10 Most Unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime Performances Ever

9. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (2008)

There was a long list of potential performers for the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show, including The Eagles, Norah Jones, Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen but Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers got the nod. The southern rockers delivered a barnstorming four song set, featuring powerful renditions of classics like American Girl, I Won't Back Down, Free Fallin' and Runnin' Down A Dream. The fans, who rushed to the side of the stage, went crazy for it. Petty clearly understood (perhaps better than The Who) the importance and prestige of performing the Super Bowl halftime show and duly gave a performance full of energy despite somehow appearing laid back. That's part of the appeal of Petty - his shows can be intense but there are always 'good vibes' going on. The production was top notch too and was nominated for an Emmy Award. A Heartbreaking performance by the boys from Florida and a heartbreaking game for New England Patriots fans, who lost the game by three points in controversial fashion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haCk5XFj1lw