Joe Cocker fans say his cover of The Beatles’ hit is better than the Fab Four’s rendition

Joe Cocker’s cover of a classic track by The Beatles is “better” than the original, according to fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Cocker released a memorable cover of With a Little Help from My Friends, a track which featured on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Ringo Starr took on lead vocal duties for the song, and while it may be one of the most recognisable tracks on the album, Cocker’s version has been hailed as somewhat superior by fans. Those same fans have jokingly asked The Beatles for forgiveness in suggesting it’s a better song with Cocker on lead vocals instead of the veteran drummer. A video of Cocker performing the song had been posted to YouTube, where many people believed With a Little Help from My Friends was much superior when Cocker was performing it.

A fan wrote: “In the 70’s when I first heard this version, I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard a better version than the original.’ After more than 50 years, I say that I have not heard one that surpasses it. May The Beatles forgive me.”

Another fan added: “The right man, in the right place, at the right time with the right song and the right performance. Happens only once in a lifetime.” A third wrote: “There is not a artist alive today that can repeat this performance.”

Others believed Cocker is unrivalled when it comes to live performances, and this version of The Beatles’ classic proves it. One fan suggested: “The greatest performance by a singer of all time. Nothing more to say.” Another added: “The man gave it everything he had. What a performance.”

A third wrote: “I never get tired of watching this clip… every inch of his persona was in that performance. Just beyond amazing!” Cocker, who died in 2014, was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after The Beatles’ Paul McCartney wrote a letter of recommendation to the board earlier this year.

The letter reads: “Dear Rock and rollers, I would like to suggest Mr Joe Cocker for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joe was a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances. He sang one of our songs, With a Little Help From My Friends, a version produced by Denny Cordell which was very imaginative.

“All the people on the panel will be aware of the great contribution Joe made to the history of Rock and Roll. And whilst he may not have ever lobbied to be in the Hall of Fame, I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be amongst such illustrious company. Thank you and all the best, Paul McCartney.”

You can watch Cocker perform With a Little Help from My Friends below.