Marianne Faithfull - "Working Class Hero" (live)

A lot of people have covered Lennon's great song; but this is the best cover AFAIK, and far better than her studio version.
From the sadly-departed NYC soundstage show "Sessions at West 54th", and first aired on late at night on American PBS stations (with naughty word and all) early in 2000. Video found via ed2k and probably off of her DVD "Dreaming my Dreams".

[@packhams4]

'Broken English' is one of the best albums ever made. What a voice you have, Marianne, and what feeling.....

[@paulbrucker3345]

I love this John Lennon song -- he really spoke his truth in this song without any Beatle fluff or fanfare. Just a brilliant poem like tune with beautiful lyrics and singing. And here Marianne Faithfull, who I always had thought off as an after thought to Mick Jaegger and never paid much attention to -- wow, what a powerful rendition, such great singing and interpretation. Lots of power and the band there, whoever they are, magnificent. Thanks for sharing. Really made my night.

[@TheBlueskyson]

Agree Pauly. Great performance here. ty 4 your music Marianne. Wowza! ty Mr. Lennon. Vale x

[@tanjawesseling6283]

I'm 64 loved that album then and I still love it now❤❤❤

[@yorkiegeoff1825]

Me too 👍

[@VILJL]

Marianne Faithfull was born in London, England on 29 December 1946. She is an English singer and actress who achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her hit single "As Tears Go By" and became one of the lead female artists during the British Invasion in the United States. UPDATE: Marianne Faithfull passed away on January 30, 2025 at the age of 78. Faithfull's best-known song, "As Tears Go By," spent nine weeks on the Billboard charts in late 1964 and early 1965, peaking at No. 9. One year later, the Rolling Stones released their own version of the song, which also spent nine weeks on the charts and peaked at No. 10. Faithfull will always be linked to the Rolling Stones, through that song and her years-long relationship with Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

[@Ashish-yo8ci]

thankyou so much for the info! RIP Marianne 😢 may you be in a nice place

[@johnhoffman5769]

I was 16 when I first heard her, I'm 70 in two m'ths, still listening.

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

i was 8

[@BoscoWiggins]

ha, I'm same age as you. Still listen to Marianne (as well as awesome new music out there)

[@VANCOUVERUFOTV]

Me too

[@VANCOUVERUFOTV]

I love her raspy voice now

[@VANCOUVERUFOTV]

What are we gonna do when the only ones working are the robots? Oh dear. This song has a n added meaning me for me now

[@patriciathewisher2315]

Magnificent Marianne with a magnificent version.

[@Mr22thou]

Gawd...haven't heard this in years. The world-weary voice of middle-aged Marianne Faithfull. Heartbreaking & beautiful.

[@kittylaflamme818]

If shes middle aged then shell be 140 when shes old lol

[@sharonaviugana4214]

UB40 Red Red Wine

[@anRoisinDubh]

Was she middle-aged in 1978?

[@anRoisinDubh]

Sbsolutely beautiful version! “Broken English” -amazing album.

[@Mr22thou]

@@anRoisinDubh Yes. She was middle aged then. She's in her 70s now.

[@robertstirman1736]

The only one who could cover this John Lennon song. Have loved her for since 1968.

[@apollo5169]

I woke up to the Music Channel's acoustic version of Imagine this morning. I am sure that Marianne Faithfull as well as the rest of the conscious world is thinking about John Lennon today - John Lennon the last person on this earth who truly cared about Peace and the best hope we had at sending the message across all countries and people of the world. If you are too young to know of him - learn. If you remember him - reflect. Keep his memory alive.

[@TheBlueskyson]

Apollo 11. This week we are also thinking of Marianne Faithful who gave us colour and contrast in the sometimes grey world. ty. Vale Ma'am.

[@Dutchly]

The singing isn't the only perfect thing about this rendition, but the guitar work. It's a perfect storm...

[@peacefuleasy]

She gives new meaning to the song. I love her.

[@phaedracollins6051]

For me this is the best version - she brings another dimension to this song.

