The New York Post reported today that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will play halftime at the next Super Bowl in February 2009.
Neither the NFL nor Springsteen have confirmed the rumor but it'd make sense. The band is in prime form on the "Magic" tour, which finally wraps Aug. 30 in Milwaukee. To rev it up one more time for the biggest viewing audience in the world would be a nice capper.
Also, the NFL has announced Keith Urban and Usher -- and others -- will play at a NFL Kickoff Music Celebration on Sept. 4 in New York before the season -opener between the Super Bowl champs the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. The concert starts at 4 p.m., the game begins at 7 p.m.

The death of Issac Hayes came as a shock over the weekend. Though best known for "Shaft," he was also a stellar songwriter, producer -- and character actor, as "South Park" showed. He was a key songwriter and musician at Stax; he co- wrote Sam & Dave's biggest hits, and some by Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor, among others. He also collaborated with Dionne Warwick and Millie Jackson.
As a performer, ironically, he also put his stamp on other people's songs, most notably "Walk on By" and "Never Can Say Goodbye."
Hayes ws elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

It's almost official: Dirty Looks and Harpo will play the Warner Theatre on Oct. 5. Tickets will be $22.50; stay tuned for on-sale information. It'll be the band's first Erie gig since 1996.

Beachland Ballroom says its Oct. 31 show with Lords of the Highway will be Sugar's final gig with the band. That's a shame; she's a joy to watch, and a huge reason why the band draws so well -- including its Erie shows at Beer Mug. Their web site doesn't list any more shows for Erie.