Headlining the NFL’s last international game of the 2024 season, a high-powered halftime show by Machine Gun Kelly at Munich’s Allianz Arena on November 10 sent the German crowd into a frenzy. Teed up as highly contested, putting the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers, the electric halftime performance by MGK certainly cemented an unforgettable musical moment with a packed house of almost 75,000 fans.
MGK performed his new hit single, “Lonely Road,” an adaptation of the classic John Denver song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” This hit song has become so loved in Germany and traditionally is played pro-Oktoberfest. One could see it brought a moment of heart-gripping sentimental value to the audience. When he started singing that familiar chorus, the whole arena of thousands shouted, sang, and gave a unity-nostalgic feeling for the audience. For many, the combination of American music with German culture was one of those remembered moments that made the entire arena sing in a bridging of cultures through song.
The NFL has indeed been widening its reach in Germany, where the interest in the American sport of football is raising step by step. Tim Tubito, NFL Event and Game Presentation Director, stated that this league would endow world-class entertainment with the fans abroad.
We wanted to make this night feel as energetic as our German audience, and MGK delivered with flying colors, man,” Tubito said of the electric energy that filled Allianz Arena. “German fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and tonight they showed why. MGK exclaimed that performing for such an energetic, wild crowd was a blast: “The energy that the German fans bring is unmatched!” he accentuated, expressing how special it was to share with the audience in song-singing timeless lyrics.
The pre-game events got everyone hyped to set the stage for one of those nights full of memorable moments.
Fans had an amazing time as German American football stars Patrick Esume and Björn Werner took to the pitch for a live session of their popular “Football Bromance” podcast, speaking about their insights and fun with them before the game. The fan giveaways and special guest appearances only raised the mood of many enthusiastic fans present. In Germany, it was broadcast live on RTL, as well as a live performance by MGK, while the rest of NFL social media and the World Feed internationally ran highlights. This halftime show has marked a significant milestone in the NFL’s broader efforts to grow American football in Germany.