Super Bowl XXXVI halftime show
| Industry | Entertainment production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | St. Louis , United States |
Key people | Greg Hagglund (Vice President) |
| Products | Event production, live entertainment |
The Super Bowl XXXVI halftime show, officially titled the E-Trade Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show, occurred on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The performance showcased Irish rock group U2, who utilized a heart-shaped stage design previously featured on their 2001 Elevation Tour. During the show, U2 delivered three songs and honored the memory of those lost in the September 11 attacks, which had taken place five months prior. The production was managed by Clear Channel Entertainment, the same company responsible for the Elevation Tour. This event was broadcast nationwide in the United States by Fox.
Initially, singer Janet Jackson was scheduled to perform; however, following the events of September 11, organizers sought an artist whose presentation would better reflect the somber mood. U2 was chosen after NFL officials attended their October 2001 concert in New York City and were deeply affected by the band's tribute to the victims, which included displaying their names across Madison Square Garden's ceiling. In their halftime set, U2 performed the 2000 hit "Beautiful Day", followed by "MLK" (1984) and "Where the Streets Have No Name" (1987). For the latter two songs, the names of victims were projected onto a vertical scrim as well as throughout the interior of the Superdome. At the conclusion of their performance, lead vocalist Bono revealed an American flag sewn into his jacket lining.
The halftime segment achieved a 38.3 Nielsen rating and attracted an audience of 82.9 million viewers across 40.2 million households in the U.S. Critics lauded U2’s performance and its heartfelt tribute to 9/11 victims. After this appearance, sales of their 2000 album All That You Can't Leave Behind rose by 142 percent within the United States. In 2006, U2 returned to the Superdome for another NFL-related occasion, sharing a stage with Green Day during the New Orleans Saints’ first home game following Hurricane Katrina. This particular halftime show is frequently ranked among the finest in Super Bowl halftime show history.
Background
The 2000 studio release All That You Can't Leave Behind marked a high point in both commercial success and critical acclaim for U2. It debuted at number one in 32 countries and had sold 10 million copies worldwide by December 2001. The album’s lead single, "Beautiful Day", achieved international popularity and secured three Grammy Awards in February 2001, including both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Beginning in March 2001, U2 embarked on the Elevation Tour, with its initial two legs selling out all 83 shows across North America and Europe, generating $105 million in revenue.
On September 10, 2001, Clear Channel Entertainment (CCE) alongside SFX Entertainment announced plans for a third North American leg of the Elevation Tour. Ticket sales were slated to begin on September 15 but were delayed following the September 11 attacks, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities. Although numerous artists canceled tours in response to these events, CCE and SFX confirmed on September 17 that the Elevation Tour would proceed as scheduled, with ticket sales resuming on September 21.
In the aftermath of September 11, All That You Can't Leave Behind resonated even more strongly with American listeners, climbing higher on the Billboard 200 rankings. Songs such as "Walk On" and "Peace on Earth" saw increased airtime and were performed during U2’s participation in the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon supporting victims of the attacks. The Elevation Tour emerged as North America’s top-grossing tour for 2001 with $109.7 million earned—ranking second-highest ever at that time—and accumulated $143.5 million worldwide from ticket sales totaling 2.18 million attendees, making it that year’s highest-grossing tour globally. Both Rolling Stone and Spin named U2 "Band of the Year."
In reaction to September 11, the National Football League (NFL) postponed games scheduled for that week and rescheduled Super Bowl XXXVI from January 27 to February 3, 2002, allowing for a complete playoff schedule to be played.
Booking
By August 2001, Jim Steeg, the NFL's executive overseeing special events, had arranged a varied roster for Super Bowl XXXVI, featuring artists such as Lionel Richie, the Bee Gees, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Janet Jackson slated for the halftime performance. Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Jackson decided to cancel her European tour and withdrew from the Super Bowl, believing her act would not be appropriate for the occasion’s somber mood.
