Journey guitarist Neal Schon has sparked fresh discussion about the future of the Super Bowl halftime show. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Schon proposed an all-rock lineup that would not only celebrate musical diversity but also highlight the Bay Area’s legendary rock scene.

Neal Schon’s Super Bowl Pitch

Transcribed from Schon’s post:

“Who would like to see Journey, Metallica, and Santana for halftime Super Bowl?” Schon asked. “Says they’re all Bay Area bands and is taking place in the Bay Area makes sense to me and they haven’t had a rock show in quite a long time.”

Schon’s suggestion quickly caught the attention of fans online. The idea of seeing three iconic Bay Area bands—Journey, Metallica, and Santana—sharing one of the most-watched stages in the world instantly fired up rock fans who have long felt underrepresented in the NFL’s choice of halftime acts.

He followed up with a clear call for variety:

“How about some diversity? It’s like the same thing every year.”

Rock Music’s Absence From the Halftime Stage

Schon’s comments tap into a recurring debate: the noticeable lack of rock acts at recent Super Bowl halftime shows. In recent years, the NFL has leaned heavily toward pop, R&B, and hip-hop artists, including Rihanna, The Weeknd, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry.

While those performances have earned massive viewership and cultural relevance, many fans argue that rock has been sidelined despite its rich history and fan base. The last time a true hard rock act headlined the halftime show was The Who in 2010. Before that, The Rolling Stones (2006) and U2 (2002) brought stadium-sized rock energy to the stage.

For rock fans, the drought has gone on too long. Schon’s suggestion offers not just nostalgia, but a way to reconnect with audiences who grew up with arena anthems and guitar-driven hits.

Why Journey, Metallica, and Santana Make Sense

Schon’s lineup isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a smart proposal rooted in cultural and regional identity.

• Journey: With timeless hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It,” Journey’s music remains a staple across generations. Their melodic rock style fits perfectly with the broad audience of the Super Bowl.
• Metallica: As one of the biggest metal bands of all time, Metallica brings an edge that few acts can match. They’re not only Bay Area natives but also global ambassadors of heavy music. Songs like “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets” would electrify the halftime stage.
• Santana: Fusing rock with Latin rhythms and blues, Carlos Santana’s legendary guitar work represents both diversity and musical heritage. His smash hit “Smooth” remains one of the most successful singles of all time, and his artistry continues to resonate worldwide.

Together, these three acts would create a halftime show that appeals to multiple generations while finally giving rock a long-overdue spotlight.