[@sanderslongdrive]

Likely one of the few people whose views and experiences I would gladly listen to. A survivor who I suspect has a heart of gold, which she largely hides from most? Significant individuals take time to get to know, but usually they are worth the effort.

[@morriganravenchild6613]

This by far the best version. What a perfect juxtaposition - Lennon's tired words and her life experienced voice.

[@clarkewi]

She really nails it.

[@danlindstrom2587]

Jerry Williams

[@charliedekadens3348]

That sums it up

[@coreycox2345]

Excellent, right?

[@joaniejett8394]

Marianne, I have always loved John's version and I so love your version Johnny would be so proud of you! Your version is so edgey and hits you right in the gut, the way it should do. Johnny struck hard, you struck just as hard and knocked me off my feet rock on firl!

[@danlindstrom2587]

And Jerry Williams

[@mdteletom1288]

Johnny?

[@paultreadaway102]

Well said Joanne,Johnny meaning John Lennon one half of the greatest songwriters that ever grace this Planet he did Working Class Hero in 1970 after the Beatles broke up and lots of Artists have tried to cover it

[@Stewartp]

Very excellent - nice to see a live performance of Ms Faithfull - classy.

[@dolan59]

This lady is awesome, her voice is one of the greatest!!

[@philipernestholmes7200]

Stunning lady and what a cover . Wow. Clothes are great as well. Thanks Marianne.

[@thesatyamshow]

She took the song to a whole new level. Sang with a great Charisma.

[@nicnoc2628]

gave it depth

[@onecrak]

made it her own, beautiful work...

[@gloriaquinn9995]

Fantastic singer

[@ArthurStraw]

one of her classics! and AWESOME live! Thanks

[@dibooth6727]

This sent shivers down my backbone ... I've loved Marianne & her music since 4ever ... she's still got it !!

[@lemmybon3100]

Just beautiful. That voice is unique. Love it.

[@BillAnderson58]

WOW - I have heard a few versions of this, but this is now my favourite version

[@francoistoupin6253]

MÉGA-ALBUM !❤❤❤❤❤ excellent ☆☆☆☆☆lov !❤

[@drbettinawolff5843]

Great songs never die. She is still underrated ... I always love her.

[@RegenaDPeAcEonly]

That band ROCKS~good rendition--thanks so much Greg~

[@gregnewholm6684]

My partner Arnya (Just added you to a circle) thinks this version is transcendent. The backing track has such an air of menace missing from the original lennon version.

[@aflatminor]

I had this on cassette years ago!! Brilliant!

[@classymen2860]

A fantastic voice for rock. Excellent. A genial poetry and a present fantastic. Thank you so much. Pena Gil

[@nickwilmore7839]

Simply fabulous.

[@schmutzgreiffer]

What an absolutely superb belter! A striking formula........ Thank you

[@annemarie9972]

Bravo Marianne, such a feeling with this song we are all cooncerned with, thank you from this heartfeld feeling. I think that you are really living what we all live. Love from France. Anne-Marie (just the reverse of your 1st name). Long live lovely Marianne.

[@findofur]

Fabulous - and thanks for adding such a great quality video which is a pleasure to watch

[@cloudbuster8819]

The first time I heard the song was actually by Marianne Faithfull. Since then I think her distinct voice much more expresses the bitterness of the song - and a working class woman - than other versions. If I think back to my time in the UK, and the Brits I know, it really is hitting the bulls eye.

[@ianrandall482]

Maryanne's version was the first version I knew of, then Tracy Chapman's, Imagine my shock when it was a song by John, made a lot more sence then.

[@klistiranikrupije1724]

Divine performance as usuall. Marianne Faithfull is a goddess of music.

[@Agent99]

Sublime. No matter how many times I listen, I still get goosebumps!

[@bladome]

Cómo no amarla!

[@axeeugene78]

brilliant version! i love the drums, and guitar and bass and her voice!

