These Rock Songs in Super Bowl Ads Gave Fans Instant Chills
Every year, the Super Bowl is more than just a football game. For many viewers, the advertisements are just as important as the action on the field. Companies pay enormous sums for a short ad during a broadcast watched by millions. Brands spend heavily, hire well-known figures, tell creative stories, and often use classic rock music to stand out.
Rock songs work especially well in Super Bowl advertising because they trigger instant emotion and recognition. A familiar guitar riff or drumbeat can grab attention before viewers even realize what’s being sold. Sometimes the song fits perfectly and elevates the ad; other times, it feels like a famous track was chosen simply to catch attention. This list ranks 15 Super Bowl commercials that incorporated iconic rock songs, based on both the quality of the music and how effectively it was used.
15. Pepsi’s “Purple Haze”
Jimi Hendrix remains one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time, and his music continues to resonate decades later. Pepsi used “Purple Haze” during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 to create a playful “what if” scenario tied loosely to Hendrix’s early life.
The ad shows a young boy choosing between Pepsi and Coke, then spotting an electric guitar and selecting that instead of an accordion. The message is clear, if a bit smug: one small choice can change everything. While the concept is clever, using such a powerful song to sell soda feels slightly forced. The music is legendary, but the ad doesn’t fully live up to it.
14. Dr Pepper Cherry’s “Calling Dr. Love”
KISS has always excelled at marketing, so their appearance in a Super Bowl XLIV ad in 2010 wasn’t surprising. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons used one of the band’s groovier tracks to promote Dr Pepper Cherry.
The ad leans heavily on humor and wordplay, tying the song title to the product. While the song fits the upbeat tone, the comedy relies too much on gimmicks. As a result, the music feels more like background noise than the centerpiece.
13. Skittles’ “Dream On”
Skittles is known for its strange, colorful advertising, and its Super Bowl 50 commercial in 2016 was a perfect example. Steven Tyler appears in an art gallery, where a painting of himself made entirely of Skittles comes to life.
The artwork sings part of “Dream On,” but can’t quite hit the high notes. The ad is odd and entertaining, fitting the brand perfectly. However, the song is used briefly and feels more like a setup for a joke than a tribute to the track.
12. Mercedes-Benz’s “Born to Be Wild”
“Born to Be Wild” is one of the most iconic songs associated with freedom and rebellion. Mercedes used it during Super Bowl LI in 2017, adding a twist by featuring biker imagery and Peter Fonda from Easy Rider.
The problem is the mismatch. The song’s counterculture roots clash with Mercedes’ image of wealth and luxury. While both the visuals and the music are strong on their own, they don’t quite work together.
11. RadioShack’s “Working for the Weekend”
In 2014, RadioShack attempted to reinvent itself by leaning into nostalgia. Its Super Bowl XLVIII ad acknowledged the brand’s outdated reputation and turned it into the joke.
As “Working for the Weekend” plays, the store fills with exaggerated characters and icons from the 1980s. The song perfectly suits the era, and the self-aware humor lands. The ad was fun and memorable, even if it didn’t save the company.
10. Acura’s “Runnin’ with the Devil”
Acura’s Super Bowl 50 ad in 2016 used isolated vocal samples from David Lee Roth’s performance of “Runnin’ with the Devil” in an inventive way. Rather than playing the song immediately, the ad builds tension as the car is assembled piece by piece.
The strange yells and vocal bursts add excitement, making the full song’s arrival feel earned. The ad successfully connects the car’s power and design with the song’s wild energy.
9. Wendy’s “Cold as Ice”
During Super Bowl LI in 2017, Wendy’s took a direct shot at competitors for using frozen beef. The chain paired its message with Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice.”
The song fits the concept perfectly. The visuals show an employee struggling to thaw frozen meat while the familiar piano line plays. The lyrics are timed for maximum effect, turning a classic rock hit into a sharp marketing weapon.
8. Volkswagen’s “Black Betty”
Volkswagen’s Super Bowl XLV ad in 2011 told a simple story with a rebellious streak. In a forest full of identical bugs, one beetle breaks away from the group.
As “Black Betty” plays, the bug transforms into a Volkswagen Beetle. The song’s raw energy reinforces the theme of individuality. The concept is straightforward, but the music makes it memorable.
7. Cadillac’s “Rock and Roll”
For years, Led Zeppelin refused to license their music for advertising. That made it a major moment when Cadillac used “Rock and Roll” during Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002.
The commercial features sleek Cadillacs cruising open highways, with the song’s driving beat doing most of the work. It doesn’t overthink things—the music delivers excitement without overpowering the visuals.
6. Heineken’s “Gimme Shelter”
“Gimme Shelter” is one of the Rolling Stones’ darkest and most emotional songs. Heineken used it in a cinematic chase-style ad starring Brad Pitt during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.
As Pitt navigates the city while dodging paparazzi to get a beer, the song steadily builds tension. Its moody edge gives the commercial a film-like quality, making it one of the more stylish uses of rock music in Super Bowl history.
5. Hyundai’s “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)”
Hyundai’s Super Bowl XLVII ad in 2013 was all about fun and energy. The commercial follows a group of kids banding together to stand up to bullies, set to Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health.”
The song’s fast tempo matches the pacing and playful revenge storyline. Loud, upbeat, and nostalgic, the ad is entertaining from start to finish.
4. NBC Olympics Ad’s “Iron Man”
NBC used Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” during Super Bowl LII in 2018 to promote its Winter Olympics coverage. The spot focused largely on snowboarder Shaun White and the endurance required to sustain a long career.
The heavy riff and dramatic tone pair well with images of training, competition, and perseverance. The song adds weight and intensity, making the promo feel powerful and inspiring.
3. FedEx Kinko’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”
Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of the most recognizable songs ever, and FedEx Kinko’s put it to clever use during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.
Rather than playing the full song, the ad uses just a few seconds as part of a joke about what makes a great Super Bowl commercial. The quick burst works because everyone recognizes it instantly, creating a smart, self-aware moment.
2. Michelob Ultra’s “Showdown”
Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl LVI ad in 2022 featured athletes from various sports competing in a bowling showdown. Electric Light Orchestra’s “Showdown” tied the action together.
The song’s slow build and dramatic feel heighten both the tension and the humor. Viewers familiar with its pop culture legacy catch the reference immediately, giving the commercial a fun, stylish edge.
1. Liquid Death’s “Breaking the Law”
Topping the list is Liquid Death’s Super Bowl LVI ad from 2022. Known for its edgy branding, the company used Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” cleverly and unexpectedly.
The commercial mimics old-school party ads, except that instead of wild behavior, people are simply drinking water. The song’s rebellious energy pairs perfectly with the humor. It subverts expectations, stays true to the track’s spirit, and delivers one of the boldest and most memorable uses of rock music in Super Bowl advertising.
