Major bands who have never recorded a cover song

[Gatopescado]

The answer to the question is obviously Little Richard.

Because if you ask him, (and even if you don’t he’ll tell you anyway) he is the originator of everything, everyone else copied him, and he sure as hell is “major”.

[KGS]

@fusoya

Nope. Iron Maiden has definately never released any covers, and I can’t even think of any covers that they’ve ever performed in concert before (unless you want to count Always Look On the Bright Side of life)

Maiden performed “I’ve Got the Fire” in many of their early concerts, and a live version of that song was released as a b-side on one of their early singles. Also, “Women in Uniform” was released as an A-side single and also had a music video recorded for it. Granted, the band admits that EMI kinda pushed them into that one.

In addition to “Warning”, Black Sabbath covered “Evil Woman” (originally by Crow) on their debut album – although it only appeared on the UK version until the remastered CD was produced.

[pulykamell]

@bordelond

This question is probably going to require a band that shined brightly very briefly, then vanished for one reason or another.

To mention one such band, Nirvana nearly fits the OP’s bill. They recorded only one cover on their three studio albums, the Shocking Blue’s “Love Buzz” on Bleach. There were a few covers on their Unplugged album (Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World”, most notably), but none on The Muddy Banks of the Wishkah.

Nirvana’s not even close. You have all the covers recorded you mentioned, plus the Vaselines covers on Insesticide. Maybe not one of their canonical recordings, being composed of B-Sides and miscelleny, but still far from being an obscure, collectors-only type release.

[betenoir]

Has anyone gotten back to me about The Velvet Underground? I can’t think of any.

I just saw the Pixies last week, I think thet might qualify (plus I want to brag about seeing the Pixies last weekend. )

[Twin]

Barenaked Ladies did a cover of “Lovers In A Dangerous Time” by Bruce Cockburn.

[Edward_The_Head]

@KGS

Maiden performed “I’ve Got the Fire” in many of their early concerts, and a live version of that song was released as a b-side on one of their early singles. Also, “Women in Uniform” was released as an A-side single and also had a music video recorded for it. Granted, the band admits that EMI kinda pushed them into that one.

Can you cover yourself though? Maiden did a version of Dickinson’s Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter which was written and performed by Bruce outside of Maiden for one of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies. Maiden later redid it and I think it’s their only number 1 song.

I’m not sure if Ozzy has any covers on his albums, well excpet for live ones, and those are Black Sabbath albums so it brings us back to can you cover yourself.

[pulykamell]

@betenoir

Has anyone gotten back to me about The Velvet Underground? I can’t think of any.

I just saw the Pixies last week, I think thet might qualify (plus I want to brag about seeing the Pixies last weekend. )

The Pixies scored a minor hit with their cover of “Head On,” originally by the Jesus and Mary Chain. (And I can’t wait…I’m seeing them in November.)

[dalej42]

So, would Genesis and Pink Floyd be the winners? Both Genesis and Pink Floyd have released a substantial number of albums with any covers.

[DaveRaver]

Supertramp

[cstamets]

@KGS

They covered Chuck Berry’s “School Days” on their first Australian album, T.N.T.

You’re right about the ballad thing, though…unless you count “Night Prowler”?

*T.N.T. * was their second album. (www.acdcrocks.com )
Listen to “Love Song” on the Australian High Voltage (their first album). I’ve tried to refrain from calling this song a ballad, but I think 4 out of 5 dentists surveyed would consider it one.

Also on that album is a cover of “Baby, Please Don’t Go”.

[DaveRaver]

The Doors (except when they covered the Ajax jingle “Stronger Than Dirt”)

[Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew]

@DaveRaver

The Doors (except when they covered the Ajax jingle “Stronger Than Dirt”)

You’re forgetting “Alabama Song,” “Back Door Man” and “Crawling King Snake,” in addition to various covers on their live albums.

So far Genesis and Pink Floyd seem to me to be the best answers. The Velvet Underground is a good one, too, but they didn’t have a very lengthy career, so their record is less impressive.