Wow, it's been over 25 years since Apple Records sued Nike for using The Beatles song "Revolution" in its advertising. At that time I was about 3 years into my 14 1/2 year long career at Nike. Nike had published print ads condemning Apple Corps for the suit, as Nike had bought the rights to use the song from its owner (Michael Jackson!) and publisher (EMI).
In August 1987 Phil Knight was actually in the USSR working on negotiating a huge tennis endorsement. I love word play (thanks dad!!). The light bulb went on. Hhmmm, Phil in the USSR, Nike ad response, Apple Records, Beatles, etc. So here's what came out of that, below. I hope no one can sue me over this. It's been 25 years.
===================
August 1987
Now that Phil is Back In The
USSR, here is an open letter to Apple Records:
Dear Prudence:
John would Twist And Shout in his
grave if he knew what you were doing. We at NIKE don't want a Revolution, we
just want to make a Rubber Soul.
Your lawsuit has created alot of
Helter Skelter here at NIKE, where the average employee works Eight Days A
Week, moonlights as a Paperback Writer and works summers in the Strawberry
Fields. NIKE's Legal Department has now been diverted away from the protection
of our new Norwegian Wood mid-sole.
The fact is, we negotiated and
paid for all legal rights to use "Revolution" in our ads. And we did
so with the active support and encouragement of Rocky Raccoon, Eleanor Rigby,
Mean Mr. Mustard and Polythene Pam. In fact, we even have the signed release of
every member of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. We also believe we've
shown a good deal of sensitivity and respect in our use of
"Revolution." It is not now, and never was, NIKE's intention to
somehow connect NIKE and the Beatles in the mind of the consumer.
But the last thing we want to do
is upset the Beatles over the use of their music. That's why we've asked them
to discuss the issue with us face-to-face. No lawyers, critics or
self-appointed spokespersons. Let's Come Together over a friendly plate of
Savoy Truffle. Let It Be now, Here There And Everywhere, Any Time At All, Across
The Universe, in a Yellow Submarine, even at Abbey Road. In fact, Why Don't We
Do It In The Road!
End your frivolous suit against
NIKE. Don't let another Hard Day's Night go by. Let us Help! Get Back from the
Long And Winding Road of litigation.
Love Me Do,
The Walrus
Wow! that letter is in one word - BRILLIANT - with all the connections to the songs. I could see either you or dad writing this remarkable letter. Rich would think about it.
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