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"It is when we are playing that we are at our most U2yness. I suppose in a way [it's] about purity, about the four of us and whoever the witnesses are." -- Adam, 2004 |
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"It is when we are playing that we are at our most U2yness. I suppose in a way [it's] about purity, about the four of us and whoever the witnesses are." -- Adam, 2004 |
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U2 Is Only Half of the Big Show in Sunday's Game
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
February 01, 2002
* The St. Louis office of Clear Channel Entertainment is producing the halftime extravaganza at the Super Bowl in the Louisiana Superdome.
Even if the Rams hadn't reached the Super Bowl, St. Louisans would have had a prominent role in the mega-event. The St. Louis office of Clear Channel Entertainment -- formerly SFX and, before that, the Contemporary Group -- is producing the halftime show, starring U2, the hottest band in the land, in the coveted top spot. Clear Channel Entertainment, a division of Clear Channel Communications Inc., is the nation's leading producer of concerts. Its special-events division in St. Louis is handling the halftime show's timing and technical aspects as well as the talent. The same division produced the pope's visit to St. Louis in January 1999. This is the first year Clear Channel has been involved with the Super Bowl. Past halftime shows have been produced by the television networks and by the Walt Disney Co. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc., produced last year's spectacle, which boasted Aerosmith and Nelly. Greg Hagglund, who is producing the performances -- called the E*Trade Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show -- said: "This is the biggest special event we've ever done." The event is expected to draw about 130 million viewers in the United States and about 800 million worldwide. He said the company landed the job because of its experience "understanding the needs of major talent." Hagglund and the NFL would not provide figures on the cost of producing the event. But last year's show cost a reported $3 million. Brian McCarthy, director of corporate communications for the NFL, said the show is a challenge to assemble because it must have broad appeal. "The Super Bowl caters to a wide, diverse base that includes hard-core football fans who've followed the games throughout the season to people who tune in once a year," he said. "We hold the Super Bowl and the halftime show in high esteem. It's one of the most anticipated events of the year," said McCarthy, who added that the league was impressed with Clear Channel's ability to promote though its radio stations and other outlets. The league and Clear Channel agreed on U2 for the top spot. "The NFL was very comfortable in approaching U2 to see if they were interested. They're young, fun and energetic," Hagglund said. "Everybody still wants to have a great time. This is about enjoying yourself and enjoying life." Hagglund met with U2 during a stop in Las Vegas on the band's tour, just before the band hit St. Louis. "Bono called a meeting, and we had a brainstorming session. He had such a grasp of what he wanted and what we and the NFL felt was appropriate," he said. McCarthy said: "This year, we're looking to make it more relevant and meaningful, rather than dropping a rock concert in the middle of a football game. We're looking to provide entertainment that's memorable and inspiring." Hagglund describes the show as an "unbelievable challenge" because crews will have only six minutes to erect the stage on center field and another six minutes to tear it down. "It's like orchestrating a huge ballet. Hundreds and hundreds of people will be involved with all this stuff on the field, hooking it up, testing it. And then, the band will come on," he said. "It will be a straight-forward show, pretty much about the music." U2 was the highest-grossing musical act on the concert circuit last year, collecting $148 million in ticket revenue across the country. The band hasn't disclosed precisely what it will do during its 11 super minutes. "We're still working with them, and they're still making their final decisions," Hagglund said. "But it will be a U2 performance in that it will be emotionally charged and music driven. It's driven by the personality of Bono. I think whatever the final song selection will be will reflect what the NFL wanted to reflect, which was honoring the spirit of America." U2 is expected to perform two or three songs. "The good thing about U2 is there's so many songs to choose from, especially off this last album," Hagglund said, referring to All That You Can't Leave Behind. He figures "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," "One," and "Where the Streets Have No Name" would be good choices. "There's so many of them that are so perfect. That's why they're still working on it. There's such an unbelievable repertoire to work from," Hagglund said. Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony will perform as part of the Super Bowl pre-show. © St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 2002. All rights reserved.
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