The Super Bowl XL halftime show, held on February 5, 2006, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, was a spectacle of music and design. Headlined by the Rolling Stones, the show was a significant event in the world of entertainment, showcasing the band's iconic style and the production team's innovative approach. The show was produced by Don Mischer Productions and sponsored by Sprint Nextel, featuring a stage design that was both ambitious and emblematic
of the band's legacy.
Iconic Stage Design
The stage for the Super Bowl XL halftime show was a remarkable feat of engineering and design. It was crafted in the form of the Rolling Stones' iconic tongue and lips logo, a design first introduced by John Pasche in 1971 on their Sticky Fingers album. This choice of stage design was not only a nod to the band's history but also a bold statement of their enduring influence in the music industry. The stage was the largest ever assembled for a Super Bowl halftime show, consisting of 28 separate pieces that were put together in just five minutes by a 600-member volunteer stage crew. This rapid assembly was a testament to the meticulous planning and coordination required to execute such a complex design.
Production Challenges
Producing a halftime show of this magnitude came with its own set of challenges. The logistics of assembling the massive stage in a short time frame required precise coordination and teamwork. The volunteer stage crew had to work seamlessly to ensure that the stage was ready for the performance, highlighting the importance of collaboration in large-scale productions. Additionally, the choice of the Rolling Stones as the headlining act sparked controversy within the Detroit community, as the band did not represent the local music scene. Despite these challenges, the production team managed to deliver a visually stunning and memorable show.
Impact and Legacy
The Super Bowl XL halftime show was not only a display of musical talent but also a showcase of innovative production techniques. The use of the Rolling Stones' logo as the stage design was a creative decision that reinforced the band's brand and legacy. The successful execution of the show demonstrated the capabilities of modern stage production and set a new standard for future halftime shows. The event was viewed by 89.9 million people, surpassing the audiences for the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmy Awards combined, solidifying its place in entertainment history.
