Music and the Super Bowl Part 5: How Halftime Shows Sell Music

February 2, 2014February 2, 2014 Alan Cross 0 Comments

I had no idea that the NFL doesn’t pay performers for halftime shows at the Super Bowl. Yes, they cover an agreed-upon number of expenses, but there is no performance fee. Why? Because the exposure one gets from that 12-15 minutes is priceless.

Billboard takes a closer look.

While not all of the Super Bowl halftime performances of the past 20 years have been laser-targeted on marketing a new album or single, they have spurred some impressive sales boosts. Apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t really possible — many performers did not have a current album or tour to promote — but all have seen bumps. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest halftime show sales winners since 1993.

Continue reading. Then go on to the Hollywood Reporter for a similar story.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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