It was reported today (3 Jan) that Sony music has made the world’s most commercially viable music catalogue available for advertisers; providing the songs are not performed by any of the members of the Beatles themselves.

One of the first advertisers to take advantage of the news is thought to be Procter & Gamble’s Luvs nappies brand that proclaims “All You Need Is Luvs”

Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which owns the rights to 259 Lennon and McCartney songs, formerly controlled by Michael Jackson is considering other deals. Sony/ATV has already allowed the fashion company Lyric Culture to use the words of Revolution, Let It Be and other songs on fashion goods such as jeans and T-shirts.

In 1969 The Beatles lost control of their catalogue when their Northern Songs publishing company was sold to Lew Grade’s ATV Music. Michael Jackson paid $47.5 million for the rights in 1985, outbidding Sir Paul, and formed a partnership with Sony a decade later.

Twenty years ago the Beatles sued Nike for $15 million over the the unauthorised use of the song Revolution in a campaign.

Music that matches

I think that this is ideal for advertisers wishing to cash in on some of the world’s most memorable tunes. Keeping the good spirit of the New Year in mind, I suggest the following advertisers may consider featuring one of the Beatles’ classics… Do you have any of your own ideas?

All my loving - Durex condoms
Carry that weight - Weight Watchers
Day tripper - Virgin Trains
Drive my car - AA School of Motoring
Don’t let me down - Sure antiperspirant
Fixing a hole - Pollyfilla
Helter Skelter - Thorpe Park
I wanna hold your hand - Nivea hand cream
I’ve just seen a face - Acne treatment
Lady Madonna - Church of England recruitment drive
Maxwell’s silver hammer - Black and Decker
Magical mystery tour - London Underground
Norwegian Wood - Furniture stores
Nowhere man - Sat Nav devices
Paperback writer - Waterstones
Please Mr Postman - Post Office
Run for your life - Diarrhea treatment
She came in through the bathroom window - Security alarms
When I’m sixty Four - Viagra
With a little help from my friends - Samaritans
We can work it out - Hemorrhoid cream
Yesterday - Over 50s Funeral Plan

By Jonathan Gabay

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