Luke Spiller’s Stripped-Back, Mournful Cover of Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’

Luke Spiller gives Slade’s festive classic a heartfelt, stripped-back twist, highlighting the lyrics with a soulful touch this holiday season.

A Different Christmas Classic Comes to Life

If you grew up humming along to Slade’s iconic ‘Merry Xmas Everybody,’ you’re in for a fresh take that pulls at your heartstrings. Luke Spiller, the charismatic frontman of The Struts, has unveiled a beautifully stripped-back and mournful cover of this beloved Christmas anthem. As someone who’s always treasured that classic, hearing it through Luke’s soulful lens feels like cozying up by the fire with an old friend sharing a new story.

Unlike the original’s upbeat, raucous energy that clinched the Christmas Number One spot back in 1973 (and went double platinum thanks to its perennial holiday repeat), Luke’s version slows things down. It’s sparse, emotional, and allows the lyrics to breathe and resonate in a more intimate way.

Behind the Cover: Luke’s Personal Connection

Luke opened up about what this song means to him: “Like so many of us, I have always loved Christmas. For me personally, it’s a time where I often travel back to the United Kingdom and spend quality time with my family after a long year of touring and seeing the world.”

This nostalgia shines through in the way he approaches the song. Instead of the cheerful party anthem that everyone knows, Luke’s rendition feels reflective and wistful, capturing the bittersweet emotions many feel during the holidays — joy mixed with memories and moments from the past.

“I grew up listening to this song and have such great memories being surrounded by the people I love celebrating the year coming to a close. I wanted to put my own spin on this classic and decided to strip back the music so people can really focus on the lyrics.” – Luke Spiller

His video adds an atmospheric layer, with Luke donning a Santa hat while cruising through the concrete channel of the Los Angeles River — a stark, urban backdrop that contrasts the traditional warmth of the season, yet somehow fits perfectly with the mournful tone of the cover.

Watch Luke Spiller’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ Cover

Honoring Slade’s Legacy

Luke’s tribute doesn’t stop at just covering the song. He spoke highly of Slade, calling them an “incredible band” and a “huge influence” on his own music. That reverence is clear in the care he took to do the song justice with his version.

Spiller’s take is just the latest in a long line of artists who have given this classic their own spin. Anne-Marie dropped her version last month, and the list of past covers reads like a who’s who of music: Oasis, Suzanne Vega, Steps, and Robbie Williams (who performed it as a duet with Jamie Cullum for his 2019 album The Christmas Present). Even Girls Aloud included it on their 2005 Christmas album, which was recently reissued on vinyl and CD.

The Holiday Season’s Musical Landscape

The festive season this year is buzzing with fresh holiday tunes alongside classic covers. Kylie Minogue is bringing a new twist to her 2015 Kylie Christmas album with an expanded release featuring four new tracks, including the single “XMAS.” Olly Murs teamed up with The Ordinary Boys for a festive collaboration, while The Coral released a hauntingly titled “cursed carol” called ‘She Died On Christmas Day.’

Other artists like Leon Bridges, featuring Norah Jones, and Laufey, with her charming cover of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,’ keep the holiday spirit alive in soulful and jazzy styles. Even lesser-known acts like Home Counties have jumped into the festive fray with songs like ‘Better Last Year (Home Counties For Christmas).’ Meanwhile, Kings of Leon shared that they wrote a Christmas song, though it might be “too Christmassy” for release.

The Race for Christmas Number One

Of course, the competition for the Christmas Number One spot is fierce. This year’s contenders include a charity single titled ‘Lullaby’ by Together For Palestine, a collaboration between McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Paddington called ‘One Of Us,’ and perennial holiday giants like Wham! (who snagged last year’s Christmas Number One with ‘Last Christmas’) and Mariah Carey.

Luke Spiller’s Solo Journey and The Struts Today

Besides spreading holiday cheer, Luke has been busy with his solo career. He released his debut solo album, Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine, earlier this year, a raw and personal collection that showcases a different side of his artistry compared to The Struts.

Speaking of The Struts, fans can look forward to their latest album Pretty Vicious, which came out in 2023, proving they’re still rocking hard and delivering the glam-infused anthems we adore.

Wrapping It Up

Luke Spiller’s stripped-back and mournful cover of ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ offers a fresh perspective on a beloved holiday classic. It’s a poignant reminder that behind the festive merriment lies a spectrum of emotions—from joy to nostalgia—that music can beautifully capture. Have you given Luke’s version a listen? How does it compare to your favorite Christmas tunes?

FAQ

• How does Luke Spiller’s version of ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ differ from the original? Luke’s take is stripped-back and mournful, focusing on the lyrics rather than the original’s upbeat party vibe.
• What inspired Luke Spiller to cover this particular Christmas song? It holds special memories from his childhood and family time during the holidays, prompting him to honor the classic with his own emotional spin.
• Which other artists have covered ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’? Notable covers include those by Anne-Marie, Oasis, Suzanne Vega, Steps, Robbie Williams with Jamie Cullum, and Girls Aloud.
• Is Luke Spiller currently releasing solo music? Yes, he released his debut solo album Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine in 2024.
• What is The Struts’ latest album? The Struts’ most recent album is Pretty Vicious, released in 2023.

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