The Mozart of Rock: Famous Bands and Their Terrible Covers

While many covers by famous bands are executed with skill and respect, there are a select few that vie for the title of the worst. Let's take a look at some notable terrible covers that have managed to botch iconic tracks.

Limp Bizkit and 'We're Only Gonna Hurt Each Other'

Limp Bizkit is known for their high-energy rock style, yet their version of We're Only Gonna Hurt Each Other by the Offspring surely steered them away from their usual territory. This cover not only fails to capture the raw emotion of the original but also turns their more energetic elements into a cacophony that barely resembles the track.

Five Finger Death Punch and 'Gone Away'

Similarly, Five Finger Death Punch took on the Offspring's Gone Away with disastrous results. Known for their powerful presence and impeccable renditions of most cover songs, this cover is a notable exception. Their interpretation completely sidetracks the essence of the song, making it difficult to recognize the original melody.

U2 and 'I Am the Walrus'

Even the iconic U2 has questionable cover history. Their rendition of I Am the Walrus from the soundtrack to Across the Universe is a case in point. The song, originally filled with its psychedelic and surreal tone, was transformed into something that fails to evoke the same emotions and spirit. U2's take on this classic reportedly misses the mark, leaving the audience feeling that something vital is missing.

Alice Cooper, Steve Martin, and More

The legendary Alice Cooper has garnered a reputation for covering songs, but his version of Because is notably bad. Similarly, Steve Martin has his fair share of mocked covers, particularly his take on Maxwell's Silver Hammer from the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Another memorable disaster was when George Burns did Fixing a Hole from the same movie, a cover that many found unrecognizable and distasteful.

Van Halen and Phil Collins

Van Halen has a history of terrible covers, particularly their rendition of Dancing in the Streets. Although the band is renowned for their guitar skills, this cover is a miss and fails to bring the song to life. Phil Collins, a renowned singer, tried his hand at a disastrous cover: he attempted a cover of a Cyndi Lauper song (possibly True Colors, though the exact title is not specified). Another notable howler was Michael Bolton's cover of SOS by ABBA, which is widely considered to be a disaster.

The Beatles and 'Money'

There's no getting around the fact that not even the Beatles were immune to a bad cover. One of the most egregious examples is their ridiculous cover of the Motown hit, “Money (That's What I Want).” The track, which was a smooth dance number, was turned into a disjointed mess. Their inability to translate the original's sensuality and nuance results in a version that is difficult to listen to without cringing.

Conclusion

While these covers may not win any awards, they do serve as a reminder that even the best and most respected musicians can fall flat when tackling certain tracks. It's a lesson that any aspiring musician should heed: not all cover songs are created equal, and sometimes it's best to leave a classic song to its original artist. Enjoying the classics in their original form can truly be a semester of joy in a lifetime.