I have something to confess: I am a sucker for a good live music performance. Whether it be in person or on TV, indie or pop, acoustic or otherwise, I believe that a great live musical performance is the pinnacle of entertainment. And it's more than just the music. It's about what story the songs tell, both individually and as a set, engaging one another, accompanying the listener along the way. It's about the imperfection of live music: the missed notes, unpolished guitar riffs, and lyrical shortcomings -- because that's too much like life. It's about the emotion, the energy, and the metaphors that wear so many hats. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's about getting a glimpse of grace that transcends everything else at that moment. Then there are other times when it's about Prince and all his splendor...the Super Bowl half-time show was one such time.
Not too long ago, the half-time show was quickly headed towards becoming a freak sideshow until the infamous nipple event occurred that forced the producers to change their focus. They then reclaimed the glory of the half-time show by getting Paul McCartney to lead the nation and myself (standing on my couch in the living room at the time) in a chorus of Hey Jude. The legendary Beatle gave meaning back to what had become a joke. His performance was moving and graceful. Then the following year, in what can only be described as a momentary lapse of judgment, the higher-ups decided to put four walking skeletons on-stage, also known as The Rolling Stones. However, I was willing to forgive-and-forget because redemption sounded sweet when Prince was announced as the entertainment for Super Bowl XLI.
As I'm sure the Box was sick of hearing, I had been looking forward to this performance ever since I heard that Prince would be headlining the event. What would he play? What would he wear? Which guitars would he use? Would anyone be joining him on stage? Could he still move like he used to? These are just some of the questions that were going through my head. Now some of you are thinking, "Wow! I never pegged you for a Prince fan." Well sue me! The man can play the guitar, and he is one of the greatest entertainers of our time. He has
some of the top performances on SNL that I have seen, and despite our spiritual disagreements, I love me some Prince! OK there, I said it. Now, on to my thoughts from the show...
His performance at Super Bowl XLI will surely go down as one of the most thrilling halftime shows ever and perhaps the best. He left nothing out as he covered numerous hits like Proud Mary by CCR, which led into All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan, and then went straight into the Foo Fighter's Best of You. The heavy rain made the smoke and lights seem mysterious, instead of merely ridiculous. He cast himself behind a sheet, leaving his poetic silhouette, which was only overshadowed by his stage presence. He tossed his bandana into the crowd as he ended his set most fittingly with a convincing and compelling rendition of Purple Rain as the sky continued to pour down in approval.
Deny the magnificence of the performance all you want, but who are you to argue with Mother Nature?
Labels: kendal
posted by Kendal @ 11:21 AM,
4 Comments:
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Prince? Really?
Posted by | Feb 10, 2007, 10:58:00 AM
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I realize that as my pastor this must trouble you, and is a far cry from the musical heritage that you so richly instilled in me, but I ask you to look deep within your heart and tell me that you didn't enjoy it.
Posted by Kendal | Feb 10, 2007, 11:12:00 AM
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I admit that I was surprised as well, however I'm also happy to be reminded of your wide circle of musical influence. Although I'm not drawn to him or his way of life, he is without a doubt an unusually talented musician. So, I agree with you!
Posted by | Feb 11, 2007, 4:04:00 PM
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oh brother...i used to look up to you in your musical sort of geniusness but after this blog and those comments my heart actually hurts…I am forced to find someone else
Posted by | Feb 19, 2007, 5:09:00 PM
The Authors
Kendal Haug
Kendal is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin and most recently earned his Masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He works for Bible.org and likes to think he knows how to play the guitar. His man-crushes include, but are not limited to: Ryan Adams, Donald Miller, Ray LaMontagne, Neil Young, Vince Young, and of course The Box.
Ben Box
Box, is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University and currently works for Medco Construction building hospitals and being important. Ben loves paying lots of money on broken down Jeeps and has a propensity for getting Kendal into trouble.
About This Blog
This is a multi-author blog devoted to the happenings of two bachelors living it up in Big D. We will record the daily nonsense that occurs when 2 life-long friends live together in the same apartment and have no shame, sense of fashion, or chance of meeting a girl in the next 10 years.
A Word on Comments
Ben and Kendal both highly encourage your comments. They look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights. No matter how harsh the criticism or if you just want to give them a good ole pat on the back and say "Way to Go!" or "Ha! That was a funny story!" or "That Ben sure does crack me up." And if you have a request of something you would like to see Ben and Kendal do or write about, let them know.
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Ben and Kendal are in no way responsible for stories that may worry, upset, or lead their parents to altogether disown them.
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| Feb 10, 2007, 10:58:00 AM
Kendal | Feb 10, 2007, 11:12:00 AM