[@shellhon]

All my life I was put down because I was never seen as someone who would achieve anything. I came across this video and will never go back. This woman sings the best version of this song that I have ever heard. I would like to believe that I am a WORKING CLASS HERO!!!

[@debbyharrison9198]

Green Day on American Idol was Great

[@bobmandoki32]

awesome version, I Love her voice..

[@orchidlilly7518]

More than tops! John would of love Marianne's version!!!! Thanks alot for posting this!!!

[@dodgeytrev]

dont normally like covers, but this is awesome. love that bass line, and as for Marianne, well, she looks fabulous here

[@lancedyer1]

Saw Marienne last week at Rhodes, Greece, of course, she included this song - she is amazing and her interpretation of songs is unique!

[@firesidecheat]

This version is an absolute revelation!

[@kentvikman1086]

Thank you for sharing this! This is the second best version that I've ever heard of this song. Very suave, very cool. 👍

[@taomont]

excellent voice, excellent musicians

[@celebtrvl]

Excellent cover of a magnificent, timeless song.

[@silvinasolari6404]

Grande Marianne, fuerte abrazo desde Argentina

[@notrondayt9]

great version Marianne Faithfull (and the band) absolutely nails it

[@gvb54]

WOW! This is one of the best versions I've heard in a long time! Great musicians and a voice with real soul.

[@kalibunar007]

Baba je uvijek bila u samom vrhu.Thank you dear mrs.Marrianne,Welcome to Croatia( Europe)

[@spring-jo8xv]

Epic performance, so bloody good,perfect

[@dianaswan7655]

Great band too...sultry,jazzy...Ms.Faithfull defies limitations...perfect,so raw&real❤

[@musicroolsman994]

Mere words can't express the love and respect i have felt and do feel for Marianne Faithful the past 55 years and as for her talent this is an incredible gift given to us all! Thank you Marianne Faithful from a sixties person. Peace.

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

Peace Buddy....

[@musicroolsman994]

@@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630 ...I will find peace eventually but at this time in our lives may happiness and good fortune be yours always. Peace.

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

@@musicroolsman994 Thank you my friend,this world needs peace and love desesperately now!

[@musicroolsman994]

@@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630 Sorry man but what we need is honesty from our leaders who continue upon their crooked "ways!" I've traveled the world a little and speaking as an average human most average people i met want peace and love and live their simple lives but the people in power want..."more power? Remember this... money is needed and no doubt useful but a warm bed and a roof that doesn't leak and a little food in your stomach is basically all one needs. The freedom this type of living gives a person money can't buy? Understand? If you don't understand peeps who read this apply for your next job and i hope you reach the ultimate dollar limit you can earn. Forget about the losses along the way... which you will only remember when laying on your empty lonely death bed. Cheers. Peace.

[@sspixie]

By far the best cover of this song - this woman has so much passion - I adore her.

[@stickyfinger7903]

what this woman has been through and still has that great voice!

[@beatlemanialennon545]

The best rock n' roll song i ever hear live on youtube thank's Marianne and your band!!

[@v6200man]

Stunningly raw from the world's finest chanteuse

[@stoica2010]

Just wonderful. Marianne Faithfull rocks and the band is great.

[@pedrotabarca]

llevo 42 años sin poder de dejar de sentir todo lo mas extraño y profundo,el tiempo que lleva ella publicando canciones.

[@konstantinos_darkwaveradio]

amazing cover!!!!! marianne s voice is so deep...and great performance by musicians

[@karisaisa]

Great version! She really made it sound her own. And the band also sounds superb! Good job!

[@SuzzyStohelit]

I saw her in NYC, and she asked me to get up on stage and dance- but with the shoes I was wearing at the time I thought I'd fall of stage. Damn! This is one of the biggest regrets in my life. I chickened out, but she was fantastic!

[@splorn]

Beautiful

[@snookermark]

Marianne is a highly intelligent woman. A private school girl. Such a beautiful woman when she was young...every boys wet dream I think she once said. She spoke so well because of her schooling & upbringing I guess. She has been through the school of hard knocks...what a woman.

