The Baby Boomer generation is a source of trends, research and discussion of and by people born from 1946 – 1964.
The “Boomers” are a key demographic, with plenty of disposable income and make up a major share of people who buy and ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
So, it’s rather ironic when Dan Aykroyd yesterday wrote to his fans online that he had offered to have the Blues Brothers open for Kid Rock at Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary celebration, but executives apparently told him that they were “too old for (their) desired demographic”.
Huh? Really H-D. REALLY!
This ranks right up there as the biggest marketing no brainer in the history of no brainers, but H-D exec’s say no and then add a shameless insult that is deliberately offensive to the aging hipsters and largest customer segment for the motor company?!
Here is the actual text: Offered Blues Brothers to open for Kid Rock at Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary. H-D execs. say B.B.’s too old… fb.me/27MHI7iYw — Dan Aykroyd (@dan_aykroyd) May 10, 2013
You might recall that Kid Rock is scheduled as the headliner for the event’s third and final night on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Milwaukee.
The Blues Brothers formed in 1978 and featured Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live. Their debut album, “Briefcase Full of Blues” went to number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 1980, John Landis directed the “Blues Brothers” movie which according to Box Office Mojo, remains the 13th highest grossing film in both the ‘Musical‘ and ‘Comedy – Road Trip‘ categories and likewise ranks as having the 13th highest box office earnings for films opening in limited release.
Hey Harley-Davidson… ever hear of Bikes, Blues and BBQ? How about The Blues Bothers Ride? You don’t stop riding because you get old; you get old because you stop riding!
Is it time for a public apology and to make a truly informed decision rather than sending out open insults to your customer base?
Photo courtesy of Facebook and meoutfit.com. Rawhide video HERE.
Northwest Harley Blog 
Pretty stupid on Harley’s part but I thought I heard Belushi was dead.
No offense to Dan, but the Baby boomer generation is a dying breed. The Motor Company really does need to shed its geezer reputation.
I think that this geezer hears the call of the Indian Chief for 2014 instead of the Heritage Softail. Steve, everybody dies, even you. If you are successful you may survive to be a geezer.
[…] TV show prescribing on the road escapism… well it escapes me! Meanwhile they try so hard to alienate and re-write the Baby Boomer […]