Tom Petty in Super Bowl lip-synch controversy

Tom Petty Pic: PA Photos

Did the rocker mime during his half time show appearance?

Feb 4, 2008
4 Comments
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Controversy around Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers' performance at the Super Bowl half-time show yesterday (January 3) has risen, with Petty being accused of miming his performance.

Petty and his band played four songs during their set, but according to the Dallas Morning News, many signs of the show being mimed were present.

Petty’s vocals seemed too pristine for a live show, his lungs did not seem to be expanding as much as they should, and his mouth was placed behind a large fuzzy microphone.

Lip-synching is not thought to be new to Super Bowl half-time shows.

Janet Jackson was accused of the same during her performance in 2004, although her now infamous "wardrobe malfunction" drew the headlines, while it was also suspected that Sir Paul McCartney mimed his 2005 set.

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Comments (4)

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highwaycompanion

Feb 4, 2008

He did NOT mime or lip-synch! And it is an insult to even suggest it. Dumb American journalist talking out his ass. Cunt. How could you even see his lungs anyway!? He was wearing a jacket! His songs dont need to be sung or performed like the shite on X-Factor or other pop crap, as they are a REAL band, not pop shite who croon to the camera! The SuperBowl, and other US broadcasts may be used to pop shite like Janet Jackson and boy/girl groups miming, as they are talentless crap, but, if you actually know TP's music, you will know that he didnt, and would never mime! Besides, why would a band that's been touring and recording since the early 1970s need to mime! TP and the Heartbreakers showed the world what a REAL band should sound and look like. Would like to see utter shite like Hard-Fi or Radiohead or some pop act control a crowd of thousands as well as TP does. No band in the world come sclose to them live or on record - not even Pearl Jam!

JoeWade27

Feb 4, 2008

No way! Tom and his band are one of the few (I can count them on one hand these days) musical acts that have genuine talent! The fact that a rock icon like Tom, or even Paul McCartney for that matter, would be accused of such things only highlights the fact that some people can't comprehend real musical talent. I really think that if idiotic shows like American Idol and shallow "pop" hits weren't so prevalent on tv and the radio, the world would not even think twice about such absurdities.....however, we've come to the point where genuine performances are criticized...simply because people can't imagine a band actually being "good" on their own....without the help of pre-recorded vocal or instrument tracks. Great job TPATH!

TechnodanceaphobicGG

Feb 6, 2008

You have to be out of your fucking mind to say Radiohead couldn't control a massive crowd. The only cunt is you.

flinds11

Feb 8, 2008

I think the idea that Tom Petty was miming is one that could only be thought up by a tabloid journalist who was just possibly a little bit too slow to understand the actual game which was taking place at the Superbowl. I can imagine the thought process being very much along these lines...
'shit, I really don't get this game, but hold on I need to write something for my paper or I will be out on my arse! Ah, Tom Petty, he's an old guy I can have a go at, and get some attention drawn towards my otherwise thin article'

The main reasoning behind the whole effortless performance was that Tom Petty has that kind of cool surrounding both him and his songs. There really is no need for him to go at it hell for leather. Also, if he had been jumping around and going nuts about the whole thing, then the same journalist would have no doubt taken the view that TP was simply trying too hard, in order to increase sales etc. No matter what had happened, the journalist would have simply grabbed at some controversy in order to sell his publication.

It's very similar to the performances by The Who and the exceptional Pink Floyd at Live 8 a few years back, they just simply know how to do it right!