New ads involving Clydesdales and moose (not together). A guy from Jersey played half time. Big party. Insert “yada,” “yada” and “yada” here.
Apparently, The New York Times (see story) and Chicago Tribune though missed the memo on that last point. “The Super Bowl is a big party.”
Both publications alluded to Mr. Springsteen, “Bruuuuuuce,” ”The Boss” not necessarily living up to some responsibility. 
The responsibility of “saying something” with the huge audience at hand. See, it’s not supposed to be about the guy trying to sell a new album (“Working On A Dream” in stores now; don’t delay; free set of steak knives) and kicking off a world tour soon; and, it’s not about Da Boss providing a soundtrack to the lightness of the event. Football is ..now what do they call it?…oh, yeah: “A Sporting Event.” “A Game.”
Bruce apparently didn’t break enough musical ground in the 12 minutes allotted. Nor, did he make a statement about the grander sucking sound of our economy, world hunger and various conflicts. The phrase “Lighten up, Francis” from the movie “Stripes” never seemed more appropriate.
The guy - and they might want to do some research or watch some footage - sort of likes to provide a nearly 3-hour party for fans at his own shows. His stage prowess is legendary… in fact, arguably, no one can touch the guy for energy and passion with a guitar in the spotlight. Was he supposed to play selections off his acoustic album “Nebraska?” Would the Grapes-of-Wrath-tinged “Ghost of Tom Joad” been a better toe-tapper for the thousands dancing in the dark?
I’m not a fan of the closer “Glory Days” over the chestnut “Rosalita” either, but can I “get a frickin’ break ova heeeerrr” (Hey…the Boss is from Jersey! I’m assimilating): The guy played LIVE. Didn’t see any countrified lip-synching American Idols prior do that. The guy had an audience around the world of close to a billion people - could be he was leaning on the most general of his fans tuning in….pretty wide demographic, a billion.
And lastly? Say it with me you slaves to the pompous who laugh at shallow commoners like me:
“IT…..WAS….A…….FOOTBALL……..GAME.” (key word here: “GAME”)
If you want social commentary, Fox and MSNBC await you.
If you were looking for entertainment this night, he was The Boss.
For his political views, just ask him and he will likely share….he played this other little event recently called: “The Inauguration.”
A time.
A place.
A message for each.
Photo courtesy of Access Hollywood
