For decades, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has been more than the most-watched sporting event in the United States; it has also become a stage for historic musical performances. Before Green Day brought their Californian punk energy in 2026 to kick things off, countless guitars had already echoed through the stadium. Among the artists who left their mark on this exceptional moment, several iconic rock figures delivered unforgettable performances, proving that the energy of six strings can electrify an entire arena.
One of the most iconic moments remains Prince at Super Bowl XLI in 2007, when the maestro electrified Miami in pouring rain with his guitar. The silhouette of Prince performing “Purple Rain” in the storm stands as one of the most mythical halftime show moments — a true tribute to the expressive power of the electric guitar, where every note seemed to resonate with the storm itself.
A year later, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers brought classic rock to Super Bowl XLII, thrilling the crowd with direct and timeless riffs. Armed with iconic instruments such as Petty’s 1964 Rickenbacker, the band performed songs like “Free Fallin’,” “American Girl,” and “Running Down a Dream,” securing these guitars a place in live music history on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Among the most spectacular performances for guitar enthusiasts, The Who at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 hold a special place. Legendary since the 1960s, the band proved that rock energy can remain intact even on the world’s largest stage. Pete Townshend delivered his sharp riffs and signature power chords on his Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul, while Roger Daltrey matched him vocally. The set featured classics such as “Baba O’Riley,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Who Are You,” turning the stadium into a true rock concert. The intensity and precision of the show reminded audiences that classic British rock has lost none of its power in the 21st century.
Other rock icons have also left their mark on the Super Bowl. Among them, Slash, the legendary guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, brought his unmistakable virtuosity and style. With his iconic Gibson Les Paul, his piercing solos and powerful riffs electrified the crowd, reaffirming the central role of the guitar in contemporary rock and on the world’s biggest televised stages.
Other acts, such as Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and the Rolling Stones, confirmed the importance of the guitar at this cultural event, delivering blazing solos and memorable riffs. The great rock artists of the Super Bowl transformed a sporting event into a universal celebration of music and the guitar, proving that instruments themselves can become living icons when legends make them sing.
