At least advertisers are into the Black Keys

Commercial success is a funny thing. Take, for instance, the Black Keys. They are perhaps one of the most talented rock duos in the world, but they can’t get a song on the radio or MTV. Despite that, millions of people hear them almost daily. Why? Because their high-octane bluesy riffs are used to sell everything from bras to cell phones. They’ve been featured in big-budget TV spots for Victoria’s Secret, American Express, Sony Ericsson and Nissan (couldn’t find that one online). In a recent interview, drummer Patrick Carney said commercials were about the easiest way to pay the rent. “The only thing you have to do is take the flak.” But even an emerging band from Akron has its limits: “We don’t take everything we get. We turned down a Hummer ad.” Illustration by Justin DeGarmo.

—Posted by David Griner

June 27, 2007 in Griner | Permalink