jxdn, Happy Holidays, You Bastard | COVERS

In the 38^th edition of COVERS (2025), jxdn delivers a compelling rendition of “Happy Holidays, You Bastard,” originally performed by blink-182.

[nx_dropcap]A[/nx_dropcap]h, 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 38^th  edition of COVERS (2025), jxdn delivers a compelling rendition of “Happy Holidays, You Bastard”, originally performed by blink-182.  

[nx_pullquote]“It’s Christmas Eve, and I’ve only wrapped two fuckin’ presents.”[/nx_pullquote] 👀 👀 👀 Handsome, heavily tatted Gen-Z singer-songwriter and social media personality jdxn (Jaden Hossler, b. 2001) had big shoes to fill. How so? Covering a timeless blink-182 gem is no easy matter. “Happy Holidays, You Bastard” already kicked some serious ass as a truly naughty, wild ‘Christmas song.’ In the original,  brief, profanity-laced, NSFW pop-punk novelty song from 2001’s Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, Mark Hoppus did God’s work (🤭) singing.  In his own, 43-second rendition, jxdn shines, too. It also doesn’t hurt that a member of blink-182, Travis Barker, produced the cover.

Hossler goes in on “Happy Holidays, You Bastard.” His vocal performance is playful, filled with personality, yet easy-going. Hossler never forces things. He navigates the angst-filled, outlandish lyrics like a champ. When he says, “I hate, hate, hate your guts,” you believe him! Of course, the best section beyond the f-bombs in both verses, and shitting in the second, is the chorus. True to the original, jxdn won’t talk to you again “Unless you dad will suck me off /… Unless your mom will touch my cock /… Ejaculate into a sock.” No need to explore that any further! Of course, the music is turnt up with its boisterous guitar, driving bass, and aggressive, pummeling drumming. Topping Mark Hoppus is no easy task.  Was that even the modus operandi on the jxdn cover of “Happy Holidays, You Bastard”? Probably not, but Hossler easily captures the angsty, rebellious spirit of this un-Christmas cut 🤘.