Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Son Jakob Deliver a Faithful Cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’

Experience the heartfelt rendition of David Bowie’s classic ‘Heroes’ by Billie Joe Armstrong and his son Jakob, honoring the iconic song’s timeless spirit.

A Legendary Collaboration: Father and Son Unite on ‘Heroes’

When it comes to musical dynasties, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and his son Jakob make a compelling team. Recently, they teamed up to breathe fresh life into David Bowie’s legendary track ‘Heroes,’ delivering a cover that’s as reverent as it is vibrant. Fans of both generations will find something to love in this homage that balances nostalgia with new energy.

Billie Joe Armstrong and Jakob Armstrong bring David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ to a new generation.

Jakob Armstrong, who’s carved out his own path in music under the moniker Jakob Danger since 2015, takes the majority of the lead vocals on this cover. His voice carries a fresh yet familiar tone that perfectly complements the song’s emotional core. The guitar work captures the essence of Robert Fripp’s original, with that distinctive straining, wailing sound that defined the 1977 classic.

Dive Into Their Version of ‘Heroes’

For those eager to hear this heartfelt performance, the cover is streaming now and ready to transport you back to that stirring moment when Bowie first sang of courage and resilience.

Listen here on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0BW5H8jW1N72zfaIviq6m9

Jakob Armstrong’s Musical Journey and Influences

Jakob isn’t just riding his father’s coattails—he’s a seasoned musician in his own right. In 2017, Jakob shared in an interview how bands like The Strokes and Beach Fossils shaped his musical sensibilities, especially their guitar and bass styles. This influence shines through in his own songwriting and performance style.

His band Ultra Q, which inked a deal with Royal Mountain Records, released their third EP, Get Yourself A Friend, in 2021, showcasing an indie rock vibe that’s both fresh and familiar.

Why ‘Heroes’ Has Reignited Our Hearts

If you’ve noticed Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ resurfacing lately, you’re not alone. The song enjoyed a massive resurgence after it underscored some of the most emotional moments in the Stranger Things finale, which aired on New Year’s Day. Streaming numbers surged by nearly 500%, clocking in nearly half a million plays per day at the year’s start—a testament to the track’s enduring impact.

Commemorating Bowie’s Legacy

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s final album Blackstar and, poignantly, the same anniversary of his passing just two days later. The music community commemorated this milestone in many heartfelt ways:

• Bowie’s widow, Iman, celebrated with a new Blackstar tattoo.
• Bands like The Libertines, Anna Calvi, and The Molotovs performed Bowie covers live.
• An all-day tribute event at the British Library featured artists such as Jehnny Beth, Donny McCaslin, and Tony Visconti honoring Bowie’s extraordinary career.

Billie Joe Armstrong’s Legacy of Covers

Billie Joe Armstrong isn’t new to passionate covers—he released an entire album, No Fun Mondays in 2020, stemming from his lockdown home sessions. The album pays tribute to legends like Prince, John Lennon, The Clash, and Billy Bragg, blending Armstrong’s punk roots with timeless classics.

In addition, Armstrong formed The Coverups in 2018, an all-covers band featuring Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, touring member Jason White, audio engineer Chris Dugan, tour manager Bill Schneider, and musician Greg Schneider. They’ve covered an eclectic range of songs from Cheap Trick’s ‘Surrender’ to Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer Of ’69’ and even The Strokes’ ‘Last Nite.’

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion with Courtney Love

The Coverups have had some electrifying moments, none more so than when Courtney Love joined them for Hole’s ‘Celebrity Skin’ and another Bowie classic, ‘Suffragette City.’ Armstrong described the experience warmly, noting how Love “definitely brought the rock and roll back,” hinting at more collaborations to come.

Watch Billie Joe Armstrong talk about performing with Courtney Love at the 2024 BRIT Awards here:

Why This Cover Resonates

Hearing Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ through the voice of a new generation while staying true to its original vibe is a beautiful nod to the song’s timeless message. Billie Joe and Jakob’s rendition is a bridge between eras—an intimate family duet that honors a music legend while carving its own space in contemporary culture.

“It features a close replica of Robert Fripp’s straining, wailing guitar tone from the 1977 original, with the younger Armstrong taking the bulk of the lead vocals.”

FAQ

• How does Jakob Armstrong's version of ‘Heroes’ differ from the original?
  Jakob takes most of the lead vocals, offering a fresh yet faithful vocal interpretation while maintaining the iconic guitar tones reminiscent of Robert Fripp’s playing on the original.
• What inspired Jakob Armstrong’s musical style?
  Jakob has cited bands like The Strokes and Beach Fossils as major influences, especially regarding guitar and bass sounds.
• Has Billie Joe Armstrong done other cover projects?
  Yes, Billie Joe released No Fun Mondays in 2020, an album of cover songs recorded during lockdown, and co-founded The Coverups, an all-covers band.
• Why is David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ seeing renewed popularity?
  The track recently featured prominently in the Stranger Things finale, which caused a significant spike in its streaming numbers early in the year.
• What other artists participated in the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s final album?
  Artists like Jehnny Beth, Donny McCaslin, Tony Visconti, The Libertines, Anna Calvi, and The Molotovs took part in tribute performances and celebrations at venues like the British Library.

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