No ego. No over-the-top embellishments. No theatrics—just pure, powerful vocals.
While many legendary artists have delivered unforgettable versions of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Including Chris Stapleton’s soulful take at Super Bowl 2023. There’s a strong case to be made that Meat Loaf’s commanding performance in Pittsburgh stands above the rest.
A Performance to Remember
Accompanied by the Penn State ROTC Color Guard, Meat Loaf’s selection to perform that evening was anything but random. At the height of his career resurgence in the ’90s, he was back in the limelight, fueled by the success of his MTV-fueled album Bat Out of Hell II.
Meat Loaf took center stage, fully embracing the moment. Reflecting on his emotions before the performance, he once shared, “It’s one of the warmup songs I do before I go on stage. Then I go out and sing stuff that doesn’t resemble it.” He added, “It’s a very dramatic song, and I’m going to sing it slow and dramatic.”
A Pure and Powerful Rendition
Unlike many performances today, Meat Loaf’s version had no excessive vocal runs or unnecessary high notes. As one fan put it, “No endless runs… no falsetto screeching… this is how it’s done.”
Though some compared his appearance that night to Philadelphia Phillies player John Kruk, Meat Loaf proudly declared himself “an American League kind of guy” and humorously added, “I believe in Santa Claus, Christmas, the Easter Bunny, and the designated hitter.”
For those who witnessed it live, the moment was unforgettable. Nearly 30 years later, fans continue to celebrate this performance.
