Bruce Springsteen declared Boss of Super Bowl halftime

Bruce Springsteen fans will have a front row seat — in front of their TVs — when The Boss and his E Street Band perform as the halftime entertainment at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, FL, on February 1, 2009.

Springsteen & The E Street Band have reportedly signed on as the headline talent, according to The New York Post. A source also told the paper that E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt already rented out the Hard Rock Café for a Super Bowl party.

The Super Bowl halftime show regularly showcases the world’s biggest acts, but in recent years, it has drawn attention for another reason. The 2004 halftime performance ended prematurely, as Janet Jackson experienced her infamous “wardrobe malfunction” during her duet with Justin Timberlake. The ensuing controversy raised many questions about decency and primetime broadcasts. Networks now air live entertainment (such as the halftime show and various award shows) on a five-second delay to prevent future problems.

Currently on the final leg of their 2007-08 world tour, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will wrap up the last eight shows on August 30 in Milwaukee, MN. By the last show the band will have performed 100 concerts for more than two million fans. Their Super Bowl audience is likely to exceed 40 million.

Past Super Bowl entertainers have included: