0
0
Last week, OldiesXL.com looked back on some of the biggest marketing campaigns of all time. This week the trend continues. Looking into how bands of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and today promote their music.
The Models “Blow Up”
The short lived 80’s punk band, The Models knew how to get their name out to the masses. The group sent out Blow-Up Dolls to radio stations to promote their records. What those stations did with the fully functional dolls was their choice. One station reportedly put their Blow-Up Doll on top of their mic stand. It was inevitably taken down when girl scouts were brought on tour of the studio.
Without Brian Epstein, There Would Be No Beatles
Many music fans know the name Brian Epstein, it’s synonymous with the Beatles. He is even designated as the fifth Beatle. Though back in 1962, the Beatles were still an unknown commodity. To break even and get their band out there, they had to sell 100,000 records. Epstein, not wanting this band to fade into the ether of other 60’s groups at the time, took that role upon himself. He singlehandedly bought those records. Without that purchase, the Beatles would be just another forgotten 60’s group.
Foo Fighters Bring Garage Rock to Actual Garages
The Foo Fighters, one of modern rocks biggest bands decided to make a record that was a throwback to rock records of the 70’s. The group wanted to recapture the garage rock sounds of the 70’s. To promote the album, the band announced a contest in which lucky fans can host the band in their garage. The group complied and what resulted was an amazing documentary showing how hospitable they are. The band performed small sets for the locals of each garage they went to, all while letting the fans engage with them. This one-of-a-kind stunt brought a literal meaning to the term garage rock.
Rolling Stones Get “Angry” With New Music
A recent promotional stunt took place back in August for The Rolling Stones new single “Angry”. The stunt featured an advertisement in a local British publication. The advertisement was for the Hackney Diamonds glass repair company. With the local publication referencing several Rolling Stones songs. The ad for the glass repair company stated, “Our friendly team promises you satisfaction, when you say gimme shelter, we’ll replace your shattered windows”. No other references to the Stones were featured, which is why it makes for a cool promotional gimmick.
KISS Promote Their Brand Even In Death
What better marketers are there in rock and roll than KISS? It was front man Gene Simmons idea to focus on the brand of KISS as the group’s popularity in the 70’s skyrocketed. The band has made more from their brand than their music. While most couldn’t name a KISS tune or album, many music fans recognize Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter from their instantly iconic look. The band’s faces are on everything from action figures to movies (ok, maybe the band would rather forget that movie), pinball machines and even a Platinum Visa Card. KISS has marketed it all. They even have a KISS themed coffin, so KISS can promote themselves in the afterlife.
Average Rating