David Byrne Covers Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘drivers license’
The cover marks the fifth anniversary of the worldwide hit.
Image Shervin Lainez
The legend that is David Byrne has released an inspiring cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s smash hit ‘drivers license’ to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the track.
Taken from Rodrigo’s debut album Sour, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, making Rodrigo, who was 17 at the time, the youngest artist to achieve this feat.
On Instagram, Rodrigo described Byrne as “one of my all-time heroes”, going on to reveal that she “actually cried” when hearing his take on the track.
The song is being released as a special edition translucent ruby 7”, which can be ordered here. The B-side of that single is Rodrigo and Byrne’s live version of Talking Heads’ ‘Burning Down The House’ recorded at The Governors Ball 2025.
In another Instagram post, Rodrigo wrote this about the anniversary: “Happy 5 years of drivers license!!!” 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 concert I play for the rest of my life! happy birthday.”
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The release of Byrne’s cover of ‘drivers license’ arrives ahead of his upcoming Australian tour that kicks off later this month.
Returning to our shores for the first time since 2018, Byrne will be accompanied by 13 musicians, singers and dancers, including members of his American Utopia band.
Touring in support of his new album Who Is The Sky?, Byrne’s run of shows begins in Brisbane at the Entertainment Centre on Saturday 17 January. Dates then follow at Sydney’s ICC Theatre on Wednesday 21 January, Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Bowl on Thursday 22 January and Adelaide’s AEC Arena on Saturday 24 January, wrapping things up at Perth’s RAC Arena on Tuesday 27 January.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now via frontiertouring.com.
Catch David Byrne at AEC Arena on Saturday, January 24. Tickets on sale now via frontiertouring.com.
David Byrne Who Is The Sky? Australian Tour 2026
Saturday 17 January – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 21 January – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22 January – Sidney Myer Bowl, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, 24 January – AEC Arena, Adelaide, SA
Tuesday, 27 January – RAC Arena, Perth, WA
