BONO AT THE SUPER BOWL: Rock and the Spectacle of Liberal Interventionism.

  • Published In: European Drama & Performance Studies, 2026, n. 26. P. 79 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Fairchild, Charles 3 of 3

Abstract

This article analyzes the performance of the band U2 during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVI, four months after the September 11, 2001 attacks, placing it within the historical context of Super Bowl shows and the political evolution of Bono, the lead singer. The performance, marked by a spectacular staging and the display of the names of the September 11 victims, illustrates a form of sentimental patriotism and implicit support for liberal interventionism and neoliberal capitalism, breaking with the rebellious tradition of rock. Since the 1980s, the Super Bowl has been presented as a site of state communication combining family entertainment and the legitimization of American military and geopolitical power. Finally, the article emphasizes that Bono embodies a form of politics serving the dominant order, combining humanitarian engagement with adherence to global power structures. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:European Drama & Performance Studies. 2026/01, Issue 26, p79
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2266-9035
  • Accession Number:192129800
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