Okay, so you heard the whispers, right? Thom Yorke and Flea, two legends in their own right, teaming up for a Marvin Gaye cover? At a show in London? My brain initially went, ‘Wait, WHAT?!’ But it happened, and honestly, it was a moment. Here’s the tea.
1. Wait, Are We Dreaming?
No, you’re not hallucinating. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea actually performed a cover of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Got to Give It Up’. Like, the actual song. My jaw is still on the floor, tbh.
2. The London Connection
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This legendary mashup went down at a show in London back in 2019. It wasn’t just any gig; it was a benefit concert for the legendary producer and engineer, Stephen Street. So, good vibes all around, and then BAM – musical magic.
3. Why Marvin Gaye, Though?
Marvin Gaye is, like, the king of soul. His music is pure emotion and groove. Covering ‘Got to Give It Up’ is a HUGE undertaking. It’s a classic for a reason, and these two knew they had to bring their A-game.
4. Thom Yorke’s Vocals: A Vibe
Thom Yorke’s voice is so distinct, right? Hearing him tackle Marvin Gaye’s iconic falsetto and soulful delivery was… a choice. But in the best way! He brought his signature ethereal quality to it, which was surprisingly perfect.
5. Flea on Bass: Duh.
Flea. Need I say more? His basslines are legendary. He absolutely killed it, adding his funky, signature slap bass style to the groove. It gave the song this whole new, electric energy. Total mood.
6. The Unexpected Harmony
It’s not every day you hear these two artists collaborate. Their styles are so different, yet they blended so well. It was like seeing two worlds collide and create something totally new and beautiful. We stan a surprising duo!
7. Was it Better Than the Original?
Okay, controversial take incoming! No, it wasn’t ‘better’ than Marvin Gaye’s original – that’s sacred. But it was a respectful, inspired interpretation. It showed their deep appreciation for his artistry. It was more of a loving tribute.
8. The Internet’s Reaction Was WILD
Naturally, the internet exploded. Fans were shook. Memes were born. Everyone was sharing clips and debating their takes. It was a whole moment, and honestly, I lived for the chaos. It brought us all together!
9. It Was For a Good Cause
Remember, this wasn’t just a random jam session. It was for Stephen Street, a dude who’s worked with everyone from The Smiths to Blur. So, they were bringing their star power to help out a legend. Love that for them.
10. This is Why We Love Music
Moments like these are pure magic. When artists you admire take risks, pay homage to their heroes, and create something unforgettable. It’s a reminder of how powerful music is and how it connects us all. Lowkey obsessed with this energy.
FAQs
Who covered Marvin Gaye’s ‘Got to Give It Up’?
Thom Yorke from Radiohead and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers teamed up to cover the iconic Marvin Gaye song at a London show.
When did Thom Yorke and Flea cover Marvin Gaye?
This epic performance happened in 2019 during a benefit concert in London for producer Stephen Street. It was a surprise for the audience!
Was the cover released officially?
Unfortunately, no official studio version or widespread live release of this cover has been made available. We’re all just hoping for a miracle upload someday!
Seriously, how iconic was this moment? Thom Yorke and Flea covering Marvin Gaye is the crossover we never knew we needed but now can’t live without. If you caught wind of this, let us know your favorite part! Share this if you’re still buzzing about it!


