When an artist that usually takes 3 hours to get a crowd revved up is allotted 12 minutes and a tv audience of hundreds of millions can he manage to still thrill?

Its probably a matter of whether you like him to begin with or not. Bruce Springsteen was given the coveted Super Bowl halftime show and blistered through his biggest hits in a career full of them. He went with trusted rockers '10th Avenue Freeze Out" and the iconic "Born To Run.' I am not sure he won any new fans at the end of the day but he sure solidified his base as they like to say.

 Preparing a new album and a tour with ticket sales freakishly starting today the day after his appearance(coincidence-NOT!), the Boss was out to impress. Personally I am not sure it got any better than the opening shot. That was when the most overrated sax player on the planet Clarence Clemmons and Bruce were silhouetted reminiscence of the Born to Run album.  From there he took off into a spirited version of 10th Avenue complete with synchronized pyrotechnics that would have made KISS proud.

The boss is looking good but man can he be chessy. He tended to overplay everything including the stealing of Pete Townsend's third base coach routine on the guitar. You did have to admire the roady who made a catch of Springsteen's guitar that was as good as Santonio Holmes game winner.

In the end its a high profile slot with millions in attendance. When you're iconic and have the hits its hard to lose. Sometimes though if you just focus on the rock and roll, ala Prince two years ago, you keep fans and gain fans plus respect.

For the Boss it seemed like standard operating procedure. If you enjoyed it see the tour for more. If you are tired of it seek out new music like My Morning Jacket, the Hold Steady or The Gaslight Anthem. 

By the way kudos to Jennifer Hudson who put the hard charged emotion of her appearance into her voice and stirred the millions with the National Anthem blowing away Faith Hill's standard rendition of God Bless America.

Also dont forget to call Steve Leigh nd congratulate him on his Steeler victory.