Gold Fang, I’m Still Standing | COVERS

In the 12^th edition of COVERS (2024), Gold Fang delivers a compelling rendition of “I’m Still Standing,” originally performed by Elton John.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 12^th edition of COVERS (2024), Gold Fang delivers a compelling rendition of “I’m Still Standing”, originally performed by Elton John.

Covering a classic, top-20 pop hit can be intimidating, particularly when said hit hails from a musical icon, Elton John. “I’m Still Standing” was a BIG DEAL in 1983, peaking at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Despite having higher charting hits, including 9 no. 1 hits and 29 top-10 hits, “I’m Still Standing” gets ample love.  In 2024, Trinidadian born, Sydney, Australian, multifaceted musician Gold Fang covered “I’m Still Standing” on the triple j segment, ‘Like a Version.’ The results of this unlikely cover are impressive, giving “I’m Still Standing” a dancehall/reggae makeover. Dancehall/reggae seems far removed from the version of the song music enthusiasts know and love.  It shouldn’t work. But guess what? It does!

How does “I’m Still Standing” work? Well, with the tight, talented band, locked-in to the signature reggae groove and idiomatic music cues, the reggae rendition not only works, but it’s also SWEET! Marvelous alto saxophone riffs, keys, and the backing vocals all give Gold Fang a lift.  Gold Fang, the main attraction, nails his role.  His voice is sweet, embracing his Trinidadian roots with the patois.  Adding to the excellence of the pitch and his distinct execution of the lyrics is his personality – you buy what he’s selling.  Yes, dancehall and reggae are part of Gold Fang’s musical arsenal, but they can be tough to pull off authentically, particularly on a cover song.  With his inspired take on “I’m Still Standing”, he #KILLS IT.

Gold Fang // “I’m Still Standing” // Gold Fang / triple j // 2024

Gold Fang, I’m Still Standing: Covers No. 12 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Gold Fang / triple j; Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Matteo Milan from Pexels; MR1313, OpenClipart-Vectors, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]