John Lewis & Partners will launch its 2018 Christmas advertising campaign, The Boy & The Piano. This Christmas, the ad tells how one gift in particular inspired and influenced the course of a little boy’s life. That little boy just happens to be Elton John. The story begins in present day and works backwards chronologically through Elton’s life, right until the moment he received the special gift of his grandmother’s piano that changed his life forever because some gifts are more than just a gift. With the iconic ‘Your Song’ as the soundtrack, John Lewis and Waitrose Partners (employees) will have the opportunity to share the two minute 20 second advert first at 6am, before being launched on the company’s social media channels, johnlewis.com and in shops at 8.00am. The ad will first air on TV this evening at 9.15pm on ITV, during Dark Heart. ITV viewers may have also noticed that yesterday, as a hint towards the launch of the advert today, the soundtracks to some of the channels most iconic shows, including Coronation Street and This Morning, were given a little twist when they were played solely in piano notes.
The John Lewis ad narrates the transformative journey of Elton John, underscored by his iconic track 'Your Song.' The visuals commence with Elton in his living room, playing the piano beside a warmly lit Christmas tree. It's a sentimental journey back through his career, showcasing moments on stage, in the recording studio, and at jubilant parties, each reflecting his life's pivotal episodes. The storyline ultimately reaches his childhood, portraying the instant he unwraps a piano gift from his grandmother, marking the inception of his musical odyssey. Each scene, drenched in nostalgia and warmth, emphasizes the influence of the piano on his life and career. The tagline, "Some gifts are more than just a gift," encapsulates the overarching theme of the ad, highlighting not only the lasting impact of a meaningful gift but also the emotions of love and gratitude intertwined with it. The ad closes with the John Lewis & Partners logo, enveloped in a sense of enduring warmth and emotional connection.