Max Headroom
January 29th 2009 22:00
To the M-M-M-Max
This guy has to be one of the most iconic and thoroughly 80s characters ever invented, few have embodied the culture of the time so well.
Max was played by Canadian Matt Frewer, where he started off in the UK hosting his own music video show, and his seemingly ‘futuristic’ appearance and quick wit soon garnered the attention of the whole world.
He eventually scored various hit television shows, a movie and a billion different ads.
Coca-cola took on Max as their own, and he soon became the face of their notorious New Coke franchise with his catch-phrase "Catch the wave!"
Although New Coke died the horrible and agonising death it deserved, Coke claims Max was one of their most popular campaigns ever – but we’ll talk more of that classic 80s beverage some other time…
I thought the guy was pretty futuristic and cool with his shades and smart ass wit, but like a lot of people, Max Headroom eventually drove me freakin’ nuts with his annoying stuttering voice and repetitive talkback.
The pirate broadcaster suddenly appeared dressed as Max Headroom during a broadcast of Doctor Who (in the 2nd incident) and could be heard over distorted audio to be jeering and insulting local newspapers and other media, and even holding up a Pepsi can while crying Max’s slogan.
The hijackers moved a sheet of corrugated iron around to replicate Max’s animated background. And the broadcast ended after about 90 seconds, in which ‘Max’ was being spanked by a fly swatter. The film can still be found around the internet.
The incident made international news but the CIA never tracked down the hijacker or his accomplices
Max 'goes to Australia' in this classic 80s Coke ad
"How can you tell a network executive is lying? His lips move!"
| 119 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Spike 2
Qwerk
Peanut Butter
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Then I used to watch the video clip show religiously every week, late night on Fridays. You'd see some freaky-deaky music clips, like Severed Heads and other like-minded underground artists.
I think I have some episodes taped on VHS somewhere gathering dust ...
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Remember folks, this is the internet and sometimes we're off base!
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
He was just such a great character and like Bryn I can remember watching him each week, as well as his premiere accident scene... *lol* how he managed to thrill us all with his new definition of *cool*...
Great post!
Lilla ...