Watch Steven Van Zandt covers Ramones’ Merry Christmas down at the beach

Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt

Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul have released a festive-themed video for their cover of Ramones classic Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight).

The video sees Steven Van Zandt dressed as an elf – and he’s joined by the rest of his band, who are suitably attired as reindeers, Santa and elves.

The video sees the ensemble on the beach and on the streets at night, and is cut with cartoon clips and footage from films including A Trip To The Moon and Santa Claus Conquers The Martians.

The cover features a new third verse, with Van Zandt explaining to Rolling Stone why he decided to expand the track.

He said: “It’s our tribute to the Ramones. We’re keeping their music alive. We cut it live at a soundcheck in Utrecht, Netherlands.

“I needed a third verse so I channeled Joey and wrote what I feel is the third verse he would have written. His brother, Mickey Leigh, heard the record and gave me his blessing.”

Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul launched their Soulfire album earlier this year and recently wrapped up a UK tour – the first time in 25 years that the guitarist had toured across the country with his band.

Little Steven - Soulfire album review

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald newspapers, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.