U2 and Commercial Endorsements
September 2nd, 2007
You know that story about U2 being offered $23 million by a car company to be able to use “Where the Streets Have No Name” in a TV commercial? The band have told the story many times over the years, including this 2004 interview. But something just occurred to me:
I have no idea when that offer and rejection happened. Has anyone ever read more details about it? What car company? When?
5 comments on “U2 and Commercial Endorsements”
01
Hey Matt-
I’m not sure, either, but my best guess is that the car company was GM, because not long after that news, GM (Cadillac) started using Led Zep’s “Rock’N'Roll”. I know that’s not much help, but there you go…
02
Hi.
It was in the late 80’s when Toyota asked U2 for that song i think.
03
And don’t forget - - didn’t Pepsi offer an obscene amount to use “Even Better Than the Real Thing” to counter Coke’s “The Real Thing” slogan?
(Pepsi was also denied, of course.)
But veeeeerrrrryy clever marketing people they have
04
Matt - besides this, you’ve also got LMJ’s PSA for wearing motorcycle helmets that aired in 1987. I’m not sure when it was filmed, but I have it on video.
Bono also shot a brief 30-second “Happy Birthday” message that aired as a commercial for WBCN in Boston (which I also have on video).
Not sure about other adverts the boys starred in - but I mention those in case you wanted to explore/add them to the list.
05
GM it was.
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