Seeking a substitute, NFL marketing executive John Collins attended a U2 concert at Madison Square Garden on October 25, 2001. The band’s rendition of "One", dedicated to 9/11 victims, deeply moved both attendees and league officials. Convinced that U2 was a fitting choice, Collins and NFL representatives agreed on their selection. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy noted that U2’s themes of responsibility and liberty resonated with the league’s core values. Collins then reached out to Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Records and U2’s collaborator, who communicated the invitation to lead singer Bono.
Bono engaged in discussions with NFL leaders including commissioner Paul Tagliabue, COO Roger Goodell, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. He proposed an ambitious halftime show integrating global music influences. Despite initial doubts about choosing an Irish group to honor an American tragedy and concerns regarding television ratings, Goodell endorsed the concept, and Tagliabue ultimately gave his approval. Greg Hagglund, vice president of Clear Channel Entertainment (CCE), worked closely with U2 during their Elevation Tour to shape the performance; Bono presented a clear vision that aligned well with NFL expectations.
On November 27, 2001, reports revealed that E-Trade had secured its third consecutive sponsorship of the halftime show with a deal surpassing US$3 million. Three days later, on November 30, the NFL announced Clear Channel Entertainment as the halftime show producer—marking CCE’s inaugural involvement with the Super Bowl and a departure from previous productions handled by networks or MTV. On December 2, U2 was officially confirmed as the halftime act, becoming the first international artist to headline solo.
McCarthy underscored that choosing U2 was intended to inspire and uplift both American and global audiences under the NFL’s new theme "Heroes, Hope, and Homeland," reflecting sentiments of unity, freedom, and honoring everyday heroes in the post-9/11 context.
Neither U2 nor other performers received financial compensation beyond travel and lodging; an NFL insider disclosed that although payment was offered, U2 declined any monetary remuneration.
Promotion
An NFL spokesperson explained that Clear Channel Entertainment was selected to produce the halftime show due to its vast media portfolio, which includes ownership of approximately 1,200 radio stations—facilitating widespread promotion of the event. To generate excitement prior to the Super Bowl, NFL Films re-edited U2’s music videos for "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" and "Beautiful Day" by incorporating football imagery. Both the NFL and Fox featured these tracks in commercials promoting the 2001–02 NFL playoffs. According to Collins, the league partnered with Interscope Records with the goal "to establish U2 as synonymous with the NFL."
America Online hosted a sweepstakes offering a Super Bowl XXXVI trip package that granted one winner and a guest exclusive access inside U2’s heart-shaped stage during halftime.
As alternative programming during Fox’s halftime broadcast, NBC announced on December 17, 2001, it would air an episode of Fear Factor featuring Playboy Playmates.
Preparations and rehearsals
Several weeks prior to the event, organizers encountered a significant challenge when they realized the projectors intended to cast the victims' names onto the Superdome ceiling could not be powered. Collins insisted on resolving this issue, highlighting that Paul Tagliabue’s endorsement depended on this feature being functional. Eventually, a generator was obtained, allowing the projections to proceed.
Beginning around January 21, 2002, production teams started logistical operations at Tad Gormley Stadium, concentrating on the assembly and breakdown of the stage within tight scheduling constraints. Upon arriving in New Orleans on January 30, U2 conducted rehearsals inside the Superdome and held a brief 20-minute press briefing. Discussions took place regarding projecting the victims' names onto a scrim positioned behind the stage due to inadequate power for ceiling projection; in the end, the scrim was utilized despite divided opinions about its visual impact. An NFL executive voiced doubts about the show's quality two days before the Super Bowl.
Show production
The Special Events Group of CCE in St. Louis was responsible for managing the show's timing, technical elements, and coordination of talent. Producer Hagglund referred to it as "the largest special event we've ever undertaken." The crew consisted of 45 permanent employees along with additional contractors, stagehands, and volunteers. The halftime segment lasted 23 minutes, allotting U2 approximately 11 to 12 minutes to perform, with five to six minutes each allocated for stage setup and removal. Dennis M. Despie supervised production from an elevated position 200 feet above the stage, while security was directed by Sergeant Sam Dotson of the St. Louis Police Department. Jim McClellan acted as co-executive producer.
