Believe it or not, I heard this song for the first time tonight. While I really like it (especially that opening riff) I immediately started to think of how I would monkey with it if I were a musician. This song obviously has great possibilities for heavy-metal bands. Has anyone heard a heavy cover of it?
[sub]And yes, I recognize the original is not exactly weak.[/sub]
Bauhaus did a punky cover. I prefer it to the original.
The sampler Victory Style 5 from Victory Records has a version by Canadian band
Grade who can rip along.
Apparently you can hear it here if you’re not at work.
The All-Music Guide lists versions by Bauhaus, Dogooder, Exploding Boy, Gourds, Grade, Guided by Voices, Miracle Legion,
Nuit D’Octobre, Ominous Seapods, Rausch, Mick Ronson, Stun Gun, T Rex, and White Buffalo.
I have seen a video clip of Nina Hagen covering “Ziggy Stardust” live. It is, I think, the single worst vocal performance of any song by any artist in the entire history of recorded music.
I agree with Snooooopy that the Bauhaus cover surpasses the Bowie original.