Blink-182 cover by Mike Geir soundtracks John Lewis’ 2022 Christmas advert
The emotional advert tells the story of one man's attempts to learn how to skateboard for a very special reason.
By Nick Reilly
The John Lewis Christmas Advert for 2022 has been unveiled, with its key song being a cover of the classic Blink 182 hit ‘All The Small Things’.
The laid-back lounge-pop cover is performed by American singer Mike Geir, who is best known for performing under the pseudonym Puddles Pity Party.
Geir first covered the track in 2017, making it the first in four years that has not been specifically commissioned by the British retail giant for their festive offering.
The song soundtracks the story of a man’s hapless attempts to learn to skateboard, in what appears to be a classic sign of a mid-life crisis. The reason for his efforts is revealed at the advert’s emotional end, when a teenager – who is revealed to be his new foster daughter – arrives at the door with a skateboard under her arm.
The ad ends by saying: “Over 108,000 children in the UK are in the care system. We’re making a long-term commitment to support the futures of young people from care.”
As Puddles Pity Party, Mike Geir is known for performing cover songs as a sad clown. He first came to wider attention when a video of him performing a cover of Lorde’s ‘Royals’ went viral, scoring 32 million views to date.
John Lewis director of customer Claire Pointon said: “We are fortunate to have a truly unique platform in our Christmas ad, which sparks a national conversation.
“At John Lewis we care deeply about families, and recognise that they come in many different forms.
“For our biggest moment this year, we decided to focus on one kind of family that is often overlooked.”
She added: “We are also aware that not all care experience outcomes are as positive as Ellie’s.
“The home Ellie enters is filled with kindness, and the foster father’s actions demonstrate that ultimately, it’s what you do that matters most.”
As Puddles Pity Party, Mike Geir is known for performing cover songs as a sad clown. He first came to wider attention Puddles first gained attention when a video of him performing a cover of “Royals” by Lorde went viral, with 32 million views to date.