Who Did It Better? - The Easybeats vs David Bowie vs Gary Moore - Friday On My Mind Comparison 

I'm an old fart and go with The Easybeats. They sang it like a lived experience. Gary Moore's version was play by numbers until the guitar solo - and then lost all subtlety. David Bowie's version was really good, but not quite up to "oh God, it's Monday" vibe of The Easybeats. (Whose follow up hit of "Sorry" is really good too.)

Firstly RIP to Stevie Wright, lead singer of the Easybeats and Malcom Young too, David Bowie and Gary Moore. This song was an international hit for the Easybeats back in 1966. From the land Down Under, that was a big deal at the time. David Bowie's version was done in 1973 and Gary Moore released it in 1987. I was not even born when the Easybeats released this great tune, but I have always known it, and loved it. Who doesn't look out for Friday and the weekend. It's my favourite time to spend with those I love. My vote goes to the Easybeats 🎉🎉🎉🎉

I will always love Easybeats! The other two are just respectful tributes to the original and the great!

An amazing fact. When the easyb eats finally got a record company in England interested they were told to turn up at a studio for a try out. The easybeats played everything they had for shel Talmy, a producer. He didn’t like anything. They said we have another song we are working on but it’s not ready. He told them to bring it in the following day. They had a riff and not much more. They mucked around with it and the next day came into the studio and played it for the first time as a band. The na na na na na bit was just fill and they intended to complete that bit with words. Talmy said “that’s it. We will go with that song” and walked out. What you hear is the demo complete with the na nas. Amazing.

Love The Easybeats version!

I prefer The Easybeats version but I guess I've been hearing it for 50 years now. According to Wiki, The Easybeats version got to no 13 in Canada, no 16 in USA, no 6 in the UK, no 13 in Ireland, no 2 in NZ, no 1 in the Netherlands and Australia (of course). First International hit for an Aussie Rock n Roll group, if we classify The Seekers (cant forget them) as Folk/Pop.

Easybeats every time, a better understanding of the drudgery of work.

Easybeats easy, grew up to this version. Stevie Wrights best work was his solo Evie parts I, II & III George Young. Older brother of Malcolm & Angus Young of AC/DC George and fellow Easybeater Harry Vanda wrote for others like John Paul Young as well as for themselves. Flash and the Pan with Hey St Peter and Down Among the Dead Men

As much as I liked Bowie, I never liked this version. Gary Moores version was a huge hit at the time off a great album, Wild Frontier but you can never go past the Easybeats. The Original is usually the best.

Easybeats. It's a no brainer. I was one of the crazy screaming girls that cried at an Easybeats concert in Sydney in 1965, and a cop had to restrain me as I screamed ''Stevie''. What I thought I could achieve by this behaviour, I can't say. Maybe I expected Stevie to choose me from the crowd and marry me. I told the cop I hated him for keeping me away from Stevie, and his response was ''you and many others, Love''.

"Good Times" would be another good one by the Easybeats and "Evie parts I, II & III" by Easybeats lead singer Stevie Wright. Also a "Who Did It Better" featuring Stevie Wright's song "Hard Road" which was also covered by Rod Stewart.

Easybeats without a doubt. It has the energy and the attitude of youth in bucket loads. A perfect pop song. David tried to give it the Bowie treatment but I think it just doesn't really work. Gary did nothing but lose the key ingredients, and even missed the opportunity to do a good heavy rock arrangement, to my ears. Some songs you just can't better the original, and though I can understand an artist who likes a song wanting to perform it, I think it's a pity when it just doesn't work very well. I think there can be two great versions of the same song. I really like 'Groovy Kind of Love' by the Mindbenders and also Phil Collins, which are so very different.

Easybeats: the originals

Interestingly Harry Vanda and George Young (the guitarists, songwriters of Easybeats) are "Flash and the Pan" Who you compared to Grace Jones with the song "Walking in the rain"

Love the Easy beats but for me Gary Moore

Easybeats all the way.. Bowie second because I was had fun with Bowie's version... It was fun posing in front of the mirror and miming to this tune.

Friday on my mind is like a song from the 60's that existed before I was born and it always felt like it one of the best things from the 60's that I never really listen to much because it seems that era was mostly about the Beatles when listening to people from that era. I really never knew who did the song but probably seen it a few times on youtube now so now I am much more aware it done by the Easybeats. Similarly, because it from an era well before my time, I would not have known it was an Aussie band until decades later when I was an adult. I probably heard the Gary Moore version in late 80's which also kind of reminds me of Def Leppard type of rock from that era. A little bit glam rock but still kind of fun listen, once or twice, but not something I hanging out to hear in my own time. Must admit never heard that David Bowie version and will not bother wanting to again. The Easybeats is a great version from their time and Gary Moore version certainly this excess late 80's sound and still fits with what the song was about of people hanging out for end of the work week and then enjoy the weekend starting. I had my first job after leaving school in later 80's and it certainly is how you felt about Friday as a youngster, hanging out for the weekend to start and being with friends all weekend. Mind you, from early or mid 90's I do not think I ever worked the Monday to Friday routine since. I feel like that work routine has changed for many people in recent decades so the song itself captured the feel of most people's work week in 60's, 70's and 80's but in 2000's everyone works many different schedules that it really does speak about an era of the past. So Easybeats and essence of what the song was about was rebooted well by Gary Moore but still think the Easybeats one is the only version that was brilliant for it's time period.

