Great White, Once Bitten Twice Shy | COVERS

In the 43^rd edition of COVERS (2024), Great White delivers a compelling rendition of “Once Bitten Twice Shy” originally performed by Ian Hunter.   

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and 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.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 43^rd edition of COVERS (2024), Great White delivers a compelling rendition of “Once Bitten Twice Shy” originally performed by Ian Hunter.

“Well, the times are getting hard for you, little girl / I’m a-humming and a-strumming all over God’s world.” Word.  “You didn’t know that rock and roll burned / So, you bought a candle, and you lived, and you learned.” Also, word. “Once Bitten Twice Shy” is the ninth and final track from the multiplatinum Twice Shy, the 1989 album by American rock band, Great White. The song was written and originally recorded by Ian Hunter in 1975.  Yes, that means the successful Great White version is indeed a cover 🤯! The gold-certified single marked the biggest hit of the band’s career.  Their sole top 10 hit peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sometimes a marvelous cover is a song to beat, particularly if it earns more attention and notoriety than the original (Hunter charted one song on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was not “Once Bitten Twice Shy”).

“My, my, my, I’m once bitten, twice shy, baby.” “Once Bitten Twice Shy” dons a sick groove from the onset. The tone of the drums is awesome.  Also awesome is the rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Later, things get bluesier with piano riffs giving Great White the ‘glam.’  Well, piano doesn’t determine the glam-ness but it is a killer touch.  Also, ‘killer’ is the electrifying guitar soloing that occurs later in this high-energy gem.  Flowers must be given to Jack Russell, who sadly passed away in August 2024. He delivers assertive, dynamic lead vocals.  He brings ample punch and oomph to the lyrics.  “Woman, you’re a mess, going to die in your sleep / There’s blood on my amp and my Les Paul’s beat,” he sings in the third verse, continuing, “Can’t keep you home, you’re messing around / My best friend told me you’re the best lick in town.” Ooh-wee, oh, snap! Not only is “Once Bitten Twice Shy” one of the gems from the Great White catalog, but it is also one of the most memorable rock songs from the 1980s 🤘. “You told me I was the only one / But look at you now, it’s dark as it’s dumb.” WOO!

Great White // Twice Shy // Capitol // 1989

Great White, Once Bitten Twice Shy: Covers No. 43 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Capitol; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]