Mars recalls John Barnes for World Cup rap

LONDON - Mars has enlisted former Watford, Liverpool and England player John Barnes to re-enact his iconic rap from England's 1990 World Cup campaign in a new TV spot.

John Barnes: World Cup rap from 1990
John Barnes: World Cup rap from 1990

The ad will air in May this year ahead of this summer's World Cup as Mars looks to cash in on the frenzy of World Cup fever set to engulf the country.

The campaign, created by AMV BBDO, will include a 30-second ad run on TV and a longer 60-second version appearing online at www.marsbar.co.uk. It will not run across other media channels.

Barnes' original rap dates back to 1990 when it was featured as part of New Order's World in Motion, the official song for the England football team that year.

As part of the campaign, Mars is also giving 15 people the opportunity to appear alongside Barnes in the new advert. The rap will be altered slightly with the word "Mars" introduced into Barnes' vocal outburst.

Mars claims that a survey revealed the song is still loved by fans 20 years after it was first released, and is one of the country's top three favourite World Cup songs.

Last year, Mars unveiled a five-year partnership with the Football Association. This year it has promoted the brand with TV ads featuring footballers of yesteryear including Peter Shilton.

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