10 Greatest Rock Music Cover Songs Of The 1990s
9. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door - Guns N’ Roses
When it comes to covers of Bob Dylan’s 1973 ballad Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, you’re spoilt for choice.
Reggae crossover musician Arthur Louis recorded a version in 1975, which featured Eric Clapton on guitar. Clapper then put out his own take on the track two weeks later (what a guy) and then, in 1990, Guns N’ Roses had a go.
The group had been performing the track live for a number of years already before they laid down a recorded version for the soundtrack to the movie Days of Thunder. It got released as a single two years later as part of Use Your Illusion II and has become a staple of the band’s sets ever since.
GNR gave the song a complete glam rock makeover, complete with wailing vocal opening, soaring guitar parts, and octave changes out the wazoo. It’s not to everyone’s taste - there’s definitely an argument that it’s too schmaltzy - but there’s no denying how iconic this interpretation has become.
There are probably people out there who don’t even know it's a cover. Bobby D must be absolutely fuming.