Article written by Roger Casadejús Pérez
1. The Surprising Origins of Hair Metal Hits
Unveiling the Covers Behind the Classics
In the vibrant and flamboyant world of hair metal, a genre characterized by its catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and extravagant fashion, it might come as a surprise that some of its most iconic songs were not originally penned by the bands that made them famous. Indeed, unbeknownst to many fans, several of these anthems were actually covers of earlier tracks, often hailing from different musical genres or eras.
2. The Cover Behind “Cum On Feel the Noize”
From Slade to Quiet Riot
One of the most notable examples of a hair metal cover is Quiet Riot’s “Cum On Feel the Noize.” Originally recorded by the British glam rock band Slade in 1973, the song was later covered by Quiet Riot in 1983. Their version went on to become a defining anthem of the hair metal era, propelling the band to stardom and cementing the song’s place in rock history. The cover’s success was so immense that many fans still associate the song primarily with Quiet Riot, unaware of its glam rock roots.
3. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” and Its Unexpected Past
The Journey from Brownsville Station to Mötley Crüe
Another classic that received the hair metal makeover treatment is “Smokin’ in the Boys Room.” Originally performed by Brownsville Station in 1973, this track found new life over a decade later when Mötley Crüe recorded their own version in 1985. The cover proved to be a massive hit, introducing the rebellious spirit of the song to a new generation of fans and solidifying its status as a quintessential rock anthem.
4. “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” and the Story Behind Its Fame
From The Arrows to Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Although widely associated with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” was originally recorded by The Arrows in 1975. It wasn’t until 1981, when Joan Jett released her iconic version, that the song became a monumental hit. The aggressive edge and attitude in Jett’s rendition resonated with audiences, making it an enduring anthem of rock and roll rebellion. Despite its origins, the song is frequently credited with defining the sound and spirit of the era.
5. “Live and Let Die” and Its Cinematic Origins
From Wings to Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ cover of “Live and Let Die” is another example of a hair metal band drawing inspiration from earlier works. Originally written by Paul McCartney and performed by Wings for the 1973 James Bond film of the same name, the song was reimagined by Guns N’ Roses in 1991. The band’s powerful rendition captured the intensity of the original while infusing it with their signature hard rock flair, introducing the classic to a new audience.
6. The Hidden Roots of “You Really Got Me”
Tracing the Path from The Kinks to Van Halen
Van Halen’s energetic cover of “You Really Got Me” is yet another example of a hair metal band revamping a classic track. Originally released by The Kinks in 1964, the song experienced a resurgence when Van Halen included their version on their debut album in 1978. The cover’s electrifying guitar work and dynamic energy helped establish Van Halen as a formidable force in the rock world, while simultaneously paying homage to the original’s raw power.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Covers in Hair Metal
Transforming Classics into Timeless Anthems
In the realm of hair metal, covers have played a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape, allowing bands to introduce classic tracks to new audiences while adding their own unique flair. These transformations have not only helped preserve the legacy of the original songs but have also breathed new life into them, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal. As fans continue to celebrate these anthems, the stories behind their origins serve as a reminder of the genre’s rich and diverse influences, highlighting the enduring power of music to transcend time and connect with listeners across generations.