PepsiCo announced a deal with the estate of Michael Jackson to use the late pop star’s image for its new global marketing push. In the US, the company is rolling out collectible 16-ounce blue cans that bear an image of Jackson striking one of his iconic poses. Fans will be able to scan codes on the cans with their phones to download remixed tracks from “Bad”. Pepsi first partnered with Jackson in 1983, and is looking to revive its brand and win back market share from Coca-Cola. Next week, they’re rolling out the “Live For Now” campaign, which includes a TV ad featuring Nicki Minaj and a partnership with Twitter to stream concerts online.
FLASHBACK: In 1984, Michael Jackson’s hair famously caught fire while filming a commercial for Pepsi after a spark from a pyrotechnics display landed on the singer’s head. Jackson suffered severe burns and many trace his addiction to painkillers to the incident. Pepsi gave Jackson $1.5 million as a result.
