MIAMI, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger King Corporation (BKC) announces the launch of an exclusive five-week promotion with Jive recording artists, the Backstreet Boys (BSB), presently recognized as the biggest pop group in the world, having sold more than 50 million albums in the last few years. The offer will include an unprecedented 3-CD and video offer, at participating restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, beginning August 28th, while supplies last. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000818/FLF010)
"We are always looking for exciting, innovative entertainment tie-ins that will delight our customers each and every day. The Backstreet Boys CDs and video will deliver unparalleled value to our customers," said Richard Taylor, vice president, USA Marketing. "Because of their broad appeal and significant fan base, we are excited to bring the Backstreet Boys' music to our customers."
The three exclusive CDs all feature a new song, "It's True," from the group's upcoming album, as well as nine previously recorded but never-before released live versions of their greatest hits along with a mix of studio and a cappella songs. Backstreet Boys fans can also pop the CDs in their computers to learn which band member they are most compatible with; create personalized scrapbook pages with great Backstreet photos and quotes; download BSB screensavers and wallpaper; and click on very cool web links.
The 45-minute video, titled "For the Fans," includes new backstage footage and personal interviews with the Backstreet Boys themselves -- Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Kevin Richardson.
Also featured on the video are live performances of some of BSB's greatest hits -- "Larger Than Life," "I Want It That Way," and more. The CDs and video will be available exclusively at BURGER KING(R) restaurants at a recommended price point of $2.99 each -- an unparalleled value! -- with the purchase of any value meal.
"This cutting-edge CD and video offer will thrill our teen and young adult customers. They want the latest Backstreet Boys music and Burger King is here to make sure that BSB fans 'have it their way'," Taylor said.
"By working with Burger King, we're giving our fans the chance to enjoy some new and live music when they come in for a WHOPPER(R)," said the Backstreet Boys. The Backstreet Boys' anxiously awaited Jive album is scheduled for a November 21, 2000 release. Burger King will also be the exclusive title sponsor of the Backstreet Boys' upcoming concert tour.
BURGER KING Big Kids Promotion
Backstreet Boy and superhero fan, Nick Carter, was the first to imagine a web animation series based on the group where the Boys are not only superstars, but also cyber superheroes discovering their unique powers to protect the earth. Nick and the Boys have joined forces with the legendary Stan Lee and Stan Lee Media (Nasdaq: SLEE), to create "The Backstreet Project" (www.backstreetproject.com) which has already spawned a best-selling graphic novel and is launching online on August 27, 2000. As part of this BURGER KING(R) promotion, each BURGER KING BIG KIDS MEAL(TM) and Kids Meal will include an exclusive Backstreet Project Cyber Crusader toy, at participating restaurants, while supplies last.
Advertising Support
The Backstreet Boys promotion will be supported with three general market national television spots, two geared for adult consumers, and one for big kids.
All three of the spots feature the Backstreet Boys, with one, entitled "The Deal," featuring the boys singing the classic HAVE IT YOUR WAY(R) song a capella. A spot targeting the Hispanic market and featuring concert footage will also air. The promotion will also be supported with extensive in-store merchandising and radio.
Burger King Corporation and its franchisees operate more than 11,150 restaurants in all 50 states and 57 countries and international territories around the world, with more than 92% of BURGER KING(R) restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees. Since the company's founding in Miami in 1954, the BURGER KING(R) brand has become recognized for great flame-broiled taste and HAVE IT YOUR WAY(R) food customization. In fiscal year 1999, the BURGER KING(R) system has system-wide sales of $10.9 billion. Burger King Corporation is a part of Diageo (NYSE: DEO), the international food and drinks company, that includes such brands as Pillsbury, Haagen Dazs, and Guinness. To learn more about the BURGER KING(R) system, please visit the company's website, at www.burgerking.com.
The Backstreet Boys' latest album, Millennium, has sold more than 22 million worldwide and has already spent over 64 weeks on Billboard's "Top 200 albums" (the majority of it in the Top Ten). The Backstreet Boys -- presently recognized as the biggest pop group in the world, having received gold and platinum awards in 45 countries -- Millennium album was recently honored with five Grammy nominations: "Album of the Year" and "Best Pop Album" for the ten-times platinum Millennium album; as well as "Record of the Year," "Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal" and "Song of the Year" (a songwriter's award) for "I Want It That Way," the LP's first single.