Harry Vanda and George Young from the Easybeats are mentioned in Dire Straits the Sultans of Swing, George Young is Angus Young's from AC/DC older brother he taught Angus how to play the guitar. Peace out.

The Gary Moore version is awesome. It's my favorite. I saw Gary perform this back in 1989-90 on this actual tour. He did this track of course and it absolutely rocked!!! It was an unbelievable concert, this video certainly doesn't do it justice.

Easybeats does it better than Bowie though Bowie does the Who's 'I Can't Explain' better than the original I reckon. Bowie's version is a ripper. Pin Ups is a great covers album.

George Young, of the Easybeats, went on to be the producer on a number of albums by AC/DC, which obviously featured his brothers, Angus and Malcolm.

Great bunch of tunes to compare . Im going for the Easybeats ! The Bowie version does not sound that it is off the Album " Pinups " which is a shame , the other one is better IMO . Gary Moores version well less said the better !! Garys "The Messiah Will Come " "Still Got the Blues " A tribute to Phil Lynot " One Night in Dublin " " Black Rose " "Emerald " Cheers !

Yes Peter Frampton.He was in his band for a few albums (and thhe Glass Spider Tour) Frampton's Dad taught Bowie at School and so they knew each other when they were young.

It is an absolute no contest! THE EASIES!

It was a drum machine on Gary's version, and on the whole album it's off, called 'Wild Frontier' from 1987.....

For vocals it is the Easybeats, but for me the best is Gary Moore because his guitar playing is on a level that no one before or since has ever reached.

Jimmy Barnes & INXS did a version of The Easybeats' ''Good Times''. The song was a big hit in Australia, and managed to get on to The Lost Boys sound track. There's an audio of Easybeats doing ''Good Times''. Don't risk a block by using the video of The Easybeats performing '"Good Times'' on Beatclub. It will most likely get blocked. Beatclub seems to do that sort of thing. The best quality of INXS/Jimmy Barnes' version of good times is below: Jimmy Barnes & INXS - Good Times (Official Video) (FHD Upscale Remaster) - 1986 (Easybeats cover) The Sports also did a cover The Easybeats' ''Wedding Ring'' in 1979 (if you're interested).

Easybeats , Gary Moore , Bowie, 1,2,3.

Here is a few Easybeats… Stevie Wright Who did it better comparisons worth checking out….. Stevie Wright/ Rod Stewart… Hard Road…. Stevie Wright/ Suzi Quatro…Evie…. Easybeats/ Dyvinals… I’ll make you happy…..Easybeats/ Jimmy Barnes.. INXS …. Good Times.

Yes that was Bowie and Frampton, looking for a beer in Madrid !!! and chaos ensues... as you can imagine.

Great reaction guys! I only knew the Bowie version from his cover versions album 'Pin ups' so that tipped the balance for me from the original - just! I agree with you about the subtle touches Bowie adds, the 'zoom,zoom's' of the outro really do it for me! It's a great song that as you say, most of us can relate to going through the daily slog. The Jam did one along the same lines called 'here comes the weekend'! Cheers.

The stuff George Young does on the original sounds simple but if you actually try to follow it he's doing insanely complicated chord progression just for the fun of it and because he can.

LOVE THE EASY EATS THE MOST, HALF OF THEM FIRMED SPLIT ENZ WITH BIG HIT. I GOT YOU, AND THEY ALSO FIRMED FLASH AND THE PAN WITH SONG CALLED DOWN WITH THE DEAD MEN, TRIBUTE TO THE TITANIC

Yes, it was Peter Frampton with Bowie. Watching the Moore version makes me wonder why Van Halen didn't also do a cover.

Love the Bowie version it is off his album “Pin-Ups”. That album has Bowie’s favorite songs from the London scene in the 60’s. It is all covers and he does a wild cover of Let’s Spend the Night Together.

Yes it's Peter Frampton with Bowie in Spain. They were childhood friends.

Gary Moore hands down is the best.

This song is what being a teenager in 1967 was all about. Friday and Saturday nights we'd go to the ballrooms to hear the local bands and dance. The sound, energy, and look of the Easybeats is what they aspired to. Bowie and Moore did nice covers, but they just don't have the right bounce and contrast.

