The Times Rock Legends Hated the Covers of Their Own Songs

When Covers Go Wrong

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but that isn’t always true in music. When an artist writes a great song, other musicians often perform their own versions, sometimes with massive success. Think of Jimi Hendrix’s take on Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Covers can become legendary. Other times, the original creators don’t enjoy what they hear. In some cases, they publicly express their dislike for the renditions of their own songs.

Not every cover hits the right note, and occasionally it irritates the original artist. Here are three classic rock covers that didn’t sit well with the musicians who wrote the originals.

Blinded By the Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1976)

Bruce Springsteen first released “Blinded By the Light” on his 1972 LP Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Four years later, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band covered the song on their album The Roaring Silence. Springsteen was not a fan of this version, mainly because the lyrics were changed. In the original, Springsteen sang “revved up like a deuce,” while Manfred Mann’s version used “wrapped up like a douche.” Ironically, the lyric change may have helped the song reach a wider audience. Mann recalled in a 2006 interview, “Everyone was talking about whether it was deuce or douche.”

You Really Got Me Now – Van Halen (1978)

The Kinks first released “You Really Got Me” on their 1964 self-titled album. A decade later, Van Halen recorded their version for their 1978 debut album. Dave Davies of the Kinks noted the two interpretations were very different, saying there was a “chasm between the two versions.” He admitted it was flattering to have such a successful band cover the song, but added that Van Halen’s version lacked the original’s energy and vibe.

Where the Streets Have No Name / I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Pet Shop Boys (1991)

In 1991, the Pet Shop Boys released a medley combining U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” with Frankie Valli’s “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Bono of U2 was unimpressed, commenting, “What have we done to deserve this?” Despite his initial reaction, the two sides later reconciled, and today the medley is a fan favorite among 1990s music lovers.