Olivia Rodrigo Celebrates 5 Years of Drivers License with David Byrne Cover and Limited Vinyl

Olivia Rodrigo honors the 5th anniversary of Drivers License with a dazzling David Byrne cover and a special ruby vinyl release.

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Olivia Rodrigo dropped her game-changing debut single "Drivers License" back on January 8, 2021. For many of us who’ve belted out that heart-wrenching ballad at the top of our lungs, this track isn’t just a song—it’s a defining moment in pop culture. To celebrate this milestone, Olivia has gifted fans with something truly special: a haunting cover by Talking Heads’ frontman David Byrne, alongside an exclusive translucent ruby 7-inch vinyl reissue. Trust me, this combo is a collector’s dream!

Olivia Rodrigo in 2025 - a snapshot of her evolving artistry

The Birth of a Modern Classic

If you remember the first time "Drivers License" hit the airwaves, you know the frenzy it caused. As Olivia’s debut single and the lead teaser for her album Sour, it wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural reset. The track quickly soared to the top of global charts and shattered Spotify’s record for the most single-day streams by a non-holiday song. This wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon that firmly planted Olivia in the pop royalty realm.

David Byrne’s Stunning Cover: A Fan’s Dream Come True

What makes this anniversary even sweeter is the collaboration with David Byrne, that legendary figure from Talking Heads, who also happens to be a former collaborator of Olivia’s. When Olivia shared Byrne’s cover on Instagram, she opened up about her emotional reaction: “I actually cried when I heard his version of this song.” That’s a powerful endorsement coming from a pop icon herself.

This cover is just the beginning of a series planned to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Sour. The cover will be pressed on a translucent ruby 7-inch vinyl—imagine holding that in your hands while spinning those bittersweet melodies. Fans eager to snag this gem can order it here.

A Special B-Side Collaboration

Vinyl collectors, listen up! The B-side of this special edition vinyl isn’t just any track—it features a live version of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down The House,” performed live by Olivia and David Byrne themselves during her headline set at New York’s Governors Ball last summer. That moment was unforgettable, a perfect blend of two musical worlds colliding in real-time.

Reflections from Olivia on a Game-Changing Track

Olivia took a moment on Instagram to celebrate the anniversary with her fans too. Reflecting on the journey, she wrote:

“Happy 5 years of drivers license!!! Looking back at these pics I feel like I look like a baby but it also feels like just yesterday lol. this song has totally changed my life in ways I still can’t totally wrap my head around. I’m forever grateful for this magical chapter and I can’t wait to scream red lights stop signs with u guys at every concert I play for the rest of my life! happy birthday.”

From Governors Ball to Global Praise

Following their epic Governors Ball performance, David Byrne praised Olivia for her sincere connection with her audience. He said she has a “great relationship with her audience” and noted that her fans don’t just know the songs—they feel them, which is rare and powerful.

Olivia’s rise has been as fast as it has been meteoric. A few months after "Drivers License" exploded, she told an interviewer how surreal it was to rehearse for her 2021 BRIT Awards debut:

“It’s absolutely mind-blowing to me. I was so nervous rehearsing for it and my team were like, ‘It’s fine, there’s just going to be 45 people’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah but the 45 people are going to be Harry Styles and Dua Lipa; that’s so scary!’”

Diving Deeper Into Inspiration

Olivia’s musical influences have grown richer in recent years. She’s been drawing inspiration from legends like The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division. A highlight came during her 2025 Glastonbury headline set when Robert Smith, The Cure’s iconic frontman, joined her for live renditions of “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven.” It was a beautiful crossover of generations and genres that left fans buzzing.

She’s also paid homage to rock history by covering The White Stripes’ “We’re Going To Be Friends” at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last November. It shows her versatility and respect for music’s roots, beyond the pop world she initially burst onto the scene with.

The Ups and Downs of Fame

Alongside the highs, Olivia has faced challenges too. Last November, she publicly criticized the use of her music in a controversial White House video promoting ICE enforcement. It was a sharp reminder that artists’ voices extend beyond their art—they also stand firm on their values.

Celebrating Legacy, Looking Ahead

Five years on, "Drivers License" remains a beacon in Olivia Rodrigo’s discography. This celebration—highlighted by David Byrne’s heartfelt cover and the special vinyl release—honors not just a song, but a moment that changed the landscape of pop music.

For all the fans who have driven through heartbreak and healing with Olivia’s voice as their soundtrack, this anniversary feels personal. And the best part? There’s more to come.

FAQ

• How can fans get the special edition vinyl of Drivers License?
  The translucent ruby 7-inch vinyl featuring David Byrne’s cover and a live B-side is available for pre-order online.
• Who is David Byrne and why is his cover special?
  David Byrne is the legendary frontman of Talking Heads and a former collaborator with Olivia. His cover adds a unique, artistic layer to the anniversary celebration.
• What was the significance of Olivia and David Byrne’s Governors Ball performance?
  They performed a live duet of “Burning Down The House,” showcasing a real musical collaboration and chemistry on stage.
• What other artists has Olivia Rodrigo been inspired by recently?
  She’s been influenced by The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division, reflecting a more alternative edge to her evolving sound.
• How did Olivia respond to the use of her music in a political video?
  She publicly slammed the White House for using her music in a promotion video for ICE, standing up for her values.

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