10 Classic Rock Super Bowl Commercials of the Past Years

The Super Bowl is not only a highly anticipated football game but also a platform for creative and entertaining advertisements. In this list, we delve into some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads that have incorporated rock and metal stars and their iconic music. From classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Queen to modern rockers like Aerosmith and Ted Nugent, these ads have captivated audiences with their catchy tunes and clever concepts. Let’s take a closer look at each of these advertisements, highlighting the rock stars, the songs, and the stories behind them.

Led Zeppelin – “Rock and Roll” (Cadillac)

In 2002, Cadillac took Super Bowl viewers on a cinematic journey with their ad featuring Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” The commercial starts with a man sitting in an old-time train car, surrounded by Cadillac ads. As the train gathers speed, the walls become a blur of advertisements, showcasing the evolution of Cadillac vehicles. Led Zeppelin’s energetic anthem perfectly complements the exhilarating motion and freedom portrayed in the ad.

Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze” (Pepsi)

Pepsi created a time-traveling narrative with their 2004 Super Bowl ad, starring a young Jimi Hendrix. Set in 1953, the ad presents a dilemma for the young boy as he stands at the crossroads of two soda dispensers – one for Pepsi and one for Coke. Choosing Pepsi, he embarks on a journey that leads him to a pawn shop with a guitar logo. The suggestion is that Hendrix’s life changed for the better that day, setting the stage for his future as a legendary musician. Accompanied by the iconic riffs of “Purple Haze,” this ad serves as a tribute to Hendrix’s musical genius.

Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter” (Heineken)

Heineken enlisted Brad Pitt and director David Fincher for their Super Bowl ad in 2005. Set to the haunting opening of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” the ad follows Pitt as he navigates a relentless pursuit by paparazzi on his quest to get a Heineken. The commercial cleverly plays on Pitt’s own experiences with media attention, creating a tense and thrilling narrative that highlights the desire for a Heineken amidst the chaos.

Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'” (FedEx)

FedEx aimed to create the perfect Super Bowl commercial in 2005, incorporating 10 distinct elements, including a celebrity and a famous song. Burt Reynolds, a bear, and a kick to the groin all play their part, but it’s Journey’s timeless anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” that brings it all together. The ad’s humorous and unexpected moments, coupled with the uplifting message of the song, made it a hit with viewers. WATCH OUT FOR THE BONUS ENDING!

Ozzy Osbourne (Best Buy)

In 2011, Best Buy capitalized on Ozzy Osbourne’s eccentric persona for their Super Bowl ad. The commercial initially features Ozzy promoting 4G technology, only to discover that it has already been outdated by the arrival of 5G. The confusion and comical situations that arise serve to highlight Best Buy’s buy-back plan for outdated technology. Ozzy’s presence adds a touch of rock ‘n’ roll flair to this tech-filled advertisement.

Ted Nugent – “Stranglehold” (Carl’s Jr.)

In 2015, Carl’s Jr. turned heads with their Super Bowl ad featuring supermodel Charlotte McKinney and the unmistakable guitar chords of Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.” The commercial opens with McKinney expressing her fondness for going “all-natural,” leading to humorous visual gags. As she strolls through a market setting, the edgy rock vibe of “Stranglehold” adds a rebellious and energetic tone to the ad, suggesting a bold and unconventional approach to promoting Carl’s Jr.’s “All Natural Burger.”

Aerosmith – “Dream On” (Skittles)

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler faced a surreal challenge in a Skittles commercial during the 2016 Super Bowl. The ad features a talking-singing Skittles portrait of Tyler, leading to a whimsical interaction between the rock icon and his candy doppelganger. As the portrait attempts to impress Tyler with its musical abilities, chaos ensues, culminating in a colorful explosion of Skittles. The playful and offbeat nature of the ad, set to the backdrop of “Dream On,” captured the attention of viewers with its quirky humor.

Van Halen – “Running With the Devil” (Acura)

Acura showcased their NSX model in a high-energy Super Bowl commercial in 2016, featuring David Lee Roth’s iconic screams from Van Halen’s “Running With the Devil.” The ad artfully synchronized Roth’s enthusiastic exclamations with the sleek assembly of the NSX, creating a visually dynamic and audibly thrilling experience for viewers. With a simple yet effective tagline, “Yeah, what he said,” the ad emphasized the power and excitement of the Acura NSX in a way that resonated with rock music fans.

Black Sabbath – “Iron Man” (2018 Winter Olympics)

The 2018 Winter Olympics received a rock-inspired boost with Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” serving as the soundtrack for a stylistic hype reel featuring snowboarding champion Shaun White. The thunderous riff and gritty vocals of “Iron Man” added a sense of intensity and determination to White’s training montage, underscoring his journey towards the Winter Olympics. The combination of Black Sabbath’s legendary track and White’s awe-inspiring athleticism created a powerful and captivating promotional piece for the games.

Free – “All Right Now” (If’ Movie)

In a commercial for the movie “If” in 2024, Free’s 1970 hit “All Right Now” sets the tone for a heartwarming and fantastical story. The ad features John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds in a narrative where Reynolds plays a man who aids a young neighbor gifted with the ability to see her invisible childhood friends. The infectious energy of “All Right Now” enhances the ad’s uplifting and magical atmosphere, highlighting themes of friendship, imagination, and the power of belief.