Mizzell sang US anthem for NFL crowd at Croke Park
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Robert Mizzell with his son and daughter at Croke Park before the big game.Image 2 of 3
Robert was delighted that his wife Adele and their children were able to attend the event.Image 3 of 3
Robert Mizzell, and Tipperary musician Evan Lyons, beaming at the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Minnesota Vikings clash at Croke Park, where they performed the American national anthem.Country music star Robert Mizzell is well used to big crowds, but nothing quite prepared him for stepping into the middle of Croke Park on Sunday of last week to sing the American national anthem before 74,000 football fans – and millions more watching around the world.
The Louisiana-born singer who has made Westmeath his home was the special guest at the recent NFL showdown between the Pittsburgh and the Minnesota Vikings, a high-octane sporting spectacle that brought American football fever to Dublin. His performance struck a chord far beyond the stadium.
“I’d say it could have been seen by over 20 million people worldwide,” Robert told the Westmeath Examiner. “It’s phenomenal when you think about it. I’ve sung in front of big audiences before, but never anything on this scale.”
The opportunity arrived in unexpectedly. “We got a WhatsApp message into the office from somebody claiming to be from the NFL. At first, we thought it was a hoax. But once we checked it out, it turned out to be genuine. They were looking for someone in Ireland with American connections to perform the anthem, and they came across my page.”
For Robert, who has lived in Ireland for more than 30 years and built his music career here, it was an honour. “I’m an American, but I’m as Irish as I’m going to get at this stage. I wanted to represent both places,” he said. To that end, he tracked down an Irish lapel pin to wear alongside his American one. “I wanted to show both sides of who I am.”
The NFL performance also bridged a gap of years. “The last time I sang the American anthem was back in 1988 or ‘89, when I was in the military,” said Robert, “so, to be standing on that box in the middle of the Croke Park pitch, after all those years, was surreal.”
He was joined by his bandmate, Tipperary musician Evan Lyons, who sang harmony and played acoustic guitar. “We wanted it live and simple. There was nothing pre-recorded or anything like that,” Mizzell said.
“Unlike a lot of the anthems that you hear, it very much suits that sort of stripped back acoustic feel. So when I was looking up versions of it online as I prepared, I looked up Alan Jackson, who did a version of it, and I looked up Chris Stapleton, who also did a great version of it a couple of years ago.”
Robert said the NFL operation was “slick beyond belief”. He and his family were escorted through security, given their own holding area with food and refreshments, and guided through rehearsals and media duties by an official minder. “They treated us like kings,” he said. “It was an experience I’ll never forget. Adele and the kids came with me, and it was very special to share it with them.”
Back in his day job, Robert remains one of Ireland’s busiest country performers. He’s currently touring his ‘Nashville Songbook’ show, a journey through 55 years of American country hits, alongside fellow singers Stacey Breen and Keelan Brown. He goes to the United States on tour this month.
Next year his popular ‘Boogie on the Brava’ event in Spain returns for its eighth year.
“And at home it’s two kids, two dogs and a cat,” he chuckled. “There’s never a quiet moment.”
The NFL anthem remains a highlight, he said. “It was something I never dreamed I’d get to do. To stand there, representing both my homes, was just incredible. It’s a memory for life.”