Rocking the Classics: Hair Metal Bands' Iconic Cover Songs of the 1980s
Hair metal bands from the 1980s often performed cover songs as part of their repertoire. These bands, honing their craft in clubs, needed to entertain audiences with familiar tunes. Some covers became hits, overshadowing the bands' original music. Despite this, the bands' interpretive skills were highly regarded.
Cinderella's cover of Janis Joplin's "Move Over" showcased their bluesy hard rock influences. Great White's rendition of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" became a chart-topping hit. Hanoi Rocks' energetic cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around the Bend" highlighted their glam, punk, and hard rock fusion.
Motley Crue's version of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" stood out for its raw punk-metal energy. Poison's cover of "Your Mama Don't Dance" added glam metal flair to the original. Quiet Riot's take on Slade's "Cum On Feel the Noize" became a heavy metal anthem.
Ratt's cover of Rufus Thomas' "Back in the U.S.S.A." showcased their streetwise rock style. Skid Row's rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" displayed their versatility. Tesla's transformation of PH.D.'s "Little Susie's on the Up" into "Little Suzi" exemplified their rootsy hard rock sound.
W.A.S.P.'s cover of The Who's "The Real Me" demonstrated their musical maturity. Warrant's version of Blackfoot's "Train Train" highlighted their rock prowess. These covers exemplify the diverse influences and talents of hair metal bands in the 1980s.