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Fall Out Boy do Michael Jackson

Published Wednesday, May 28 2008, 11:17 BST | By Nick Levine | 13 comments

Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' is having a bitch of a year. Getting the remix treatment for the Thriller 25 project, this pop chestnut was dealt not one but two cruel indignities: first, will.i.am got his filthy little knob-twiddling mitts on it; second, Fergie was permitted to shriek over the top.

Now Fall Out Boy have had a stab at 'Beat It', drafting in soft rocker John Mayer - that's right, the one who's getting jiggy with Jennifer Aniston - to play the Eddie Van Halen guitar solo. An inspired choice of cover version it isn't. Pop/punk band takes on guitar-based Michael Jackson song - didn't Alien Ant Farm do this seven years ago?

Despite suffering from two fairly crippling design faults - utter pointlessness and generally being a bit of a mess - Fall Out Boy's 'Beat It' recently made the top 20 in the States. There are no plans to release it over here, but it's steadily climbing the UK Top 40 anyway thanks to strong download sales. You have been warned.

But hang on! All is not lost. The video actually forms the basis of a fun Jackson-themed drinking game. Every time a Jacko reference pops up on screen - moon-walking, a white glove, 'Thriller' dance moves etc. - you take a swig from your drink. Honestly, you don't need to be especially observant or a hardcore MJ fan to do well at this one.

If you're in the office at the moment but still want to join in the fun, maybe you could substitute the booze for some chocolate or a nice packet of dried cranberries? Just press play below to get started.

What do you think of Fall Out Boy's version of 'Beat It'? Are we being too critical? Use the space below to share your thoughts.

More: Fall Out Boy, John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Music

Your Views

13 Comments

Your Responses

Sam, on September 26th, 2008
It is better, period.

Anum, London, on August 5th, 2008
Please no one should bother doing cover MJ songs...MJ ROCKS these ppl r jus murderin the songs

Margaret Simpson, Belfast, on June 13th, 2008
i really enjoyed the song and video i think patrick sings it very well better than wacko jako when i am depressed i watch all of their videos and it brightens up my day i would luv 2 buy it on cd but its not to be

Sander, Estonia, on June 8th, 2008
I think it's a very well made cover. And I bet the boys are by no means trying to 'beat' Jackson with his own song in any way. It's not about being better, it's about they're respect to a very very good song and making their own version of it. And to answer the question, yes, you ARE being way too critical in my opinion.

Rob, Goodland, KS USA, on June 5th, 2008
Great remake of a classic song!

barbharrisburg, on June 5th, 2008
i love the video Patrick is so sexy and i love his voice

Savanna, Darlington, on June 2nd, 2008
i think it is a good cover patricks voice is amaxing and he just gives a funky rockish vibe lol i love this song more than i love the original xx

Miv, Edinburgh, on May 31st, 2008
I'm a really big FOB fan, and even I didn't think I'd like this. But I listened on a whim and now I really like it. It's different, sure, but it's not a bad update. =D

Hayz, Cardiff, on May 29th, 2008
I love this version, better then Michaels version I think!

Keith Wayne, Alexandria, on May 29th, 2008
I like it also shows that michael music still lives

Me, Hamburg, on May 28th, 2008
what a ridiculous try..., specially the video. no one can beat michael jackson

Si, on May 28th, 2008
awful!

URockMyWorld, London, on May 28th, 2008
artists, music bands or whoever should really STOP trying to do cover versions of any Michael Jackson track - they will NEVER work!!! No-one can do Beat It, Smooth Criminal or any MJ track as well as The King himself has done!!!! Give it up!!!