Sex sells

But can they keep it up?

What?: Sex is a proven winner in both advertising and music, but can the tricky subject of sexual issues prove just as lucrative?

* Elvis Presley is promoting help for erectile dysfunction, much to the dismay of his daughter Lisa Marie. His song, Viva Las Vegas features in a Viva Viagra TV ad. Lisa Marie was quoted as saying she found it “revolting” and said that there are some songs they “have no control over”. The use echos a recent Beatles’ track used in a nappy commercial.

* Condom Essential Wear gave away free condoms at this year’s Bestival festival on the Isle Of Wight. Rob Da Bank said: “We welcome this initiative which is a quirky way to encouragefestival goers to practise safer sex.”

* Enrique Iglesias has allegedly been approached to promote a new line of extra-small condoms. The offer to become the face of Lifestyle Condoms comes after Enrique confessed that he is not particularly well endowed. The deal could seal him $1M.

So what?: If Elvis were alive today he’d be 72 and more likely be in need of a hip replacement if anything. Viagra, the market-leader of male erectile dysfunction prescription drugs, however, through this kind of irreverent campaign, sets itself up as an acceptable name to drop in conversation. A man more likely to ask for Viagra than for a solution for his erectile dysfunction. Whether he’d sing about it like in the viral video though is open to question.

In a truly altruistic gesture 50 Cent ventured into the branded condom market recently, but will Enrique be quite so quick to follow suit with a diminutively endorsed campaign? It’s doubtful.

Condom giveaways at festivals are nothing new. The Terrence Higgins Trust recently gave away 40,000 Durex-branded goody bags, featuring sexual health advice and condoms, at this year’s V Festival. More likely to get used than a mouse-mat, they can offer a truly ‘hands-on’ experience.

Last year, a Ukrainian scientist reported he’d invented a condom that plays music during sex (via an implanted miniature loudspeaker and motion sensor). Could we see ringtones moving into a whole new area? The mood is set, the moment is
right…then Crazy Frog starts playing.

www.viagra.com

www.condomessentialwear.co.uk