David Bowie is in that exclusive echelon of artists you shouldn’t cover. Let the man do his thing and leave it be. However, occasionally, an artist nails it. Take Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold the World” for instance. One which often gets the cover treatment is “Heroes” with Peter Gabriel in recent years releasing a stunning version (I heard this one before Bowie’s original).
Here, it’s been given the Motörhead treatment. Recorded during the Bad Magic sessions, it’s simply superb, coupled with live footage and photographs of Lemmy, Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee doing what only they could do. Given Lemmy’s failing health and his instantly recognisable gravelly voice, the lyrics have extra weight to them, world-weary and contemplative. You’ll find this and several other songs (many of which have been in the wild for years) on the upcoming covers album from Motörhead, aptly titled Under Cöver.
If I said any more on the song, I’d be doing it a disservice. It speaks for itself. So while you wait for the album, listen to what Lemmy and co. did to a fellow icon and contemporary.