You missed a version to compare with. It was done by a guy named Elliot Goblet who was an Australian actor. His delivery is complete monotone but it’s actually really good.

For me on this one, it's 'The Easybeats' and 'Bowie' l love them both but the Gary Moore version left a lot to be desired.

Easybeats wrote it so I'll give my vote to them easily. Well Vander and Young did anyway. George Young was the older brother of the Young brothers in AC/DC. Vander and Young went on to write dozens of songs for various artists. Stevie was very fond of his drugs, so possibly may have been hopped up on something when he sang this. 😁

Friday on my mind was a great song that helped get many of us through a dreary week at school or work. Another similar song was Weekend by Mick Jackson even better in my humble opinion. Got to be worth a listen. 👍

Cant wait for my Lisa stansfield request ❤

The way it was played was the way it was at the various times. i.e. Easybeats 4 piece band with them doing the backing vocals and no autotune.

The blond guy with Bowie is Mick Ronson. He later joined Ian Hunter to form Mott The Hoople.

has to be the EB's original.Bowie's album Pin Ups was a tribute to his fav 60's songs this being one,and contains a few Who cover's, See Emily Play by the floyd etc.

I believe youd enjoy Kevin Johnson, "Rock and Roll I Gave You all the Best Years of My Life"

BOWIE FTW

I can still remember hearing it on the radio (actually we called it a wireless back then) 58 years ago! Minor point but I always cringe when the orginal song is called a "version" because it's not - it's the original. Bowie is Bowie so it was OK. I think Gary Moore is/was brilliant but he absolutely butchered it - worst he's ever done. Easybeats best by a country mile!

Bowie’s version is the best, IMO. He also sang the vocals, backing vocals, and most of the instruments on all of the songs in the Pin Ups album. That is Peter Frampton walking around with David during the Glass Spider Tour. Bowie reached out to his childhood friend and helped resurrect his career. My favorite track from Pin Ups is Sarrow. The album cover is also iconic, as it features Bowie with Twiggy on the cover.

I had been blissfully unaware of Bowie's gawd-awful version until today! 😅 Not a great move in my opinion either to put that half-time beat under the choruses 😏 Sorry Mr Jones, but that's a "NO" from me 😆 Gary Moore's version is okay but has always been too 'loud' and over-the-top for my taste. I do love a lot of his other work, though. Especially non-Blues! 😊 The Easybeats' version is waaayyy above those other two! It just sounds right like that and doesn't need anything changed at all 😍 I'm not sure if they actually _do_ have any other songs!? At least I've never heard any myself! 😅 But the two masterminds of the band, Vanda and Young, later formed Flash & the Pan, who had some great songs like 'Ayla', 'Midnight Man', 'Waiting On A Train' and 'The Early Morning Wake-Up Call' 😀👍

The raw, original by The Easybeats gets my vote followed by Bowie then Gary Moore.

Love you guys ❤

Easybeats...hands down. I love Bowie and I respect Gary Moore. BUT, I think the EBs capture the true excitement of looking forward to the weekend so you can be with your sweetheart. Love the comparison, though.

Easybeats every time, Bowie is good but sounds over produced. Cheers.

Vanda and Young really could write a hit that got into the bloodstream. 🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏿🤘🏼💋❤️

Yes. Peter Frampton. Glass Spider tour

I LOVE the Bowie version. I think it's ridiculously fun and to me it has silly exciting energy. Totally agree with you about the backup vocals. It's off a covers album called Pin-Ups which is not very liked, but I also think that album is a lot of fun and very underrated. (Sorrow, originally by the McCoys, is another fantastic song from it.) People just don't want to hear Bowie doing covers, which is sometimes justified, but mostly I find his cover songs to be quite interesting and good. The Easybeats get credit for doing the original and it's also wonderful, but it's Bowie by a lot for me. The Gary Moore version was... a product of its time.

I think the song is probably bomb proof, but I was surprised by my reaction to this one. I don't think the Gary Moore one has aged particularly well. All those 1980's sounds. He was using drum machines at this time because he was notoriously specific when it came to what he wanted from other musicians, drummers in particular, and he was having trouble finding one to meet his exacting standards. I've never heard the David Bowie version before, and thought it was going to irritate me with its quirkier arrangement, but in the end I really warmed to it, so I'm going with Bowie on this one.

Stevie Wright went home to Australia after his short career. There he became a producer for his younger and much more famous brothers. Please tell me you know that story?!

The Easybeats. And, ever heard The Newbeats and "Run Baby Run"? And, You're Ready Now, Frankie Valli. Two great Northern Soul hits.

