Johnnie Walker Mashes Up Famous Songs About Walking for Global Ad

As the world slowly gets moving again, Johnnie Walker and agency Anomaly are refreshing the brand’s iconic “Keep Walking” mantra—with quotes from cultural trailblazers and a 30-second global spot infused with famous songs about walking.

The spot, directed by Glen Luchford (who mostly shoots fashion ads—and also photographed this Equinox print campaign), features tracks including Run DMC and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” Loretta Lynn’s version of “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” and Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.”

The spot is appearing in digital first before making it to TV later this fall. It will be accompanied by OOH ads featuring quotes from icons including Grace Jones, Mark Twain and Ayrton Senna.

With the new work, the whisky brand says it “wants to help inspire people to take their own next step by reflecting the energy, words and thoughts of cultural icons and pioneers who share that spirit.”

“Excited to see this campaign hit the streets, the film hopefully encourages people to get out there, make the most of life and ‘Keep Walking’ forward, with a sense of optimism and adventure,” says Tatiana Stadukhina, VP of Johnnie Walker and Buchanan’s at Diageo North America.

Johnnie Walker and Anomaly have frequently embraced music of late. In 2020, the brand and agency produced a remarkable track—and accompanying spot—featuring Brittany Howard singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” (I’ll be discussing that spot with Anomaly execs on Oct. 14 during this Mondo.NYC panel—it’s free to register.)

For an earlier classic take on “Keep Walking,” check out this Tagline podcast episode with a deep dive into BBH London’s epic 2009 brand film with Robert Carlyle.