In the ‘80s, real Australian men rode horses in the surf, went white water kayaking, fished for sharks, wrestled crocodiles and trained for triathlons. They wore thick moustaches and mullets, and smashed a Solo fast to quench their “hard-earned thirst”.

We’ve come a long way.

This year, Solo soft drink is turning 50. It is still inextricably linked to adventure sports but it is letting women into its fold by creating its first campaign featuring Solo Women.

Two women are joining in the signature “slamming it down fast” ads for the milestone birthday year – world junior wakeboarding champion Chloe Mills, and expert kayaker, Dita Pahl, who competes in the Australian wildwater team.

 Lauren Fildes, general manager marketing for Asahi Lifestyle Beverages, said the ads were a nod to the nostalgia of the famous ads, “The iconic Solo Man still exists, but this showcases that all Australians’ thirst worthy efforts are deserving of a Solo.” 

Solo was launched in 1973 and its ads have featured four main actors, including the original Michael Ace in the ‘70s and ‘80s, comedian Joel Creasey’s father, Terry, and more recently Wollongong’s Adam Demos who is currently starring in the Hollywood hit show, Sex/Life. 

The Solo range now features an original, Zero Sugar, and a lemon-lime Solo in Zero Sugar. There was even a limited-edition range of Solo Deodorant.  

The new ads, featuring the slogan “crushing thirst since 1973”, will run nationally, and bring back the catchy Solo jingle.

Here’s a blast from the past: