Rocking the Big Game: Classic Hits Take Center Stage in 2026 Super Bowl Commercials
The 2026 Super Bowl is set to feature a lineup of commercials using classic rock tracks. Brands like Pepsi, Budweiser, and Absolut have secured rights to songs from iconic bands like Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Lou Reed. The event will be held at the San Francisco 49ers' stadium, with Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show. CBS News notes the significance of the commercials during this high-profile broadcast.
Pepsi's commercial features Queen's "I Want to Break Free" with polar bears as the central theme, a departure from Coca-Cola's traditional association with the animals. Budweiser's ad pairs Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" with a heartwarming story of a Clydesdale horse and a baby bird. Absolut chose Lou Reed's "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" for its Tobasco vodka campaign, while Michelob Ultra selected Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" for a ski-focused ad starring Kurt Russell.
Hellmann's Mayonnaise introduces a new character, Meal Diamond, portrayed by Andy Samberg, who sings sandwich-themed parodies of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." State Farm's commercials feature Danny McBride and Keegan-Michael Key performing their take on Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" as they navigate the chaos of starting an insurance business. Other rock tracks featured in commercials include Blondie's "Call Me," Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds," and The Beatles' "All Together Now."
With a diverse lineup of commercials using classic rock hits, the 2026 Super Bowl promises to be a memorable event for both football fans and music enthusiasts alike.