You know, I was going to ask if it was Peter Frampton, because I know Frampton toured with Bowie for many years. As for rating, I'd go Gary Moore, EasyBeats then Bowie. As for saying Freddie killed Farouk, there is a school of thought that Bohemian Rhapsody is Freddie's coming out song. The person he killed was straight Farouk, replacing him with Freddie..... It makes sense. May I suggest another 3 way comparison? You've Really Got Me, by 1)The Kinks, 2)Van Halen 3)Oingo Boingo. Three very different versions of the same song.

The Gary Moore version...brilliant! The Easybeats...not far behind. I remember it well, I was 13 at the time! The David Bowie version...quite frankly...bloody awful! But I suppose...each to their own! 😊😎🎸🇬🇧🇺🇦

Aussie EASYBEATS the other gents .😂😂😂😉⏰

This song is a classic and will always be an Easybeats song. Nobody does it better. I hadn't heard Gary Moore's before, it's very average. As for Bowie...just because you can doesn't mean you should! He massacred it, just terrible!

Try Bowie vs The Who with anyway, anyhow, anywhere… Bowie out Whos The Who!

The angels version

Bowie's vesion is a snooze.

Are you kidding me? Bowie was awful! He actually couldn’t handle the musical range like Stevie Wright. The easybeats cant be beat on this song and they wrote it as well! With George being the older brother of Angus and Malcolm young of AcDc as well!

My vote 🗳 goes to David Bowie. I really like the pin-ups album. Simmons drums on the Gary Moore track are annoying.

Easy question .. Easy answer .. EASYBEATS easily ! .. Others aren't even close.😑

Easybeats hands down.

Although I am a big fan of both Bowie and Gary Moore, Easybeats are definitely the winners here, IMO. Singer Stevie Wright was such a character. According to Peter Frampton's memoir, after his huge success with "Comes Alive", his life pretty much spiralled downward. He was exhausted, over exposed, and developed a substance abuse problem. He was pressued by his manager to make another album before he was ready, which was not as successful. Also his manager, the notorious mob connected Dee Anthony pressured him to make the horrible movie Sgt Peppers which was embarassingly bad. Then he almost died in a car accident. Also somehow, even though he was bringing in millions of $$, he ended up flat broke, due to his crooked manager (who also ripped off Peter's previous band Humble Pie). Peter was in a bad place and no one seemed interested in him anymore. His old friend David Bowie saved him by asking Peter to play guitar with him on Bowie's next album and tour. Peter says David pretty much saved him and put him back on the road to future moderate success.

original is always the best !

The Easybeats for me - the original and the best. Gary Moore’s version is better than Bowie’s for me.

Gary Moore *************

This is a trip, I was just revisiting Earth Quake's version about hour ago. It got a lot of FM radio play back in it's day. Second only to the original, me thinks. God, this Gary Moore version is terrible! lol

Hallo Gary erlangen Germany frontman flying tigers easy Beats are the best of course nothing is better David Bowie's version not bad but he should stick with Major Toml grew up around Bowie he is an Essex boy like me London was our doorstep over and out brussel sprout😊❤

Easy beats get my vote by a mile. Bowie's version/ voice was too reigned in / controlled whereas Gary Moore's version was too instrumental. Easy beats version felt more like looking forward to a fun time.

Gary Moore, gets this for me , with the Easybeats in second and Bowie a distant third. If I'm not mistaken, that was Aussie bassist, Bob Daisley on bass. It was Bob Daisley who was robbed by Ozzy and Sharon over the Blizzard of Ozz stuff which was definitely not a solo Ozzy album

I gotta go with Bowie’s version

Love the Bowie version BUT Easybeats ALL THE WAY.

Easybeats, and it's not remotely close.

If it had been almost any other track I would have said Bowie but on this occasion Gary Moore.

David Bowie easily.❤

I much prefer the Easybeats. Bowie is dreadful and Gary Moore is average

Gary Moore was better

David couldn't write his own song?

I don't know what's going on but searching for '''The Easybeats vs. Divinyls - I'll Make You Happy (Audio + Video merge 2023'' will NOT bring you the Easybeats vs. Divinyls video in the search results. If ever you want to do a comparison to the two versions of ''I'll Make You Happy'' (that's conventiently in one video), you have to simply search for ''The Easybeats vs. Divinyls - I'll Make You Happy'' without using the additional Audio + Video descriptors. That's how you find the one video of the two versions. And I would now like to add another Easybeats suggestion. Please do a comparison to The Easybeats vs. The Saints - Music Goes Around My Head nzoz1989. The Saints - Music Goes Round My Head nzoz1989 (cover of Easybeats song). The Saints did a nice version of ''Music Goes Round My Head'' for the Australian movie, Young Einstein. The only video available of The Easybeats version is an audio on the band's official channel. The Easybeats vs. Divinyls - I'll Make You Happy The Saints - Music Goes Round My Head nzoz1989 (Easybeats cover)