Patrick Stump Defends Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band
In the few days that have passed since Super Bowl XLIII, there has been a lot of buzz over a “controversy” that took place before and during the game. And no, this has nothing to do with taking away the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sixth Super Bowl Ring (WE HAVE SIX NOW. SIX. SUCK IT, NEW ENGLAND), but has everything to do with the musical performances that took place.
Apparently, during their rocking half time performance, the E Street Band used a backing track while Bruce Springsteen sang along. This has led to much nasty commentary by the internet and many Ashlee Simpson references. However, a hero has stepped up from the crowd to declare that the backing track was not only a good thing, but was absolutely necessary. Fall Out Boy‘s Patrick Stump has explained the science behind the backing tracks:
At any rate, these artists were asked by the Super Bowl to “Perform,” for something they probably support (what were the Nielsen ratings for the Super Bowl? Yeah there’s a good chance they’re football fans) and they wanted to give a good performance. Having heard the horror stories in the past of stadium shows going terribly wrong, they probably opted to be pre-recorded or partially pre-recorded. It was likely a tough decision to make but they decided the pros outweighed the cons and they went for it. And they are not alone. Most half-time shows performed by pop artists are pre-recorded whether or not attention is drawn to it. To blame Bruce Springsteen and his pitch perfect band for the acoustically feeble architecture of a stadium is unfair and childish. The internet would be just as mean if they performed it off track, couldn’t hear themselves, and sounded bad. Springsteen is a legend and deserves a little respect. I know the internet was only invented so you can talk about how much you hate things in a disconnected attempt at scene points, but lighten up.
I bow before your musical knowledge, PVS. And smile at your fanboying of Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Also, an interesting note that doesn’t have much to do with Springsteen, but everything to do with the halftime show: did you know that not a single female artist has performed at half time at the Superbowl since Janet Jackson’s nipple got less than 10 seconds of media exposure? Not even as a “guest” artist. Apparently the Superbowl half time show has banned boobies, covered or not, unless you’re in the background of a well-known male artist. Hmmmm…
And now, what were your thoughts on the half time show and the E Street Band’s choice to use a backing track? Keep in mind, I award no scene points in this blog.