Pepsi

Pepsi
General Information
Founded	1898

Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo. Created and developed in 1898 and was introduced as "Brad's Drink", it was later renamed as Pepsi-Cola in June 16, 1903 and then to Pepsi in 1961.

Michael Jackson had collaborated with the brand between early 1980's and 1990's, having starred in multiple commercials. Pepsi had also sponsored the Dangerous World Tour in 1992-1993. In 1993, Pepsi dropped their nine-year long contract with Jackson in wake of Evan Chandler's allegations against the artist.

Commercials

1984

• Michael Jackson filming for "Pepsi Generation"
• Michael Jackson on his way to the Brotman Medical Center

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Billie Jean

In the first Pepsi commercial, a remix of "Billie Jean" titled "Pepsi Generation" was featured. In the advert itself, Michael comes across a group of kids, one of which he gives a can of Pepsi to. They then proceed to have a dance off with the Jacksons.

The Jacksons

In 1984, Michael would film a commercial for Pepsi alongside his brothers from the Jacksons, once again featuring "Pepsi Generation". They filmed six takes, the final one becoming one of the most tragic points in the life of the King of Pop. Due to faulty pyrotechnics, the fireworks went off too quickly and Michael's head caught on fire. This happened due to gel in his Jheri curls. He initially didn't realize he was on fire, until his brothers helped to extinguish the flames, although the event still caused second-degree burns on his scalp. Due to the continuous pain the artist experienced, his addiction to taking painkillers has began, having a massive effect on his life and eventually leading to his unfortunate death. Additionally, his hair never grew back, having to wear extensions or wigs afterwards.

Michael donated $1.5 million to the Brotman Medical Center. Pepsi settled out of court with Jackson. Later on, he had no hard feelings towards them and re-newed their contact.

1986

In 1986, a Pepsi commercial featuring "Price of Fame" was filmed. The remix featured Michael repeating "It's the price of fame and that's the Pepsi way". Just like the song itself, the commercial went unreleased. However, footage of it would eventually leak online in 2015. The footage would go on to be re-used for the "Bad" themed advert a year later.

1987

James Safechuck

Another advert would come into fruition in support of Michael's new song, "Bad". It was devided into four parts and featured Michael performing on stage and afterwards getting away from paparazzi, all while a Pepsi-themed remix of the track follows the video. The remake features the King of Pop singing "Pepsi's cool, it's cool, you know it".

Another ad featuring "Bad" would be released, this time featuring one of Michael's future accusers, James Safechuck. It features young Safechuck dressing up into Michael's stage outfit and finally getting to meet Jackson near the end of the clip.

1992

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In 1992, a new, minute-long commercial would be released. It featured Michael singing "I'll Be There" alongside his younger-self.

Trivia

• Alfonso Ribiero, best known for his role as Carlton Banks from the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, performed the role of the boy in the "Beat It" jacket from the 1984 commercial.