Even after his death, the King of Pop is continuing his reign and raking in millions posthumously. Michael Jackson, whose three-year death anniversary is June 25, will be featured on new limited edition Pepsi cans.
Marked as a way to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his Bad album and tour, one billion soda cans featuring Jackson’s image will be sold around the world. On Monday, May 7, 16-ounce cans will be available in the U.S., followed by Asia, South America and Europe.
The new cans will feature silhouette imagery of the King of Pop while contests are run around the world giving fans the opportunity to win merchandise including, a limited number of jackets inspired by the original Bad jacket the singer wore.
Additionally, Pepsi, Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson have teamed up to share new mixes of legendary Michael Jackson music from the Bad album with his global fan base.
Brad Jakeman, president, Global Enjoyment Brands, and chief creative officer, PepsiCo Global Beverages Group, said, “Pepsi has always been at the forefront of pop culture, helping to shape the music landscape. This unique global partnership, around such a legendary music milestone, invites Pepsi fans from around the world to experience Michael Jackson’s music in an engaging and very NOW kind of way – it’s a model example of how Pepsi’s ‘Live for Now’ campaign can manifest itself in a way that resonates the world over.”
Jackson’s new deal doesn’t come without controversy however, a select few are wondering if the negotiations are appropriate considering that the singer famously suffered 2nd degree burns while filming a Pepsi ad in the 80s. Following that he was prescribed prescription drugs that led to an addiction that’s blamed for his untimely passing in 2009. –danielle canada
