David Byrne covers Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' and fans are divided

David Byrne released a new wave cover of Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License" on Jan. 8 to mark the song's five-year anniversary, and the release prompted mixed reactions online.

David Byrne released a new wave cover of Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License" on Jan. 8, timed with the song's five-year anniversary. Rodrigo commissioned several cover versions of songs from her debut album "Sour," and Byrne's recording is the first in that series. Rodrigo praised Byrne's version on social media and said she cried when she heard it. Byrne previously joined Rodrigo as a guest during her 2025 Governors Ball set. Key details: - David Byrne, 73, released a new wave rendition of "Drivers License" on Jan. 8. - The track is the first in a set of anniversary covers commissioned by Olivia Rodrigo. - Rodrigo wrote that she was moved by Byrne's reworking and described him as one of her heroes. - Fan responses have been mixed on social platforms, ranging from comments like "Sorry, I cannot" and "This man just butchered a classic" to posts praising the cover and saying it grew on them. Summary: The release has renewed online discussion about reinterpretations of recent pop hits and highlighted a cross-generational musical exchange tied to Rodrigo's anniversary project. Reactions online are split between criticism and praise. Undetermined at this time.