The Different Cover Versions Of “Helter Skelter”

One Of The Most Controversial Songs Of All Time

“Helter Skelter” is widely regarded as one of the first heavy metal songs. Paul McCartney wrote it because he wanted to create something loud, dirty, and heavy that would trump The Who’s “I Can See For Miles”. In a radio interview, McCartney shared: “And I had this song called ‘Helter Skelter,’ which is just a ridiculous song. So we did it like that, ‘cuz I like noise.”

Like other Beatles tracks, several artists also made their own covers of this classic. Understandably, they won’t ever rival the original version but most of them did a fine job with their rendition. Check them out and let us know what you think.

10. Vow Wow

This Japanese rock band was originally called Bow Wow before they changed it to Vow Wow. They were highly influential in Japan. The final album they released was also called Helter Skelter. Their cover, while not exactly mind-blowing, is still enjoyable and fun to listen to. They didn’t offer anything new but it’s good all things considered.

9. Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie

Zombie described their cover as “heavier, weirder and more groove-oriented” and that’s pretty accurate. He also talked about how they both decided on the song, “We had been talking about doing something together for these shows — that he should come onstage during my set and we’d do a song. But we couldn’t think of what song. After we talked, later that night I was home and I just thought, ‘The obvious song is ‘Helter Skelter’!’ It’s so obvious that neither one of us thought of it!”

8. The Bobs

This vocal group took a heavy song and transformed into an acapella piece. It’s brilliant, honestly. But it’s not for everyone especially those who liked the raw energy of the original version.

7. Mötley Crüe

It’s flashy and done in typical Crüe style. It’s quite good and they did justice to the song. If you expected something jaw-dropping though, you might be disappointed.

6. Ian Gillan

With Gillan’s stellar vocals, you just know his cover is gonna be so darn good you’d want to put it on repeat. And yes, he didn’t disappoint. It’s heavy, hard-hitting, and absolutely one of the best covers of the song.

5. Pat Benatar

Her stunning vocal ability will blow you away. This is gold!

4. Aerosmith

Aside from recording a banging rendition with Aerosmith, Steven Tyler recently shared the stage with Paul McCartney for a live performance of Helter Skelter. As expected, it’s spectacular!

3. Oasis

You may not like the band but it’s hard to deny that we love how they added their own flavor to it. Talk about taking a song and making it their own.

2. U2

This is stellar. We know nothing will ever beat the original but this one is so tastefully done that it’s hands-down magnificent.

1. Siouxsie and the Banshees

This version is on another level, for sure. It’s haunting and unsettling but also has that in-your-face vibe. Yes, we’re living for it.