A cover of The Clash’s Clampdown by Bruce Springsteen has been praised by fans because it shows his “respect” for other musicians.
The Boss’ “wonderful” cover has been uploaded to YouTube, where fans shared their love of the cover version. A performance from Springsteen and The E Street Band in Sunrise, Florida, on April 29, 2014, marked the moment The Clash‘s London Calling hit was covered. An official upload of the song from Springsteen’s YouTube account is available on YouTube, with many praising Springsteen for his work on The Clash’s song. Many suggested Springsteen is one of a few musicians who can cover the band convincingly, while others praised the veteran musician for having such “deep and varied” covers.
One person wrote: “I LOVE all these Bruce covers because it shows just how much he LOVES and respects his fellow musicians. The songs he covers are so deep and varied.” Another added: “I don’t know why people are shitting on this. There are few people more qualified to cover The Clash than Springsteen. He’s a kindred spirit, and this was a great cover. Good on you Bruce!”
A third shared: “My favourite The Clash song from my all-time favourite album. I’m glad he covered it for more people to hear.” Others were thrilled to hear Springsteen play out the song as it highlight just how much respect he had for the band. One person wrote: “Very nice. Springsteen always had loads of respect for the Clash. Shows his humility and appreciation for socially charged rock.”
Another added: “Wow, he has good taste in music.” A third shared: “This is a fantastic cover Bruce and Tom are perfect together for a tune like this. The Clash is still one of my favourite bands. They were amazing, and their music is and always will be relevant. This is a phenomenal show.”
This is not the first time Springsteen has covered The Clash, with a performance of London Calling marking the start of his Hyde Park show in 2010. Another performance during that set, of Hard Times Come Again No More, was hailed by fans of the legendary performer.
A very different tone to London Calling and Clampdown, the Stephen Foster classic, writtein in 1854, would be a major part of Springstee’s 2009/10 tour. Their inclusion of Hard Times Comes Again No More comes after the likes of Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, and Dolly Parton adapted the song, be it through covers or acapella verses to open their albums. Springsteen adapted the song to his live performances and left fans wanting a studio recorded version.
A fan who took to the r/BruceSpringsteen Reddit page wrote: “I have just encountered this cover on YouTube by Bruce and WOW WOW WOW. Gosh. Anyone else love this? Did he ever record it properly? Found a version on nugs but anything in a studio?” Sadly, the song was never recorded in the studio but it was a staple of live shows in 2009.
Not only was it a focal point of the Working on a Dream tour, the changes Springsteen made to the song were seen as outstanding. One user wrote: “Thanks for sharing! That was a really interesting cover. Most renditions of this song are usually a plea for change but Bruce performed it as a command!”
Another added: “Only ever heard it on the London Calling release. Love it.” A third confirmed it can be seen on the London Calling: Live at Hyde Park DVD release. They wrote: “It’s on the London Calling DVD release and on the Uniondale 2009 release on nugs. Wonderful cover. very powerful and Cindy Mizelle’s voice is incredible.” You can watch Springsteen’s cover of The Clash’s Clampdown below.
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