Fresh off their performance at When We Were Young 2025, Panic! At The Disco just announced that they’re ready to celebrate 20 years of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. No, really, we can’t believe it either.
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Alongside revealing deluxe editions of the record and themed merch, Panic! also *finally* released Live In Denver on streaming platforms, YouTube, and via a forthcoming vinyl record. This iconic, vaudevillian performance boasts beloved covers such as Radiohead‘s “Karma Police” and The Smashing Pumpkins‘ “Tonight, Tonight.”
Of course, Panic! At The Disco are no strangers to awesome covers. Notably, Brendon Urie has been hitting Freddie Mercury‘s high notes in Queen‘s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for years. In honor of Panic! At The Disco’s commitment to pushing the envelope with song interpretations, here are their best and worst song covers, ranked.
11. “Starboy” — The Weeknd & Daft Punk
Hmmmm. While “Starboy” was a chart-topping success for The Weeknd and Daft Punk, it would not have seen the same success if it were a Panic! At The Disco original. Unfortunately, Urie’s vocals don’t get to shine on this track. I am, frankly, uninterested in listening to his high-pitched whispers. Sorry, not sorry.
10. “Dream On” — Aerosmith
Perhaps it’s the context that makes me cackle, or maybe it’s the high note that is technically correct, but doesn’t have that OG Aerosmith grit…but something about this specific performance is just off-putting. One thing is for certain, I will always laugh when Urie gets swallowed by fog as he screams, and the Miss Universe contestants stare blankly ahead
9. “IDGAF” — Dua Lipa
Similar to the “Starboy” cover, this Dua Lipa interpretation doesn’t seem to showcase Urie’s own style and only dims his vocals. If he added his own alternative twist to it, it would likely be much better for repeat listening purposes.
8. “Don’t Stop Believin’” — Journey
I never thought Journey would sound so incredible via an acoustic cover, but this unplugged Spin performance showcases Urie with clean modern-rock vocals. Just ignore that last “Don’t stop!” at the end…
7. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” — Billy Joel
This Billy Joel cover is solid and allows all performers onstage to absolutely rock out. Now, we’re at the point in the list where it feels impossible to rank because all the upcoming performances are so stellar.
6. “Slow Motion” — Third Eye Blind
It was bold of a young Panic! At The Disco to cover Third Eye Blind‘s deep cut “Slow Motion,” and it paid off with stunned silence. Urie’s vocal run on the lyrics “Because he hates his life…” will forever be ingrained in my brain.
5. “Say It Ain’t So” — Weezer
Weezer and Panic! At The Disco are a match made in heaven. Urie gets to sing from his chest and matches Rivers Cuomo‘s tones beautifully. Plus, he will make you feel so nostalgic with his soft guitar strums. Will listen again!
4. “Bohemian Rhapsody” — Queen
Controversial to list “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen at four….I know. Let me be super clear when I say that Urie and crew performing this live often is a major feat, and they pull it off perfectly. However, my top three choices take the originals and blow them out of the water. I simply can’t say that Panic! beats the OG track here.
3. “Tonight, Tonight” — The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins truly set the stage for modern-day alternative acts to grow and thrive. I mean…just look at My Chemical Romance, who just collabed with Billy Corgan onstage for the Black Parade anniversary tour. So, this dynamic cover just makes sense and pays homage to one of their greatest influences in a thrilling way.
2. “Valerie” — The Zutons (Also popularized by Amy Winehouse)
The band was so young, with their bowl cuts intact, and played BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge with the 2006 hit “Valerie” by The Zutons, which was later popularized by Amy Winehouse. This cover showcases Panic!’s early chemistry and the beginning signs of Urie’s strong jazz vocals. It’s a unique number two choice…but I stand behind it.
1. “Karma Police” — Radiohead
Panic! At The Disco’s Live In Denver would not have gone as hard without them covering “Karma Police” by Radiohead. Come at me all you want for ranking this as the best cover they’ve ever done…but between Urie’s and Ryan Ross‘ vocals and the cello and xylophone players giving it their all, you can’t help but get chills. The wildest part is that they played this cover 12 minutes into their set…and it has the energy of an encore. Stunning.
Honorable Mention: “Gin & Juice” — Snoop Dogg
Whether you want to call it a collab or a cover…Panic! performing “Gin and Juice” with Snoop Dogg on MTV in 2008 was a fever dream then and a time capsule now.
