10 Classic Rock Songs Used in Memorable TV Ads

Music and advertising have walked hand in hand for decades. From the catchy jingles of the mid-20th century to the strategic use of popular tunes today, music has the power to elevate a commercial from a mere distraction to a memorable piece of pop culture. And when advertisers dip into the rich well of classic rock, they often strike gold, connecting their product with audiences through the universal language of rock n roll. However, not every song choice makes sense, leading us to scratch our heads in confusion at the unexpected pairings. Here’s a look at ten instances where classic rock songs lent their legacy to the world of TV adverts, with some choices more baffling than others.

Judas Priest – “Breaking the Law” for TV Land

The intense energy of Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” seems a wild pick to promote TV Land, a channel known for nostalgic, family-friendly shows like The Brady Bunch and Star Trek. The irony, of course, is in juxtaposing a song about defying rules with a lineup of shows that often teach the opposite. It’s a humorous twist that might leave one wondering how Rob Halford felt about this iconic heavy metal anthem setting the scene for a trip down TV’s memory lane.

Scorpions – “Rock You Like a Hurricane” for Fiber One Cookies

Picture this: a grocery store, a stock boy, and a crowd of adoring women. Not what you’d typically associate with the hard rock hit “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions. Yet, this is the scene for a Fiber One commercial where the sheer desire isn’t aimed at the boy but at what he’s carting around – Fiber One Cookies. The contrast between the song’s powerful rock essence and a product as mundane as cookies creates a humorous and memorable ad. It’s an odd match, leaving us slightly perplexed about the connection between fiber cookies and a rock anthem.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama” for Kentucky Fried Chicken

Using “Sweet Home Alabama” to promote Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is a peculiar choice, not just because of the state mismatch but also due to the song’s controversial history and undertones. The song, which has deep roots in the American South’s complex history, plays an interesting role in advertising a bucket of chicken, highlighting how music can evoke different feelings and interpretations, sometimes far removed from the product being sold.

The Allman Brothers – “Midnight Rider” for Geico

Geico’s choice of “Midnight Rider” for a motorcycle insurance commercial seems ironic, considering the tragic motorcycle accidents that took the lives of members of The Allman Brothers Band. While the song embodies the spirit of freedom and adventure, its connection to real-life loss creates a conflicting message about the joys and dangers of motorcycling, making this pairing a thought-provoking choice.

The Zombies – “Time of the Season” for Tampax

Using footage from Woodstock and The Zombies’ “Time of the Season”, Tampax crafted a commercial that reaches back to the summer of love to sell their product. The song choice is clever, tapping into themes of change and new beginnings, all while drawing an unseen line between past and present. It’s an interesting use of a classic tune to forge a connection with audiences by evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop” for Diet Pepsi

“Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones, with its fast-paced punk energy, is an interesting choice for a Diet Pepsi ad. The commercial shows animated cans having a party, which contrasts sharply with the song’s original vibe of rebellion and high energy live shows. It’s an attempt to capture a youthful, vibrant spirit, even if the original song’s context gets a bit lost in translation.

Iggy Pop – “Lust For Life” for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean took a bold step using Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” in their ads, a song with lyrics that delve into themes far removed from family vacations. The song’s infectious beat and title may scream fun and freedom, which is what a cruise line would want to sell, but knowing the song’s deeper context makes this pairing a bit peculiar.

Twisted Sister – “We’re Not Gonna Take It” in various ads

“We’re Not Gonna Take It” has become an anthem for defiance and rebellion, making its use in commercials for products like Claritin somewhat ironic. The song channels a spirit of rebellion, which doesn’t seem to naturally fit the narrative of everyday products, but somehow, its catchy chorus makes the commercial memorable.

Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle” for Taco Bell

Taco Bell’s choice of “Welcome to the Jungle” to hype a new product might have left some fans puzzled. The gritty, raw nature of the song contrasts with Taco Bell’s lighthearted approach to fast food. Yet, Axl Rose’s endorsement of the pairing shows how music can bridge gaps, even between rock legends and quesadillas.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son” for Wrangler Jeans

Wrangler’s use of “Fortunate Son” stirred controversy by invoking a powerful protest song to sell jeans, demonstrating how the meaning of a song can be overshadowed by its catchy tune. The brand’s decision to eventually pull the ad shows how important it is for marketers to consider a song’s full message and history.