Super Bowl LIV: Once Again, Alternative Music is Kept Out of the Spotlight
Rock and alternative music have not been represented once again. During Super Bowl LIV, there wasn’t a hint of heavy music in any commercials or as any backtrack during the game. In the past, some artists, such as Panic at the Disco, have been featured during the Super Bowl, but this year, there weren’t any bands or artists that came close to the spotlight.
There were multiple celebrities attending the Super Bowl in Miami Florida on February 2, 2020 (also known as the first palindrome in over 900 years). Some of these celebrities include makeup artists Jeffree Star and James Charles, music artists Post Malone and G-Eazy, as well as an abundant amount of athletes. Not once did we see any metal artists or any artists from the alternative scene.
Not showcasing this scene’s artists at this major American event is not as abnormal as excluding the rock and metal categories at the Grammys, but is still a big deal. Not including these genres happens more often than not; though, more people listen to this style of music than many may realize. It’s great that we get to see Demi Lovato redeem herself while singing the “Star Spangled Banner”, but viewers should also hear songs with a quicker tempo and maybe an electric guitar from time to time.
Recently, various members of the metal community, such as Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, have made their opinions known on the lack of rock and metal representation in the Super Bowl. “It’s long overdue for rock and metal to be represented at the Super Bowl” Corey Taylor tweeted in support of Disturbed’s David Draiman singing the national anthem.
Alternative, rock, and metal music are not represented as much as they should be in society as a whole. To some audiences, it may not be there cup of tea, but to many, they end up finding themselves bopping along to a beat or even slightly banging their heads. It has been used in commercials and children’s movies, such as The Secret Life of Pets, and people find themselves reacting positively to it. Unfortunately, this genre can’t attract more listeners when it isn’t showcased.
Music is always evolving and can be interpreted in many ways, so how is it fair that a rapping cowboy is given the chance to make a name for himself, yet extremely talented bands can’t get five seconds of screen time during the Super Bowl; even if they were only heard and not seen. Hopefully this genre will get the recognition they deserve, but what more will it take for that to happen?