I don't think I can add much to the outpouring of disdain and disbelief at what Bob Sassone wrote here, but I must. Tom Petty is a rock'n'roll powerhouse and absolutely transcends generational lines. I'm 26 (only just) and I have loved Petty's music since freakin highschool. Believe me, the young and old(er) are quite aware of him and his classic transcendental rock'n'roll. Prince can go take a flying leap for all I care. Whee, he can cavort on stage and moan and play guitar at the same time...doesn't matter. Tom went out there (I just saw the halftime how btw) and played a no-nonsense set and Mike Campbell's extended solo on the (unfortunately truncated) Runnin Down a Dream was awe-inspiring. You are right though, Tom Petty isn't a Prince or a Paul McCartney.....he's still relevant!! (not to slight Sir Paul though..still a legend).

Bob Sassone is out of touch as he stated. Tom Petty is an icon in rock history and his songs were written just as most icons were, in such a way that they will be relevant forever, in some way. Man; Tom Petty was a Traveling wilbury playing with the likes of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and of course Jeff Lynn who has been underrated for years. But back to Tom Petty and the HeartBreakers they were a great choice because even though many young people watch the SuperBall the Boomers right now have the major money to spend on it at the moment. In another 10 years you will probably see more artists from the X Gen. more Rap and more acts from the 90's & up. But even so, many young people know good music when they hear it and even though it may not be stacked in their Pods, it is not unknown stuff to them and they will appreciate the iconic value as well as the relevant style Tom Petty will bring to half time.

Prince sucked last year (and I like Prince...especially his ability to always have had a fine female up-and-comer during his hayday). Tom Petty may do a good job this year, but it's nothing that is going to excite me or having me on the edge of my seat. Now I like rap and rock and a whole eclectic mix, but there has only been one show I have looked forward to and that was the year Nelly, Aerosmith, a boy band, and unfortunately Britney Spears. Spears was hot, and I loved seeing two cross generation/cross genre stars together in Nelly and Aerosmith.

Tom Petty ROCKS, always has and always will. There will be people to be found who don't like his sound, will say he's too old or put him down for whatever reason, but he has many fans (with me being his Number ONE). I find him extremely talented, refreshing, down to earth and enjoy his music like no other. Go Petty!! We LOVE you!!!! I wish he would tour soon and decide to come down to SoFla... I'm there. P.S. I agree with Jimmy above.... Ms. Sassone is a total idiot. Yeah, WOW, WHAT A CHOICE INDEED. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

I don't think anyone will EVER top that halftime show of Prince! How about Van Halen or Ozzy or Metallica or Foo Fighters for a halftime show. Now that would kick ass.

Tom Petty is a great pick. I went to one of his concert with my son and we both enjoy him. He closed the generation gap between the 20 year olds and the 40 year olds. I am only hurt be his choice to stop touring, I would love to see him in concert again.

this comes from a guy who's name sounds the same backwards.. tom petty is among the greatest artists ever. when you get your head outta your ass, you might figure that out all on your own. dumb ass!!!!

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers RULE !!!!! Finally a great choice for the halftime show..I love this band,everything they sing is good,not many bands you can say that about...I can't wait for this!!!!!

Um, you are kidding right. Please tell me why every tom petty concert is full of people from 16 to 70! the range in age at his shows says something.

Music today sucks ass! It isn't even music! There is no true talent involved.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are awesome.....they put on a hell of a show! AND THEY ARE MUSICIANS! They play instruments....write their songs......
Granted, Petty may not have the best voice....but neither does Brittany Spears! At least he plays the guitar!