Stage design and equipment
The stage featured a heart-shaped design weighing 50,000 pounds and constructed from 22 interlocking sections, modeled after Mark Fisher's concept for U2's 2001 Elevation Tour. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Clear Channel radio contest winners were positioned on the field, including 400 located within the heart-shaped structure. A workforce of 250 volunteers assembled the stage using wheeled modules fitted with soft tires to protect the turf.
Projection of the 9/11 victims' names inside the Superdome and onto a Kabuki scrim measuring 120 feet by 60 feet was achieved using twelve 7-kilowatt xenon PIGI film projectors. The projection content was designed by Willie Williams and Catherine Owens and operated by Brian Beasley.
Lighting incorporated much of the equipment from the Elevation Tour, featuring two systems with Vari-Lite fixtures managed via Virtuoso consoles controlled by Victor Fable and Willy McLachlan. The overhead rig included 38 VL2416 luminaires among others, complemented by an additional 30 VL2416 fixtures positioned at ground level. The lighting and cabling requirements for U2’s set were threefold greater than those of the previous three New Orleans Super Bowls combined.
Audio responsibilities were handled by ATK AudioTek Corp., employing JBL VerTec speakers suspended above the stage alongside portable V-DOSC carts at floor level. The all-digital mixing setup featured a 48-channel InnovaSon Grand Live front-of-house console. Wireless microphone systems were provided by James Stoffo of Professional Wireless, who supplied ten Sennheiser SKM 5000 units along with two EM 1046 receivers; Stoffo also managed radio frequency interference amid over 1,500 active frequencies on game day.
Performance summary
To reduce the risk of technical difficulties, most musical acts planned for Super Bowl XXXVI were scheduled to pre-record their performances. U2, in contrast, opted to deliver a live performance. When questioned about potential lip-syncing, Bono affirmed he would sing live, supported by a backing rhythm track as a safeguard against any technical malfunctions. Although reports before the event suggested they would perform "Walk On," the band kept their complete setlist confidential. Official statements indicated at least one song would be selected from "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "Desire," "[[Pride (In the Name of Love)]," or "Beautiful Day."
As U2 began with their 2000 hit "Beautiful Day," the audience on the field held light sticks aloft. During the opening verse, Bono moved through the crowd but became visibly concerned when his in-ear monitor cables became exposed, fearing this might cause an interruption. His expression conveyed this unease.
The second number was the reflective "MLK," accompanied by a scrim behind the stage displaying the names of 9/11 victims. This led into the final piece, "Where the Streets Have No Name," during which the scrim was dropped and names continued to scroll across the interior of the Superdome—a visual evoking memories of the World Trade Center collapse. At the conclusion, Bono revealed an American flag lining inside his leather jacket, reinforcing the patriotic tone of the performance.
Critical response
The halftime performance by U2 was met with largely favorable critiques. Dan Shaughnessy from The Boston Globe described it as "the greatest halftime show in sports history. Without question." John Smyntek of the Detroit Free Press awarded it "four stars all around," noting it outshone recent halftime acts. Phillip B. Wilson of The Indianapolis Star gave a "B" grade and referred to it as a "moving tribute" to those lost on September 11. Roger Catlin from The Hartford Courant lauded U2 as "an ideal choice" for the event, highlighting Bono’s display of the American flag inside his jacket as a poignant symbol.
Tom Shales of The Washington Post found the homage "unexpectedly touching and respectful." Tim Goodman from The San Francisco Chronicle labeled U2's set "an inspired rock moment" and a "dramatic, emotional tribute" to 9/11 victims. David Bianculli of New York Daily News remarked that it captured an appropriate mood of patriotism and solemnity on a large scale. Peter King from CNN/SI called it "perfectly suited for the occasion," praising the NFL for delivering "eleven outstanding minutes at halftime."
