No Cover Charge: “Drive-In Saturday” by Def Leppard
Vivian Campbell said Def Leppard was not a very good cover band when he auditioned to replace guitarist Steve Clark. That was one of the first thoughts that went through my head as I plunked down my money to buy the band’s covers album, Yeah!
What is immediately obvious about DL’s cover is Joe Elliott’s love for this song, and for Bowie. There’s a warmth in Elliott’s vocal that radiates a joy and affection for this song. He’s not doing this to try to get any cool points or to impress anyone one. His range isn’t what it once was, but you can practically hear years melt away.
In the liner notes, Elliott tells us Bowie is one of the three biggest influences on him and his desire to be in a band. He also says this song is probably his favorite on the album. Love or hate Def Leppard, I defy you to listen to this song and not hear that love.
The band doesn’t tinker with the arrangement much. This is a faithful, by-the-numbers cover- typically the least interesting kind, but it is Elliott’s adulation that sets this apart. Def Leppard has sold tens of millions of records in their career, but one listen to this song and Joe Elliott is one of us- he’s a rock ‘n’ roll fan who still gets goosebumps when he hears one of those special songs. I don’t know if Elliott has ever said it, but I’ve heard many artists say they were nothing more than lucky fans. That’s what Elliott sounds like on this track, and it’s infectious.
I know there is a massive coolness disparity. Bowie has attained an iconic status and, even when he’s not at the top of his game, will always be in the rock pantheon. Def Leppard is an easy target for critics and hipsters, especially when covering the sainted Bowie. Here’s the deal: I’m a Bowie fan, and I like this cover. The purists can protest all they want. Some covers reveal new things about old songs. Others just remind us why we love them in the first place.
What’s wrong with that?
Filed under: Tags: Def Leppard, No Cover Charge
