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The Pressure For PR: Why The Stunts?

Justin Hawkins Rides Again | July 1, 2026



Over the years, countless artistes have taken part in ‘unusual’ PR stunts in the name of promo, most memorably the Sex Pistols and The KLF. But recent stunts seem to involve corporate backers – with ‘surprise’ performances by the likes of a reunited Sugababes and Pussy Cat Dolls – funded by big brands. Does it matter? They got the attention and actually, the performances were pretty good.

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#reaction #musicreview #prstunts

Written by Justin Hawkins Rides Again

Comments

This post currently has 35 comments.

  1. @jonpardoe

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    My problem is with Sugababes original lineup performing future lineup tracks on such an auspicious occasion. That particular track only has one original member (Keisha) on the recording, being the debut of Amelle, who had recently replaced Mutya.

    Homeopathic Sugababes?

  2. @sambruce8502

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    As a fan if Rudimentary Peni, Crass, Minir Threat, WEEN, Buttholes etc. I KNEW you would appreciate hoe incredible The Sugar Babes are! Punk Pop!!x love you xx

  3. @shaggypoo4120

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    I understand they gotta do these stunts to fund their business, as long as they aren't really bad for me. As a Sugababes fan whose waiting for their album, I encourage it 😂

  4. @SteveP12345

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    On the pussyshatdolls it will be what we all used to call pvc, but which they now tend to call vinyl. Straight off of prettylittlething or AliExpress, cheap as chips.

  5. @ledad632

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    Maybe some of the folks here would remember U2 doing a rooftop gig while they filmed a music video. It definitely drew a crowd. Publicity for their song release, Where The Streets Have No Name.

  6. @joelnagle2214

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    Promotional work can be really fun if any level of imagination is applied eg. JARA, but not sure the world is ready for Justin level self promotion? I heard he once wrote a crash and burn wedding speech whereas he literally burnt the speech paper and ran through a pane glass window.

    As an illustration If american bull riding was included as a promotion stunt for party cowboy who "other than Brian may" would complain about that? Justin and Dan would have a great time.

    I may be biased though because I feel the darkness have a song in them that is set with Justin wearing an extravagantly embroidered red with gold tasseled matador suit complete with shoulder padded chaquetilla, which once removed reveals a equally extravagant sleeveless jumpsuit. (Obviously full length, not the knee high socks type)
    The music video that includes non-lethal Toque de Flores writes itself. Matador tassels are even called 'machos" 🤣 how on brand can you get?

    And no Jimmy page didn't already do that. His was just a mariachi band outfit with flowers embroidered.

  7. @lynneewer1500

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    Here in Australia, about 20 years ago, Cole’s supermarkets used Status Quo’s “Down Down” as an advertising jingle. They changed the words slightly to “down, down, prices are down”, but it was blatantly obvious where the tune came from. They also released a double CD of Status Quo hits as part of the marketing. I bought a a copy because it was a good collection of songs and quite reasonably priced. But… the whole thing stank of the band selling off their fame for a few quick bucks. I was quite disappointed this had happened and am equally so every time I recognise a song from my teen years in an advertising jingle. Ian Dury’s “Billericay Dickie” turned up in a cleaning product jingle. How sad a way to be remembered.😢

  8. @TheTobesOfHades

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    Was the plane thing just one song or a set or concert? A bit gutsy as no one wants to be stuck for hours on a plane and forced to listen to music you don't care for. Those would not be good reviews.

  9. @floyd75dylan

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    I think it's funny that they're singing a song in which 2 of them were no longer in the band.

    One was bullied out of the band according to Siobhán , the first sugababe to leave.

    Mutya was next to leave due to post natal depression, then wrote a song which implied that the person who replaced her was a diss.

    I would've thought it would be like rubbing salt into the wound, singing a song when at the time they left on bad terms

  10. @JacquelineAmmann

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    I love your digressions and I laughed so much with your pain au chocolat… "you're probably less inclined to eat a pain au chocolat if it's been handed to you by a sweaty bloke in a catsuit". Oh, I'm still laughing.

  11. @nickcarter3874

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    I may have missed a bit (I needed a poo 💩 sorry) but did you mention The Stone Roses? When they ruined their former labels FM Revolver Records Offices after they reissued Sally Cinnamon without permission? 🤔 if not you could do a piece on revenge haaahhhhaaaooooor

  12. @sah-win

    July 1, 2026 at 2:13 am

    Feels fine when they’re doing a show of some type. And in a way, just about anything gets at least one pass in the current environment considering the music is now “free”.

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