Major League Soccer and RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) announced Wednesday that Columbia Records recording artist Switchfoot will perform live during the nationally televised RadioShack 2004 MLS Cup Halftime Show at the league's championship match on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004. Switchfoot joins previous nationally recognized artists such as Christina Aguilera and Michelle Branch who have performed at the League's annual showcase event.
"Switchfoot's energetic sound and powerful message are the perfect fit for the electric atmosphere at Major League Soccer's signature final," said Geoffrey Hayes, Major League Soccer's Senior Director of Special Events. "Their performance will be the cornerstone of a dynamic and visually stunning program made possible by RadioShack."
Known for their stylish guitar melodies and introspective lyricism, Switchfoot will headline the halftime festivities that include over 200 dancers and pyrotechnics with a live performance of songs from their smash album The Beautiful Letdown, which has garnered critical acclaim while rapidly approaching double platinum status. The San Diego-based band's explosive debut single, "Meant to Live," reached the number five spot on the alternative and pop radio charts, while the new single "Dare You to Move" is currently ascending through the popular music ranks.
Switchfoot features brothers Jon and Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, and Jerome Fontamillas and is named after a surfing term from their days on the California beaches. Though widely known as a rock band that combines explosive guitars with meaningful lyrics, the group insists that they don't have a specific sound or genre, approaching each song independently by taking personal thoughts and relaying them through music.
"We are committed to bringing MLS fans the best in sports and entertainment and the MLS Cup is the perfect conclusion to another exciting year of being a promotional sponsor," said Tom DeNapoli, vice president of marketing communications, RadioShack Corporation. "We can't wait to bring the stands to their feet during the halftime show when the talented band Switchfoot takes the stage."
The band is currently riding a three-month sold-out cross-country tour, including shows in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Five Switchfoot songs are featured on the gold-certified soundtrack for the movie A Walk to Remember, including a duet with Jon Foreman and leading actress Mandy Moore. Over 40 Switchfoot songs have been used in recent years on nationally televised shows on FOX, CBS, Columbia, MTV, ABC, Disney, and the WB, including songs on the hit series "The OC" and previously on "Dawson's Creek". The band recently performed on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and the "Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn."
Individual tickets are on sale for MLS Cup 2004 (via Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-366-8652) at the following prices: $55 (sidelines), $40 (corners), $32 (upper deck) and $28 (goal line). More information on individual tickets and group sales is available by contacting the Los Angeles Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY or visiting www.lagalaxy.com.
