Listen to Evanescence's Amy Lee covering U2’s With Or Without You

Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee has released a cover of U2 track With Or Without You.

It originally appeared on Bono and co’s 1987 album The Joshua Tree. The video is the second song to appear on Lee’s new YouTube channel, which was created to showcase her solo work. She previously issued a cover of Portishead’s It’s A Fire.

Lee says: “This dark version of U2’s immortal song was playing in my head as I woke up one morning. I was lingering in that half-awake, half-asleep place, with no images – just darkness, this song, and huge emotions.

“As I was becoming conscious I just kept thinking, ‘don’t let it go, don’t forget.’ I went straight upstairs and laid down the synth and basic vocal.”

She continues: “I had the pleasure of seeing U2 live at MSG this year and it was powerful and inspiring. It made me excited to play live again. This track is still my favourite of theirs. Love is rarely simple, more often it’s tearing your guts out. And I think that’s why this song creeps into my dreams and haunts me.”

Evanescence returned from a three-year hiatus in July. They’ll play Ozzfest Japan on November 21.

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 into e-commerce 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 for Louder. 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, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, 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, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.