Queen’s "We Will Rock You" Gets a New Facelift in Pepsi’s NFL Commercial
Megan Thee Stallion Raps Over Classic Queen Track in Pepsi’s New NFL Ad
Pepsi has released a new NFL commercial featuring a fresh take on Queen’s iconic anthem "We Will Rock You," with rapper Megan Thee Stallion putting her spin on the classic track. The commercial, which premieres ahead of the 2023 NFL season, is a remake of a 2004 ad featuring Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink. The new version is part of Pepsi’s "Gladiator"-themed campaign, which is set to coincide with the release of the upcoming film "Gladiator II" in November.
The Commercial’s Storyline
The ad begins with a brief conversation between actors Jake Lacy and Lamorne Morris, who are discussing the art of competition. The lid of a Pepsi can then transforms into a coliseum, where gladiatorial games are underway. The crowd stomps and claps to the beat of "We Will Rock You" as NFL stars Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson enter the arena.
Megan Thee Stallion then takes the stage, calling for the gates to be opened and releasing a pair of tigers into the arena. The Houston star raps over the Queen track, delivering bars like: "Win, that’s all that we do / Everybody’s watching and they all came for you / Hard work, dedication, an understatement / We fill up arenas that’ll rock the whole nation." The commercial ends with the sand on the floor of the arena getting blown away to reveal a football field.
A Remake of a Classic Ad
Pepsi’s new NFL commercial is a remake of the soda company’s 2004 ad, which featured Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink putting their spin on "We Will Rock You." The original ad never aired in America and didn’t become a pop-culture phenomenon until fans circulated it online years later. That commercial was based on the 2000 blockbuster film "Gladiator," and the new version arrives ahead of the release of "Gladiator II."
Queen’s "We Will Rock You" in Popular Culture
"We Will Rock You" is one of the most ubiquitous sporting-event anthems in rock history, and its inclusion in Pepsi’s commercial is a nod to its enduring popularity. The song was written by Queen’s iconic guitarist Brian May and vocalist Freddie Mercury, and it has been a staple at sporting events and concerts for decades.
Queen Albums Ranked
For fans of Queen, the commercial’s use of "We Will Rock You" is likely to evoke memories of the band’s iconic discography. Here’s a list of Queen’s albums ranked from worst to best, based on their critical and commercial success:
- The Works (1984) – Despite featuring some of Queen’s most popular singles, "The Works" is often criticized for its lack of cohesion and experimentation.
- Innuendo (1991) – Released during a time of great turmoil for the band, "Innuendo" features some of Queen’s most haunting and introspective work.
- A Kind of Magic (1986) – The soundtrack to the film "Highlander," "A Kind of Magic" features some of Queen’s most beloved songs, including "Who Wants to Live Forever."
- The Game (1980) – Featuring the hit singles "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "Save Me," "The Game" is often cited as one of Queen’s most underrated albums.
- A Night at the Opera (1975) – Regarded by many as Queen’s magnum opus, "A Night at the Opera" features some of the band’s most iconic songs, including "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Conclusion
Pepsi’s new NFL commercial is a fun and innovative take on Queen’s classic anthem "We Will Rock You." With Megan Thee Stallion’s fresh rap verses and the nods to the original 2004 ad, the commercial is sure to delight fans of both Queen and hip-hop. Whether you’re a die-hard Queen fan or just a casual football enthusiast, the commercial’s energy and excitement are infectious.
FAQs
Q: What is the name of the Queen album that features "We Will Rock You"?
A: "We Will Rock You" is featured on Queen’s 1977 album "News of the World."
Q: Who wrote "We Will Rock You"?
A: "We Will Rock You" was written by Queen’s guitarist Brian May and vocalist Freddie Mercury.
Q: What is the title of the upcoming film that Pepsi’s commercial is tied to?
A: The title of the upcoming film is "Gladiator II."
Q: Who else has covered "We Will Rock You" in popular culture?
A: Several artists have covered "We Will Rock You" in popular culture, including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink in Pepsi’s 2004 commercial.
