When we think of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, we often picture spectacular choreography and fireworks lighting up the sky. But for guitar enthusiasts, this global event has also become a stage where legendary rock moments were forged — driven by unforgettable riffs, iconic guitars and electrifying performances. At Matt’s Guitar Shop, we celebrate these six-string milestones with the artists who shaped the history of this unique show.
One of the earliest rock moments forever etched in memory remains U2’s performance at Super Bowl XXXVI. It was far more than a show — the Irish band demonstrated how rock music can command the emotion of an entire stadium. Through soaring guitar textures, sonic experimentation and inventive use of effects, they crafted a powerful, atmospheric soundscape on tracks like Where the Streets Have No Name and Beautiful Day. Alongside The Edge, Adam Clayton, Ireland’s steadfast rhythmic force, anchored the performance with deep, elegant bass lines that reinforced the visual and sonic intensity of this historic halftime show. Several basses from Adam Clayton’s collection — instruments that have toured the world’s greatest stages — are now available at Matt’s Guitar Shop, reflecting the uncompromising standards of a truly remarkable band.
A few years later, the Rolling Stones delivered a masterclass in pure, timeless rock’n’roll at Super Bowl XL. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood asserted their legendary stage presence, proving that the Stones’ guitars are more than instruments — they are the beating heart of their sound. Their performance resonated with razor-sharp riffs and biting solos, a reminder of why the band remains one of the most influential forces in rock history. That same spirit lives on today through inspired instruments available at Matt’s Guitar Shop, such as the Bigger Bang Burst (Keith Richards’ 1960 Gibson Les Paul), the Gibson ES Keith Richards signature series, and the iconic Gibson SJ200 Ronnie Wood — all perpetuating the Stones’ guitar legacy within our walls.
Among the most electrifying rock moments in Super Bowl history, one cannot overlook Slash at Super Bowl XLV. Performing alongside The Black Eyed Peas, the legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist delivered searing, anthemic solos that captivated millions of viewers worldwide. Renowned for making a Gibson Les Paul truly sing, Slash embodies the timeless rock spirit: powerful riffing, magnetic stage presence and a tone instantly recognizable. His deep connection with the Les Paul has inspired modern models that capture this unmistakable attitude — including the Gibson Les Paul 4 Proto, available at Matt’s Guitar Shop.
These performances remind us that even within the grand spectacle of a global event, the guitar remains at the core of musical expression. Every note, every solo, every riff tells a story — adding its own legend to the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
