Michael Jackson‘s relationship with Pepsi spanned three decades — so why shouldn’t it continue even after his death? It was announced today that the King Of Pop’s image will be featured in the soft drink company’s upcoming Live For Now campaign, which will include TV ads, special-edition Pepsi cans with Jackson’s iconic silhouette, and chances to download remixes of his hits. ”We are thrilled to bring Michael and Pepsi back together, as they were in 1988… and to put Michael on one billion Pepsi cans – perhaps a Guinness record,” commented John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.
The Live For Now campaign (which also features Nicki Minaj) coincides with the 25th anniversary of Jackson’s Bad (released August 31, 1987), and will kick off in the US on May 7. The deal will also include contests for fans to win jackets inspired by the original staff BAD tour jackets, as well as tickets to Michael Jackson: IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil.
Jackson’s involvement with Pepsi wasn’t always so positive. Things took a tragic turn when the singer’s hair caught fire during a commercial shoot for the soft drink in 1984, causing him third degree burns to his face and scalp. The pain from the burns would lead him to take prescription pain medication that he would eventually become addicted to, and would contribute to his death in 2009.
But we’re sure Pepsi would rather you not think of that. Instead, watch MJ in one of his first Pepsi commercials! Happier times.