Advertising Revolution

The Beatles had always resisted the lure of advertising, so, when Nike used the song, “Revolution,” in a 1980’s advert, it caused outrage from fans. In this short book, the authors look at the clash of rock music and the advertising industry and of how culture and politics can collide.

“Revolution,” was written in response to the 1968 riots, in a time of political upheaval. It was a period when rock music was becoming seen as artistically serious and politically engaged. There was pressure on bands to engage with the political climate – to be relevant and comment on the issues of the day. With the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, having died in 1967, John Lennon felt more able to say things that he had felt constrained from commenting on before.

This book looks at the history of the song, of the ‘White Album,’ and, also, of the history of Nike and how the advertisement came about. The Sixties may have been very political, but, by the 1980’s, it was all about consumer culture. Having thought of using, “Revolution,” for their advertisement, Nike approached Capitol/EMI, who replied that, “we will never, ever consent to license of the Beatles music for an advertisement.” However, Yoko Ono, in a move that has been much criticised by fans, for many years, intervened on behalf of Nike. Paul McCartney, who was in something of a difficult position, felt it was Lennon’s song and that it was for Yoko to decide. However, once the advert appeared, not only many fans, but also George Harrison was outraged. Harrison claimed the advertisers had, “no respect,” and Apple records filed a lawsuit against the company.

It is interesting to consider what a song means, once it has become public property. What people think of it obviously depends upon their own interpretation. It may have started life as a political comment for the Left, but it was used by Donald Trump in his political campaign. For fans, who had lost John only a few years previously, Yoko Ono was seen as betraying the verbal agreement that the band had not to use their songs in advertisements. Indeed, it is something she still agrees to and is, generally, controversial with fans. Should long dead celebrities, like Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn, have their images used in advertisements, without their permission? Personally, I find it uncomfortable and there is certainly an argument that the advertisement may have backfired for Nike with many people.

This is something of an academic account and so will be of interest to those who work in advertising, as well as Beatles fans. I still remember my distaste when the advert appeared and found this an interesting read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

I remember when this song came out. I have no memory of the Nike commercial using it and had to look up the commercial.. No matter, I've heard others. Yeah, it bothers me a bit when I hear a song I loved being used to sell something. Generally, it's nothing I'd buy. I guess money is money and whatever pays the bills. The music may be the soundtrack of some event in your life, but it's not exactly sacrilege to use it in an ad. It's only music and it's always been for sale. The folks who wrote it, the folks who played it- it was a means to earn a living. Was back in the day and continues to this day. You can't make more of it than it is and all songs are open to interpretation by the listener (who actually pays attention to the lyrics anyhow?). Good for ad agencies to find a use for old songs (and new) and for helping wealthy superstars remain wealth (or at least able to pay the rent for those who aren't rich beyond believe!) The book was a hoot to read. It's reads well, though maybe a bit academic, but I think anyone interested in the subject (for or against) will enjoy it. It's interesting.