This week marks the 45th Anniversary of David Bowie's Diamond Dogs album which of course gave us the glam-rock anthem, "Rebel Rebel". The single was released ahead of the album in 1974, with a slightly different mix to the album version. It was also the first hit Bowie had for quite a few years without Mark Ronson on guitar - instead, Bowie opted to play guitar himself on almost the entire Diamond Dogs album. 

"Rebel Rebel" is also one of Bowie's most covered songs, there are a stack of recorded versions as well as hundreds of live versions by everyone from Duran Duran, Bruce Springsteen and The Smashing Pumpkins to Def Leppard, Tegan and Sara and Madonna. 

We've rounded up a handful that are pretty damn cool!

Joan Jett

Taken from the Queen of Rock's Flashback album from 1993, it's definitely got a slightly more punk edge. And because Joan Jett is the ultimate rebel, we dig this version - which doesn't stray too far from Bowie's.

Bay City Rollers

From their 1997 album It's A Game, this version keeps the structure of the Bowie classic but adds some Bay City Rollers signature too - partically in the lead guitar work and harmonies. 

Rickie Lee Jones

In her recognisable style, Rickie Lee Jones strips the song back and incorporates a more accoustic bluesy sound. This version was including on her Paradise album from 1993. 

Dead or Alive

Yep, those of "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" fame released this disco beat version and we don't hate it! The video and delivery of the lyrics plays perfectly into the androgenous intention of Bowie's version. 

Madonna

Madge was a peer of Bowie's and also cites him as a major inspiration on her own creativity. Here she is giving a much-deserved speech about his influence followed by an energetic live version by one of very few artists who can claim to have reinvented themselves as much as the man himself.

Get back to the original and listen to Diamond Dogs this week.

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