Rock fans can be forgiven for shaking their heads (while headbangin’ them) in disbelief at a couple of new tv commercials featuring metal masters Judas Priest.
Honda has launched the campaign for their new Odyssey minivan, complete with a Marshall stack, flames and pyro, all displayed to a soundtrack featuring Priest’s “The Hellion.”
According to Honda Brand Manager Tom Peyton, the spot, called “Rocker Dad,” is aimed at a target audience of consumers who want to downsize from bigger SUV’s and are looking for something different. “It’s a real sort of watershed moment for mini-vans,” Peyton told Uptown magazine. “Gen X and Gen Y (30-somethings) are coming into childbearing age. We figure that if we do the marketing right, we can dispel some of the soccer mom stigma.” But why focus on a soundtrack from the 80s? “Gen Y grew up in the 80’s—they are still 80’s at heart.”
Honda Odyssey – “Rocker Dad” campaign (2010)
Features Judas Priest song “The Hellion”
You have to keep your eyes open for a brief glimpse of Priest’s Rob Halford in a campaign for Virgin Mobile USA.
The Virgin commercial starts with Halford - as a priest - instructing his congregation: “Let us pray,” followed by rows of church-goers (and others) going into full-on text mode using their Virgin Mobile devices.
No Priest for the soundtrack on this one: it’s a Hives’ cover of Flash And The Pan’s 1984 track, “Early Morning Wake Up Call.”
Virgin Mobile USA – featuring Rob Halford (2010)
Judas Priest Judas Priest – The Hellion/Electric Eye (1982)
Judas Priest – You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, CA – September 17, 2009
