Morrissey Chews Out Buzzcocks for Licensing "What Do I Get?" to McDonald's

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jun 17, 2016

UK telly screens have recently been playing a new McDonald's ad bizarrely scored by Manchester legends Buzzcocks' iconic "What Do I Get?" Some may think it's a clever twist for an advert, while others are crying foul over the punk-exploiting chicken wrap campaign. Unsurprisingly, you can count "Meat Is Murder" singer Morrissey in the latter camp, as he's lashed out over the spot.

The recently broadcasted ad finds a young man and his dad pulling up to a drive-thru window to pick up peri peri hot sauce and jack cheese-adorned chicken wraps. The younger of the pair has also seemingly fallen in love with someone he shouldn't of: a blue-haired employee prepping the food inside. As this all goes on, we hear the Buzzcocks' 1978 single "What Do I Get?" while Sex Pistols-styled neon typography splashes across the screen.

The Leo Burnett Agency's ad was definitely not appreciated by Morrissey, who chastised the company and Buzzcocks guitarist/vocalist Pete Shelley for the questionably seasoned cross-promotion.

"Pete Shelley has allowed McDonald's to use Buzzcocks' What do I get?' to TV advertise McDonald's new Big Flavour (the flavour being sawdust) Chicken Wraps?!" Moz posted incredulously through his True to You site. "In the words of another Buzzcocks song: oh shit... "

Buzzcocks, meanwhile, have not commented publicly on loaning their pop-punk anthem to McDick's.

It should be noted that the ad also mashes Pusha T into things, considering it caps the familiar "I'm Lovin' It" jingle. It was reported earlier this year that the G.O.O.D. Music rapper had a hand in the hook.

You can feast your eyes on the decidedly unpunk McDonald's commercial down below.

Buzzcocks are currently on their 40th anniversary tour, which hits Toronto and Montreal in September. You'll find their global tour schedule over here.


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