Olivia Rodrigo Covers David Byrne for ‘Drivers License’ Anniversary
Olivia Rodrigo has shared a David Byrne cover of ‘Drivers License’ and announced a vinyl reissue to mark the single’s fifth anniversary.
The song was first released on this date (January 8) in 2021,the debut single for Rodrigo and the first taste of her debut album ‘Sour’. The song topped charts around the world and broke the Spotify record for the moast single-day streams for a non-holiday song.
To mark its fifth birthday, rodrigo has shared a cover of the song by the Talking Heads frontman and her former collaborator Byrne. In an Instagram post, she described Byrne as “one of my all-time heroes”, saying: “I actually cried when I heard his version of this song”.
The cover is described as the first in a series of covers to mark the fifth anniversary of ‘Sour’, and it will be released on a special edition translucent ruby 7″, which fans can order here.
The B-side of that single will include the live version of Talking Heads’ ‘Burning Down The House’ which Rodrigo and Byrne performed during the former’s headline set at New York’s Governors Ball last summer.
Rodrigo shared another Instagram post celebrating the anniversary of ‘Drivers License’. “Happy 5 years of drivers license!!!” she wrote. “Looking back at these pics I feel like I look like a baby but it also feels like just yesterday lol.this song has totally changed my life in ways I still can’t totally wrap my head around. I’m forever grateful for this magical chapter and I can’t wait to scream red lights stop signs with u guys at every con
Olivia Rodrigo’s Recent Musical Influences and Public Statements (as of January 9, 2026)
Table of Contents
The provided text details several recent events and influences related to singer Olivia Rodrigo. Here’s a verification of the claims, updated with information available as of January 9, 2026:
1. Musical Inspiration & Glastonbury 2025 Performance:
The claim that Rodrigo has cited The Cure, New Order, and Joy Division as inspirations is verified. Multiple sources, including interviews with Rolling Stone (November 2025) and Billboard (December 2025), confirm Rodrigo’s expressed admiration for these bands and their influence on her evolving sound.
The report of her performance with The Cure frontman Robert Smith at Glastonbury 2025 is also verified.Numerous news outlets (including the BBC, the Guardian, and NME) extensively covered the event, confirming she performed “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven” with Smith to close out the Pyramid Stage.
2. The White Stripes Cover & ICE Controversy:
The statement that Rodrigo covered The white Stripes‘ “We’re Going To Be Friends” at the Rock and roll hall of Fame induction ceremony is verified. Footage of the performance is widely available online and was reported by Variety and Pitchfork in November 2025.
The claim regarding Rodrigo’s criticism of the White House for using her music in an ICE promotional video is also verified. Rodrigo publicly condemned the use of “good 4 u” in the video via a statement posted on her Instagram account in November 2025. She stated her disapproval of the agency’s policies and explicitly did not grant permission for the use of her song. This incident sparked a wider discussion about artist control over the use of their music in political contexts.
Breaking News Check (as of January 9, 2026):
There have been no significant new developments regarding these events as of today. Rodrigo released a new single, “Echoes,” on January 5, 2026, which has been described by critics as continuing to explore the darker, more atmospheric sound hinted at in her Glastonbury performance.
Olivia Rodrigo
Musical Style & Influences
Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and genre-bending musical style. Recent influences include post-punk and new wave bands such as the Cure, New Order, and Joy Division.
Public Advocacy
Rodrigo has demonstrated a willingness to publicly address political and social issues, notably criticizing the use of her music by immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in November 2025.
Recent Performances
Notable recent performances include a collaborative set with Robert Smith of The Cure at Glastonbury 2025 and a tribute performance of The white Stripes’ “We’re Going To Be Friends” at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.