Keli Holiday’s Unique Take on Bruce Springsteen’s ‘I’m On Fire’ for Triple J
Keli Holiday, supported by Baker Boy and Abbie Chatfield’s sister Jolie, has delivered an impressive debut solo performance for Like A Version on triple j, covering Bruce Springsteen’s iconic 1984 track “I’m On Fire.”
“The Boss is The Boss for a reason, and I only recently came to appreciate this,” Holiday shared about Springsteen.
“A few years ago, I was on a plane when I first heard this song. It struck me so deeply that I had to replay it because it resonated with me on a profound level,” he explained.
“Its strength lies in its simplicity. It’s a seductive song, but also quite haunting.”
In his performance, Holiday was joined by Baker Boy on the yidaki (didgeridoo), alongside a full band, a string section, and background vocals, including those of Jodie, Abbie Chatfield’s sister.
Check out his Like A Version performance below.
The timing of Holiday’s performance is especially relevant, as Australia could soon welcome Bruce Springsteen for an anticipated tour. The legendary musician hinted at upcoming tour dates while promoting his new biopic at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles.
Springsteen participated in the screening of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, where he also performed a special acoustic set. He expressed his eagerness to visit Australia.
“I’m actively working to make it happen, hopefully sometime next year,” he mentioned. “I regret not getting there sooner, but please know that we are planning to come as soon as possible, likely within the year.”
Jeremy Allen White, who portrays Springsteen in the biopic, will contribute renditions of nine Springsteen classics, which will feature on the film’s official soundtrack set for release on December 5th via Columbia Records.
During his Like A Version, Keli Holiday also performed his ARIA-nominated hit “Dancing2.” This solo project from Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde emerged as a creative outlet during the pandemic, allowing him to explore heartbreak and self-reinvention. With “Dancing2,” he tells a contemporary love story enriched by string layers.
Fans can catch the live rendition of this song next month, with intimate shows scheduled for Melbourne’s Howler on November 14th and Sydney’s Mary’s Underground on November 16th.
