Essex releases Killing Joke cover ‘Eighties’ via Cleopatra Records
Chicago rock singer Essex has released “Eighties,” his first solo single for Cleopatra Records. The track is a cover of Killing Joke’s 1984 single “Eighties,” issued on E.G. Records.
The release follows an appearance with Cherie Currie of The Runaways on “When You’re Young.” “Eighties” was produced by JĂĽrgen Engler (Die Krupps). Marcus Nand tracked the vocals, while Vicente Cordero worked on the video.
Engler says this about the collaboration: “Essex’s vocals add a raw energy to the old favorite Killing Joke track ‘Eighties’, the likes we haven’t heard in a long time! It perfectly fits the urgency of the song, deeply rooted in the 80s but with a very contemporary feel! I have the feeling Raven would have approved of it, and maybe he would have even played the bass on it… heaven only knows.”
Essex adds: “Reimagining a cover while still respecting the original was important to me, and having collaborators like Marcus Nand and Vicente Cordero helped bring that vision to life. Even though the song is rooted in the ’80s, a lot of its themes still feel incredibly relevant today, and the video helped amplify that atmosphere.”
Killing Joke released “Eighties,” in spring 1984 on E.G. Records, before it later appeared on the band’s fifth studio album “Night Time,” released in 1985. The 12-inch version included “Eighties (Serious Dance Mix),” “Eighties,” and “Eighties (The Coming Mix).” The similarity with Nirvana’s 1992 single “Come As You Are” was striking. Nirvana manager Danny Goldberg later said Kurt Cobain was nervous about releasing “Come As You Are” as a single because it sounded close to a Killing Joke song; Killing Joke complained, but the matter did not become a settled court case. The original “Eighties” shows Jaz Coleman behind a U.S. flag-draped podium, with Soviet imagery and footage of political, religious, military, and nuclear symbols cut into the performance.
About Essex
Essex is a Chicago rock singer who is influenced by Marc Bolan, Billy Idol, David Bowie, and James Brown.
On November 3, 2025, Essex announced “Rock n’ Roll” as his debut single and described it as the first track from an EP planned for 2026.
On January 30, 2026, Essex announced that he had signed with Cleopatra Records. He had been working with the label for two months before the announcement and also said that he would return to the studio for new material.
In February 2026, Essex’s site announced “When You’re Young” with Cherie Currie. Cleopatra Records later hosted a Pirate Radio Cleopatra interview titled “Introducing Essex,” which focused on the Currie duet and Essex’s musical references.
In May Essex realesed “Eighties.” A full-length debut album is planned for later in 2026.
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