Monday, October 11, 2010

Judas Priest sells minivans and phones

Minivans rock? Rob Halford plays a “preist”?

Rock fans can be forgiven for shaking their heads (while headbangin’ them) in disbelief at a couple of new tv commercials featuring metal masters Judas Priest.

Honda has launched the campaign for their new Odyssey minivan, complete with a Marshall stack, flames and pyro, all displayed to a soundtrack featuring Priest’s “The Hellion.”

According to Honda Brand Manager Tom Peyton, the spot, called “Rocker Dad,” is aimed at a target audience of consumers who want to downsize from bigger SUV’s and are looking for something different. “It’s a real sort of watershed moment for mini-vans,” Peyton told Uptown magazine. “Gen X and Gen Y (30-somethings) are coming into childbearing age. We figure that if we do the marketing right, we can dispel some of the soccer mom stigma.” But why focus on a soundtrack from the 80s? “Gen Y grew up in the 80’s—they are still 80’s at heart.”

Honda Odyssey – “Rocker Dad” campaign (2010)
Features Judas Priest song “The Hellion”


You have to keep your eyes open for a brief glimpse of Priest’s Rob Halford in a campaign for Virgin Mobile USA.

The Virgin commercial starts with Halford - as a priest - instructing his congregation: “Let us pray,” followed by rows of church-goers (and others) going into full-on text mode using their Virgin Mobile devices.

No Priest for the soundtrack on this one: it’s a Hives’ cover of Flash And The Pan’s 1984 track, “Early Morning Wake Up Call.”

Virgin Mobile USA – featuring Rob Halford (2010)



Judas Judas Priest

Judas Priest – The Hellion/Electric Eye (1982)


Judas Priest – You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, CA – September 17, 2009