Beddy Rays have gone and covered the song that shouldn’t be covered: Cold Chisel’s Khe Sanh. And with the nation’s eyes on them, the rockers understood the assignment and smashed it.

For their cover on triple j’s Like A Version, guitar and harmonica solos were abound, with the group ditching the piano intro for a punchy guitar instead. With guitar and bass riffs at the forefront, Beddy Rays brought a fresh, punk rock twist to an Aussie classic that would have Beddy Rays and Cold Chisel fans alike proud of their take on the song.

The only issue? The cover is so good that punters might just beg Beddy Rays to cover Khe Sanh every night.

Discussing their song choice, the band explained that you have to choose a “big” track if you’re going to perform for Like A Version, and for their return to the triple j studios, they presented a version of one of their favourite Australian songs. Beddy Rays also described Khe Sanh as being from a “golden era” of Australian rock music.

Lead singer Jackson “Jacko” Van Issum added that Khe Sanh is one of those songs he “grew up with”—a song that blasted in the car on drives with his dad; a song he recalls hearing on Cold Chisel’s greatest hits album.

Guitarist Lewis “Lewy” McKenna also outlined his personal relationship with the track, which included Khe Sanh “going down a treat” at his dad’s 50th birthday party.

You can check out Beddy Rays’ Like A Version and their interview about the track below.

Yesterday (6 November), Beddy Rays announced a massive regional tour for early 2026 in support of their latest album, Do What You Wanna. Tickets are available now via the band’s website.

Do What You Wanna showcases a sound that nods to the early eras of punk and indie rock icons like Green Day and Weezer while embracing the melodic expansiveness of bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen. It’s a natural evolution for the Queensland rockers, though, not straying too far from the slapstick indie-rock they’re known for.

Beddy Rays

Do What Ya Wanna - Regional Tour 2026

Wednesday 8 January – Edge Hill Tavern – Cairns, QLD
Thursday 9 January – Dalrymple Hotel – Townsville, QLD
Friday 10 January – McGuire’s Hotel – Mackay, QLD
Friday 16 January – Solbar – Maroochydore, QLD
Saturday 17 January – A & I Hall – Bangalow, NSW
Wednesday 29 January – La La La’s – Wollongong, NSW
Thursday 30 January – The Marlin – Ulladulla, NSW
Friday 31 January – Fun Time Pony – Canberra, ACT
Friday 13 February – Torquay Hotel – Torquay, VIC
Saturday 14 February – Pelly Bar – Frankston, VIC
Friday 21 February – Darwin Railway Club – Darwin, NT
Friday 28 February – Middies Festival – Albany, WA
Saturday 1 March – Dunsborough Tavern – Dunsborough, WA