While Bruce Springsteen is best known for his own powerhouse songs, one of his most unforgettable live moments—and a standout hit in his career—comes from his cover of Edwin Starr’s “War.” Released as a single in 1986 off the Live/1975–85 box set, Springsteen’s version injected fresh energy into the song’s anti-war message and introduced it to a whole new generation.
Originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown back in 1969, “War” was first recorded by The Temptations. But Motown held off on releasing it as a single, worried about how its blunt message might sit with more conservative fans during the Vietnam War era. Instead, they handed it to Edwin Starr, whose fiery, no-holds-barred take turned it into a number-one hit in 1970. With that unforgettable chorus—“War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin’!”—it became one of the most iconic protest songs ever recorded.
Fast-forward to the mid-’80s: Springsteen was in the middle of his massive Born in the U.S.A. tour when he started performing “War” live. At a time when many were misreading Born in the U.S.A. as a pure flag-waving anthem, Springsteen used “War” to shift the spotlight to the more critical, reflective side of his music—especially his empathy for Vietnam vets and the emotional scars left by conflict. Before launching into the song, he often shared personal stories about growing up during wartime and the toll it took on his generation.
One of the most powerful versions of “War” came from a 1985 show at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It’s loud, raw, and full of passion, with Springsteen shouting the lyrics like a man on a mission. The E Street Band is in top form, and the crowd’s call-and-response to that famous refrain turns the performance into something electric. It wasn’t just a cover—it was a rallying cry.
When “War” was released as a single in 1986, it climbed into the Top 10 and reminded everyone just how relevant the song still was. Springsteen continued to perform it in later years, especially during the Iraq War in the 2000s. In those shows, he’d often start with a stripped-down “Born in the U.S.A.” before diving into the fury of “War,” making his anti-war stance crystal clear.
Interestingly, another bold take on “War” came from British synth-pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Their version, included on their 1984 debut album Welcome to the Pleasuredome, didn’t chart as a single, but it was still a standout. Their cover was longer, darker, and drenched in theatrical, industrial production—very in line with the band’s dramatic and politically charged style, shaped by producer Trevor Horn. It showed how versatile the song could be across genres, and just how powerful its message remained.
Springsteen’s take on “War” is proof of how a great cover can breathe new life into a classic. He didn’t just sing it—he lived it, made it his own, and used it to speak directly to the times. Paired with versions like Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s, “War” continues to stand tall as one of the most enduring and adaptable protest songs in modern music—a fiery reminder of the cost of conflict and the voice music can give to resistance.