One of the greatest shows on earth every year is the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Depending on the act, I look forward to it months before the Super Bowl. This year proves no different with Coldplay getting their chance. As a good show AND performance band, it will be a good one I’m sure (excluding Beyonce).

It got me thinking of previous memories with Halftime performances. Looking back, its hard to believe this used to be college marching bands. It seems to have really started to become a spectacle in 1988 with Chubby Checker. It has grown every year even after overcoming the Janet Jackson fiasco.

Some of my memories include:

2015 — Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliot: Katy on a ginormous robotic Lion! I’m not a fan, but she definitely knows how to put on a show.

2014 — Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers: Has to be 1 or 2 on my list of the best. I knew little about Bruno beforehand. His talents from playing drums, dancing and singing were fantastic. Ending it with a tribute to the troops was awesome.

2013 — Beyonce: didn’t see it. Not a fan so I didn’t feel I missed anything.

2012 — Madonna: RETIRE already! She is a great producer and does put on a show, but her glory days are behind her.

2011 — The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash: Slash coming out playing Sweet Child O Mine had me screaming. Such a classic flashback to the 90’s and one of my favorite guitarists of all time. A lot of people didn’t care for this one- I actually did enjoy the BEP.

2010 — The Who: I was snowed in watching this one alone. All I remember was Roger Daltry screaming in the middle of Won’t Get Fooled Again…it was obvious that his better days were behind him as a vocalist. However, it was a great flashback with a great band.

2007 — Prince and the Florida A&M marching band: I just remember Prince pushing the envelope as I was sitting watching it with middle school kids!

2005 — Paul McCartney: Breaking into Hey Jude at the end had me singing it full volume. I would have loved to have been there is person.

2004 — Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake: Every youth pastor’s nightmare- watching it when all of the sudden a “wardrobe malfunction.” Praise the LORD that one of my leaders had decided to throw together a trivia game that we played. I only learned of the event from Drudge Report later that night!

2003 — Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting: No Doubt played the Super Bowl???? YES!

2002 — U2: Has to be my favorite given the nature of our world at the time. 9-11 was only a few months earlier. The nation was hurting. And U2 breaks out with Where the Streets Have No Name as the names of all those who died in the attacks scrolled on a massive screen behind the band. I still get chills watching it.

2001 — “The Kings of Rock and Pop” featuring Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly: Yes…that Nelly….played the Super Bowl.

2000 — “A Tapestry of Nations” featuring Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton and an 80-person choir: I love Phil Collins, but he isn’t exactly something I put on to get me pumped!

1999 — “Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing” featuring Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and tap dancer Savion Glover: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy!!! Neo-swing at its finest! That takes me back to a great period.

1994 — “Rockin’ Country Sunday” featuring Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna & Naomi Judd. Finale included flashlight stunt: Glad I missed this one as I’m NOT a country fan!!!

1993 — “Heal the World” featuring Michael Jackson and 3,500 local children. Finale included audience card stunt: I still remember how this started with an optical illusion by the showman Michael.

1991 — “A Small World Salute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl” featuring New Kids on the Block: GLAD I don’t remember this one!

1967 — University of Arizona and Grambling State marching bands: Hard to believe this is how it began!