# Rock and metal artists' use of cover songs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rock-and-metal-artists-use-of-cover-songs > Updated: 2026-09-03T21:47:02.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. An analysis of live setlist data reveals how rock and metal bands utilize cover songs to pay homage to musical influences or bridge different genres during performances. Data from Setlist.fm shows significant repetition among legendary acts. For instance, Judas Priest has performed Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)’ in 1,145 shows, and Guns N’ Roses has played Bob Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ over 1,000 times. Other notable examples include Metallica performing the Misfits’ ‘Last Caress’ 832 times and Limp Bizkit playing George Michael’s ‘Faith’ 712 times. In the hardcore scene, artists use covers to connect with diverse musical styles, such as 7 Seconds covering Nena or Avail performing John Mellencamp. Modern bands like Drain and Haywire continue this tradition by covering artists ranging from the Descendents to Madonna. For older acts, covering established hits was also noted as a strategic method to secure radio play early in their careers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Rock and metal artists utilize cover songs to honor musical influences Rock, metal, and hardcore artists use cover songs to honor influences, with legends like Guns N’ Roses and Judas Priest performing iconic tracks thousands of times live. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rock-and-metal-artists-utilize-cover-songs-to-honor-musical-influences ### 2026-08-24: Rock and metal bands' most frequently played live cover songs A study of live setlists from major rock and metal bands identifies their most frequently performed cover songs, noting Judas Priest as a high-frequency performer and Depeche Mode as a popular influence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rock-and-metal-bands-most-frequently-played-live-cover-songs --- Cite as: Rock and metal artists' use of cover songs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rock-and-metal-artists-use-of-cover-songs