Pepsi readies Michael Jackson TV spot

Pepsi is to launch a TV spot starring Michael Jackson to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the pop artist’s ‘Bad’ album as part of it’s global music-themed campaign ‘Live for Now’.

The 15-second advert is soundtracked by a remix of ‘Bad’ by Dutch music producer Afrojack. It features various images of the late singer taken from music videos from the album including Smooth Criminal and Man in the Mirror.

In May, Pepsi announced an exclusive global partnership with the Michael Jackson’s estate as part of its marketing strategy to target teenagers through pop music via its ‘Live For Now’ platform. Pepsi will roll out a raft of promotions around the deal including in-store promotions and digital activity.

The brand’s relationship with Michael Jackson started in 1983 when the singer and his brothers fronted Pepsi’s ‘New Generation’ campaign. A year later the singer was burnt during the filming of a Pepsi advert when his hair accidentally caught fire.

Pepsi will launch the ad in the US tonight (18 September) before launching the advert online.

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