Pepsi are set to renew their marketing campaign with the late Michael Jackson, thanks to a new contract that the company have signed with the late singer's estate. The New York based promotions company The Purchase announced today (May 3, 2012) that they will be using Jacko's image for a new global marketing push, New York Daily News have reported. Special edition cans of the fizzy drink will be adorned with classic images of Jackson and will contain links to special remixes of some of his most famous songs.
Pepsi first partnered with Michael Jackson in 1983 and as part of their broader 'Live Now' campaign, they will also be partnering with Nicki Minaj, as well as streaming concerts online, as part of a deal that have forged with Twitter as well. In China, Pepsi consumers will also see a TV advert featuring some of Jackson's music and will stand the chance of winning tickets to Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson-inspired show, as well as leather jackets inspired by his trademark style. In fact, the one thing they don't seem to have mentioned so far is the possibility of a Michael Jackson hologram.
Whilst he was filming an ad for the company in 1984, Jackson's hair famously caught fire and burnt his scalp. The incident happened after a pyrotechnic spark caught him on the head. It is thought that the accident may have been the source of his addiction to painkillers. He was awarded around $1.5 million in compensation by the global soft drinks and snacks brand.