David Byrne's Cover of Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Kicks Off Tribute Series for 'Sour' Fifth Anniversary
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Olivia Rodrigo's hit single "Drivers License," a new cover version by David Byrne has been released. This cover is the first in a series of artists' interpretations of songs from Rodrigo's debut album, "Sour," which will be released in the coming months. The Byrne cover of "Drivers License" is available on digital streaming platforms and as a 7-inch vinyl, featuring a live duet of "Burning Down the House" with Rodrigo as the B-side. Target will also offer a 4-inch vinyl edition of the cover, with Rodrigo's original "Drivers License" on the B-side.
Fans were eagerly awaiting the announcement, speculating about Rodrigo's upcoming third studio album, "OR3." However, the focus on covers to commemorate the anniversary of her debut album suggests that new music may not be released immediately. The full "Sour" album was released on May 21, 2021, and the tribute material rollout is expected to continue until then. Rodrigo's debut album has been a massive success, with four songs surpassing two billion streams each on Spotify, making it the first and only album in Spotify history to achieve this milestone.
"Drivers License," the song that propelled Rodrigo to pop superstar status, has garnered 4.7 billion global streams across all platforms and is certified six-times platinum by the RIAA. While Rodrigo has taken a break from touring after the "Guts" tour for her second album, Byrne has been actively touring following the release of his album "Who Is the Sky?" Byrne's concert in Los Angeles was named the best concert of 2025 by Variety, and he will be embarking on another tour this winter and spring. Additionally, his Broadway musical "Here Lies Love" is set to open in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum in February.
In conclusion, the release of David Byrne's cover of Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License" marks the beginning of a series of artists' interpretations of songs from her debut album, "Sour." The celebration of the album's fifth anniversary hints at more tribute material to come, extending until May 2022. Rodrigo's monumental success with "Sour" continues to be recognized, with "Drivers License" achieving significant streaming milestones and certifications. Both Rodrigo and Byrne have been active in their respective music careers, with exciting projects and tours on the horizon for both artists.