The Who performed a farewell tour in 1982 and had not released new music since their 2006 album Endless Wire, but they were selected for their broad familiarity and appeal to audiences.
The Who were the last such act to headline the annual show; the Black Eye Peas were chosen the following year to attract a younger demographic.
[5] Weeks before the game, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend revealed the halftime show setlist in an exclusive interview with Billboard magazine.
[7] In a review for The New York Times, critic Jon Pareles characterized The Who's rock anthems as well-suited for the stadium setting but noted the older age of the band members was apparent throughout.
[2] The Super Bowl XLIV halftime show was nominated for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety or Reality Series at the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.