Tim Kawakami of San Jose Mercury News recalled the performance as unforgettable, particularly noting the illuminated names of 9/11 victims projected over the audience. Ed Bark from The Dallas Morning News described it as "electrifying," observing that audience reaction surpassed that during much of the game until the Patriots’ win. Hal Boedeker of The Orlando Sentinel commended its straightforwardness and emotional power, calling it "thrilling" with "urgent and potent renditions." Kevin C. Johnson from St. Louis Post-Dispatch deemed it an "undeniable success," emphasizing that having U2 as sole headliner assured a triumph.
Although some initial doubts existed, Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly found U2’s three-song segment energizing when experienced collectively by America. Eric Deggans from St. Petersburg Times felt U2’s appearance was somewhat incongruous but did not fault their performance itself. Conversely, Ed Sherman of Chicago Tribune criticized the show for lacking solemnity during its memorial moment, suggesting that crowd enthusiasm overshadowed respect for 9/11 victims.
Commercial impact
The Super Bowl drew an audience of 130 million viewers across the United States and reached approximately 800 million worldwide. U2's halftime segment secured a Nielsen rating of 38.3, engaging 40.2 million households and attracting 82.9 million viewers domestically, with only a slight 4.4% drop in viewership compared to the preceding half-hour of the game. In contrast, NBC's alternative programming—a Fear Factor episode featuring Playboy Playmates—garnered a considerably lower rating of 5.6, equating to 5.9 million households.
In the wake of U2's halftime appearance, sales of All That You Can't Leave Behind soared by 142%, reaching 46,000 units sold in the U.S., which propelled the album from position 66 to 25 on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, three earlier albums experienced doubled sales figures: The Best of 1980–1990 climbed to number 2 with a 154% increase, selling 14,000 copies; The Joshua Tree ascended to number 14 with a 144% rise, moving 7,000 units; and The Best of 1990–2000/The B-Sides reached number 35.
USA Home Entertainment secured the rights to U2's halftime footage and incorporated it as an additional feature on DVD releases of the official Patriots Super Bowl championship video—marking the first time a halftime show was included in such a video.
Legacy
U2’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl is frequently cited as one of the most outstanding in history. It was ranked seventh by both BBC Music and Variety, sixth by CBSSports.com in 2018, and third by Entertainment Weekly in 2019, where it was described as "arguably the most poignant Super Bowl halftime performance ever." In 2024, Levi Weaver from The Athletic placed it third on his list, highlighting the band’s effective blend of homage and spectacle. Jim Harrington of The Mercury News rated it as the second-best halftime show of the 21st century, while both Billboard and Roisin O'Connor from The Independent positioned it second overall. In addition, Thrillist ranked it second in 2021, emphasizing its emotional resonance during the tribute to September 11 victims.
Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone initially named it the top halftime performance in 2014, calling it a "genuinely remarkable live-TV rock & roll moment," though he later revised this to second place in 2023. Tim Glanfield of The Times and Lisa Redmond from NBC Sports both awarded it first place, underscoring its emotional depth over pure entertainment value. Brian Mansfield at USA Today commended U2 for delivering a "sentimental, cathartic experience" that transcended the sporting event itself, while Sean Merriman of Bleacher Report referred to it as "one of the most heartfelt musical tributes ever." Other media outlets such as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports Illustrated, and even the NFL’s official website have similarly praised it as the greatest halftime show in Super Bowl history. Steven Hyden from Uproxx ranked it seventeenth among televised musical performances since 2000 but acknowledged its significance as a shared cultural moment.
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of September 11, NFL Network’s NFL Total Access rebroadcast U2’s halftime performance.
On September 25, 2006, U2 returned to perform at the Superdome in New Orleans for the New Orleans Saints’ first home game following Hurricane Katrina. Alongside Green Day, they played four songs during a pre-game event: Green Day’s "Wake Me Up When September Ends", "The House of the Rising Sun", a rendition of The Skids’ "The Saints Are Coming", and U2’s own "Beautiful Day".
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