Beastie Boys, Who Don’t Do Ads, Sanction 'Sabotage' for 'Destiny 2' Ad

Beastie Boys’ music is rarely used in advertisements, largely because Adam “MCA” Yauch’s will prohibits it. They’ve made exceptions, like when “Sabotage” was featured in multiple Star Trek trailers. But they’ve also taken legal action against companies who’ve used their music without the band’s permission (namely Monster Energy and toy company GoldieBlox). Now, “Sabotage” has been placed in an advertisement for the video game “Destiny 2.” According to Adweek, Mike D and Ad-Rock “watched the two-minute mix of cinematic action and winking humor and gave their blessing.” Pitchfork has contacted Beastie Boys’ representatives for comment.

Since Yauch’s death in 2012, Mike D and Ad-Rock have typically upheld his desire for their music not to be used to sell products. According to Rolling Stone, Yauch’s will reads: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes.” During the trial for their 2014 suit against Monster, Mike D said, “We do not let our music get used in commercials for commercial products,” according to the New York Daily News. That same year, the Beasties denied Arnold Schwarzenegger the use of “Sabotage” for his movie of the same name. “It felt like too much of an endorsement,” Mike D reportedly said.

Trailers for the J.J. Abrams Star Trek films remain exceptions to the Beasties’ commercials reluctance. “Sabotage” was used in the 2009 Star Trek and 2016 Star Trek Beyond. 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness featured “Body Movin’ (Fatboy Slim Remix).”