Wine & Warpaint Cover Christmas Classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”

Indie rock outfit Wine & Warpaint have announced their latest release, a powerful reimagining of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s classic Christmas song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” The single is now available on all streaming platforms, just in time for the holiday season.

This bold cover breathes new life into the iconic peace anthem. Known for their emotionally charged soundscapes and thoughtful lyricism, Wine & Warpaint infused the song with fresh energy, breathing new life into its vintage roots. The end result presents it with a modern sonic edge while preserving its enduring anti-war message. And, of course, they’ve done it while bringing the gripping, earth-shattering sound the group are known for.

The accompanying artwork, an illustration by Valerie Bess with design by the band’s own Brandon O’Neill, reflects the poignant themes of hope and unity central to the track.

Explaining more about the inspiration behind their version, O’Neill explains:

“I think a lot of people only associate this song with ‘the kid’s choir’ and have missed out on what a beautiful song it is. We tried to disentangle the beautiful heart of this song from its 70s aesthetic so that a new generation can engage with its peace-first, anti-war message.”

Wine & Warpaint cemented their position this year as a standout act in the modern rock scene. Following the release of their debut album, Disassociate, in June—a record that brought together months of carefully crafted singles—they earned widespread acclaim for its evocative lyricism and rich, layered sound. The album garnered national attention and firmly established the band as one of the most impactful unsigned groups in the current music landscape.

As if releasing their first full-length album wasn’t enough, the band spent much of 2024 on the road, carving out a reputation as one of the hardest-working live acts in their genre. From their hometown of Richmond to cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Tulsa, and Omaha, Wine & Warpaint has been leaving an impression on audiences and promoters alike.

The release of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” serves as a fitting close to a milestone year that saw Wine & Warpaint releasing their most ambitious work to date, playing coast-to-coast, and proving they are as tireless as they are purposeful in their artistry.

Wine & Warpaint “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” single artwork