The 1980s were a strange and glorious time when rock stars didn’t just dominate charts and stadiums—they also took over television commercials. From soft drinks to beer and even chili dogs, some of the decade’s biggest musicians appeared in ads that blurred the line between art, commerce, and pure spectacle. While Neil Young famously pushed back against the trend with “This Note’s for You,” many of his peers leaned all the way in.
Here are 10 of the most fantastically ’80s rock star commercials—ranked for their cultural impact, sheer weirdness, and nostalgic power.
1. Genesis for Michelob
Genesis brought peak yuppie energy to a slick barroom fantasy soundtracked by “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight.” With neon vibes and casual decadence, it’s practically a time capsule of Reagan-era cool.
2. David Bowie and Tina Turner for Pepsi
David Bowie plays a nerdy scientist who literally creates Tina Turner using Pepsi-fueled science. The two then duet on a rewritten version of “Modern Love.” It’s absurd, confident, and unforgettable.
3. Glenn Frey for Holiday Spa
The Eagles co-founder trades guitars for gym grunts in a hyper-serious fitness ad. No hit songs, no humor—just sweat, ego, and peak ’80s intensity.
4. Michael Jackson for Pepsi
At the height of his fame, Michael Jackson reworks “Billie Jean” into a Pepsi anthem alongside street dancers, including a young Alfonso Ribeiro. Slick, iconic—and later infamous due to the on-set accident.
5. Cinderella for Pat’s Chili Dogs
Before fame arrived, Cinderella filmed a local hot dog commercial in exchange for food and exposure. Low-budget charm meets hair-metal hunger.
6. Nils Lofgren for Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo
E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren recorded a jingle for a regional martial arts school. It’s earnest, catchy, and forever burned into D.C. childhood memories.
7. Madonna for Pepsi
Madonna debuted “Like a Prayer” in a Pepsi spot built around time travel and nostalgia. The ad vanished quickly after controversy—but its impact remains massive.
8. Eric Clapton for Michelob
Eric Clapton strolls into a quiet bar and turns it into “a Michelob night.” Stylish and bluesy—until Neil Young parodied it mercilessly.
9. Robert Palmer for Pepsi
What if the object of “Simply Irresistible” was soda? Robert Palmer made it work, backed by his signature model lineup and a perfectly adaptable hit.
10. Whitney Houston for Diet Coke
Whitney Houston awakens from the walls of a surreal dance party to sing about Diet Coke. Her voice alone elevates the entire concept.
Why these ads still matter
These commercials captured a moment when pop culture boundaries dissolved. Rock credibility collided with corporate branding, producing moments that now feel equal parts cringe and iconic. Love them or hate them, these ads defined the sound—and sell—of the 1980s.
