Infamous Nike commercial

In early 1998, The Verve's management issued a statement saying that the band would not have consented to the Nike commercial if they had retained publishing rights to their song in the first place, according to Ambrosia Healy, the band publicist.

"Though it is not The Verve's policy to have their music used in commercial advertising, a portion of 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' has been approved for use in a Nike television ad that is currently appearing in the U.S. for a limited run. This would not have happened had The Verve not lost the publishing copyright (and therefore artistic control) of 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Allen Klein/Abko Music," the statement read.

So here it is folks; Nike's sixty second spot -- a stylish, cinematic salute to athletic determination.