One Click Wonder: Rock'n'advertising

Sunday 04 January 2009 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

John Lennon has been brought back from the grave to appear in a commercial for the One Laptop Per Child charity initiative – a worthy cause, indeed, though not all unions between the worlds of rock’n’roll and advertising have been so holy...

The Rolling Stones

Just as they sat on the cusp of stardom, the Stones enjoyed some mass audience exposure with their jingle for this 1963 Rice Krispies commercial – surely the greatest paean to breakfast cereal ever produced?

Ringo Starr

Lennon’s ex-bandmate teamed up with old rivals the Monkees for this cringeworthy 1995 Pizza Hut ad in which he limply pokes fun at Beatles reunion rumours while introducing the world to the joys of stuffed crust.

Devo

The art-rockers’ appearance in this 1984 Honda scooter commercial left fans wondering: was this another of the band’s subversive critiques on consumer culture, or merely an easy way to a fat paycheque?

Bob Dylan

The legendary troubadour sparked bemusement in 2004 when his brooding presence graced a campaign for lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret alongside cavorting, scantily clad supermodel Adriana Lima.

John Lydon

Following his I’m A Celebrity appearance, the Sex Pistol shed any last vestiges of punk credibility this year by donning tweeds to rub shoulders with cows and Morris dancers in aid of Country Life butter.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in