They may not have flashed any body parts — except for Mick Jagger’s well-toned stomach — but the Rolling Stones made ABC glad editors were on duty for last night’s (Feb. 5) Super Bowl XL halftime show. Two sexually explicit lyrics were excised from the legendary rock group’s performance.
The only song to avoid the editor was “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” a 41-year-old song about sexual frustration.
In “Start Me Up,” the show’s editors silenced one word, a reference to a woman’s sexual sway over a dead man. The lyrics for “Rough Justice” included a synonym for rooster that the network also deemed worth cutting out.
ABC was the first network to impose a five-second tape delay on the Super Bowl, although it said the changes to the Stones’ show were made by the National Football League (NFL) and its producers. The sensitivity no doubt reflects a lingering reaction to Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction two years ago.
Performing on a stage designed as a replica of their famed wagging tongue logo, the Stones chose three tough rockers, including “Rough Justice” from last year’s well-received Virgin album “A Bigger Bang,” and one of their most enduring hits. “Here’s one we could have done at Super Bowl I,” Jagger wryly said in introducing “Satisfaction.”
Some in Detroit felt the city’s rich musical history was snubbed when the Stones were selected, even if the Super Bowl had Motown-themed halftime shows twice in the past 25 years. This year’s Motown tribute came before the game. Stevie Wonder was the centerpiece, singing a medley of hits with the help of John Legend, Joss Stone and India.Arie and a host of dancers.
The National Anthem paired New Orleans artists Aaron Neville and Dr. John (in a tribute to the hurricane-ravaged region) with a hometown favorite Aretha Franklin.
A few music artists also showed up during the much ballyhooed commercials during the game, with Diddy appearing opposite actor Jay Mohr and a can of Diet Pepsi in one and Jessica Simpson reprising her version of “These Boots Are Made for Walking” for Pizza Hut.
In the game itself, the favored Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious with a 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Source billboard.com.
