Rate the Guns N' Roses version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door"

[WildRanger]

I'd give it 4 stars.
You?

[MirrorMask]

Why "version"? didn't GNR write the song?

[WildRanger]

Why "version"? didn't GNR write the song?

Nope. It's a cover of Bob Dylan's song.

[The Walrus]

The live version from the live record is 5 stars

The studio version gets 3 stars because the phone call bit is stupid but otherwise it's still far better than the original

[Adami]

The live version from the live record is 5 stars

The studio version gets 3 stars because the phone call bit is stupid but otherwise it's still far better than the original

That about sums it up perfectly.

[KevShmev]

Well, to be honest, isn't just about every cover of Dylan better than his original? Anything has to be better than his original with him sounding like your drunk grandpa.

Great songwriter, obviously, but his singing makes me want to find the nearest quarry to jump into.

[TAC]

What live album did GnR have?

I think the song blows, honestly. Musically, GnR does a great job on it, but Axl is awful on it.

[Adami]

What live album did GnR have?

I think the song blows, honestly. Musically, GnR does a great job on it, but Axl is awful on it.

Live Era 87-93 I think it's called. Really great record.

[TAC]

Oh, OK. I remember that. You know, despite seeing them a half dozen times during that period, I have never listened to anything off that album.

[The Walrus]

It's a kickass live record

[Elite]

1 star out of 5, because it contains Axl Rose

[TAC]

Just pulled up that live album on Spotify. Yeah, that live version of Knockin' is tons better than the studio version.


It's too bad that band imploded when they did.

[wolfking]

Never cared for the song and never cared for GnR, so I'm sure you can figure out the rest.

[TAC]

Thanks for playing!

[wolfking]

Thanks for playing!

Anytime!

[Stadler]

Only four stars.  Don't like the phone call nonsense, and while I love the rockin' version, and really like Axl's singing, the affected "ow-oo-ows, hey, hey, hey-ee-yeah!" after every "door" gets old. 

[ZirconBlue]

The video was for a live version, but the first version I remember was from the Days of Thunder soundtrack, which was a little different from the version released on UYI II.

[pg1067]

1 star out of 5, because it contains Axl Rose

Ditto.  If zero stars were a possibility, that'd be my vote/

[Setlist Scotty]

Definitely better than the original, but then again, it wouldn't take much, considering we're talking about Bob Dylan (just do NOT get the appeal of that guy). That said, Axl's whiny vocals repeatedly saying "Na-na-na-knockin' on heaven's doe-woar oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa yeah!" gets tiring quickly. I gave it 3 stars, but I think even that's being generous.

[The Walrus]

I find it funny seeing all the complaints about the frontman/singer doing his job... singing. I think it adds to the song with the 'whoa-ohs'! But I get it, tastes. 

[Cool Chris]

Not often a song gets its own thread. I remember liking this song a lot when it came out, and I only liked a few GnR songs. Was a long time before I found out it was a Dylan song. Below sums up my current feelings. I can't imagine wanting to listen to it now.

Definitely better than the original, but then again, it wouldn't take much, considering we're talking about Bob Dylan (just do NOT get the appeal of that guy). That said, Axl's whiny vocals repeatedly saying "Na-na-na-knockin' on heaven's doe-woar oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa yeah!" gets tiring quickly. I gave it 3 stars, but I think even that's being generous.

[Elite]

I find it funny seeing all the complaints about the frontman/singer doing his job... singing. I think it adds to the song with the 'whoa-ohs'! But I get it, tastes. 

Are we not allowed to completely dislike the way he sounds? I'm not complaining in any way, just gave him 1 star out of 5 - indeed mainly because it does contain Axl Rose singing. Does it matter though? The majority of people don't like random growling (wo)man in death metal band X. Tastes indeed.

[The Walrus]

I never once implied anyone isn't allowed to do anything

[Elite]

That's right, but you said you found it funny that people complain about the way he sings

[The Walrus]

That's right, but you said you found it funny that people complain about the way he sings

Well no, some are people saying '1/0 stars because Axl Rose' which is funny, but also that 'whoa-ohs' bug people more than I was aware of 

[Elite]

Well then, at least I gave 1 star

[Zantera]

It's OK i guess? Never really got into Guns n Roses when I was deep into that type of music and I think Axl was a big part of that. I mean sure the guy can sing but to me he's kinda the stereotypical 'full of himself egomaniac rock star singer' which is a bit of a turn off. Can definitely see how that would sway people either way.

[Adami]

It's OK i guess? Never really got into Guns n Roses when I was deep into that type of music and I think Axl was a big part of that. I mean sure the guy can sing but to me he's kinda the stereotypical 'full of himself egomaniac rock star singer' which is a bit of a turn off. Can definitely see how that would sway people either way.

Completely disagree. Axl Rose is not a stereotypical "full of himself egomaniac."

He puts them to shame. 

[pg1067]

Well no, some are people saying '1/0 stars because Axl Rose' which is funny

Maybe you're using "funny" in a way that I'm not understanding.  Axl Rose sucks (although he does have degrees).  What's "funny" about giving GnR's version of this song a low ranking because of that?

[Indiscipline]

Two stars.

Good rock translation of the Dylan song (which is way more enjoyable in its context movie), partially ruined by annoying singing mannerism.

There was just NO escaping that song in the summer of '92.

[Peter Mc]

Absolutely love it, Slash's guitar work alone makes this a 5 star rating.

[dparrott]

This is the best version imo.  1988. 
https://youtu.be/KqzXpNBQxVA

[KevShmev]

I find Rose's vocalisms in this song kinda comical, which adds a certain charm to it, I guess. I don't seek the song out, but it's enjoyable whenever I hear it. 

He can be a very annoying singer (see: the verses to Paradise City), but he can sing pretty well in a normal, non-raspy voice when he wants.  It's just too bad it was never that often.  And I am not one to defend the mega-egomaniac that is Axl Rose, but I will give credit where it's due.  I have always been a big fan of Patience, and I think he does a really good job on that one.

I feel a little gross just typing that...

[Elite]

Well no, some are people saying '1/0 stars because Axl Rose' which is funny

Maybe you're using "funny" in a way that I'm not understanding.  Axl Rose sucks (although he does have degrees).  What's "funny" about giving GnR's version of this song a low ranking because of that?

Thanks

[WildRanger]

It seems Axl is one of the most polarizing rock vocalists.
His voice is a main reason why so many people dislike GnR.