[@keithclelland1636]

Mark1955 she was so fucking beautiful back then

[@KheglenAnn]

lol ...a "private school girl" ??

[@jeffsmith2022]

What a woman, INDEED...

[@randcooper]

She was a goddess back then... she still is!!

[@carlossolano226]

Awesome version..!!💜

[@gopeddle]

Outstanding version of this tune!

[@SusanUpstairs]

What an incredible voice!

[@bckm54]

I like this version...a lot. I did this with my band when I lived in NYC in the 1980s, and it was different than Lennon's version, and meant to be. The great thing about this music is that you can put yourself into it, and it is still Lennon's song, but with your individual mark.

[@slyng99]

Thanks so much. The studio version is even better

[@SawZaag]

outstanding cover!

[@paulboger7377]

Wow!!! That voice!!!! Awesome lady, awesome song!!

[@chefguevaraantinous5462]

It just couldn't be any better! The best cover ever done upon the certain song! Exciting! Adorable Marianne!

[@geraldballantyne7639]

Still going strong and filling out in the right places I see lol grew up with this lady, just awesome.

[@philbatten1]

My favorite version of this John Lennon song.

[@kentsbay]

Finally we are seeing the comments this video deserves. Marianne, you are a legend. Forever a fan.

[@alephalpha]

Agreed. Awesome version!

[@JillKnapp]

Stunning. Perfect.

[@CinnabarSwan1]

loved her cover, and love this version even more....she gets it.

[@bloggermouth]

I have always loved her take on this great song. I heard Green Days version and it brought me back to pay more attention to this version. The arrangement on this live version is superb!!!

[@beachdog67]

This just makes my hair stand up every time I hear it. Amazing.

[@theresastephens8407]

Timeless. Love, love, LOVE, Marianne Faithful!

[@marsharupe8112]

Great job on one of John Lennon's most powerful songs.

[@arleenbutner2026]

Marsha Rupe she turned John Lennons powerful song into a masterpiece

[@franciscretarola1928]

@@arleenbutner2026 It's a great version of what was already a masterpiece.

[@jamnua]

absolutely amazing!

[@cairnycow4723]

First heard this in the late 80's playing on my downstairs neighbors record player. Best version of the song hands down, thanks Marianne Faithfull...

[@beataspiewakjonsson1749]

Love this love Marianne ♥️ Thanks for sharing wish you a wonderful day ♥️🌹🙏

[@markbrandus]

Proof that a woman has beauty in every age of her life. She has moved through so many levels of femininity it is mind-blowing

[@theonlykoala]

was just listening to this on my itunes... bout time i added it to my favourites... marianne faithfull gets better and better... one of the best voices

[@hemi969]

Cool. Love the groove.

[@ivorytower99]

Amazing audio for a live recording!!! Thanks for the upload!

[@JOSEALVIM100]

Parabéns Marianne Faithfull, você deu mais alma a esta bela canção do John Lennon! Daqui do Brasil, tiro o meu chapéu para você!

[@gordonday1045]

Oh Marianne , of such faith . Gotta be one of my favorites . See you when we all get there .

[@Yarglish]

The best cover I ever heard.

[@Yarglish]

So do I ;)

[@peterpalavra4515]

I agree 100%

[@mariebrigittesevaistre2310]

I completly agree with U !!

[@christinaeriksson7830]

Look for Jerry Williams version of this song

[@barbjacobs2805]

I was lucky enough to see her sing this live.

[@GeorgeDemetriades]

Brilliant !!!!

[@wakygee]

I heart Marianne....have for so many years

[@yohyrral]

shivers down my spine

[@rahway07065]

She gets to the Blues and makes your heart soar!!

[@SteveCTZ]

She´s a queen in her own right....a legend !

[@alanswoffer]

That's what you call singing with passion, love this cover

[@tareksayed-ahmed9857]

Best cover of John Lennon's 'Working Class Hero'