A rare and emotional P!NK performance from her 2006 I’m Not Dead tour has surfaced online, quickly gaining attention for what many are calling the definitive live cover of 4 Non Blondes’ iconic 1993 anthem, What’s Up. This performance, captured during a show at Wembley Arena in London, is receiving widespread praise from both fans and critics alike, especially as the original song experiences a resurgence in popularity.
The Original Anthem’s Enduring Appeal
The continued relevance of What’s Up?, written by Linda Perry, plays a crucial role in the success of P!NK’s cover. Released in March 1993 as part of 4 Non Blondes’ debut album Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, the track became an international hit. It peaked at No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top spot in several European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Sweden.
Often misquoted by its famous chorus line—“And I say hey, what’s goin’ on?”—the song’s theme of frustration and longing for change continues to resonate today, particularly with its resurgence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By late 2024, What’s Up? had surpassed over a billion streams on Spotify, cementing its place as a cross-generational anthem.
P!NK’s Raw, Powerful Rendition
The newly surfaced footage, taken from the P!NK: Live From Wembley Arena DVD, showcases P!NK’s ability to make a familiar song feel deeply personal and emotional. Her cover of What’s Up? was a highlight of her 2006-2007 I’m Not Dead tour, which was a major global success.
The I’m Not Dead tour broke records, especially in Australia, where it drew over 660,000 attendees and grossed more than $55 million (USD). Known for her high-energy performances, P!NK stripped down the song’s studio polish during this rendition, relying on her signature raspy vocals. The raw, unfiltered delivery of the chorus—“And I say hey… what’s goin’ on?”—was an emotional release for the massive crowd at Wembley Arena, capturing the collective feeling of frustration and catharsis.
The Power of P!NK’s Performance
P!NK’s rendition of What’s Up? wasn’t just another cover; it was an infusion of her own punk-pop spirit into the 1990s grunge anthem. It fit perfectly within the broader themes of her setlist, which included powerful songs like Stupid Girls, Who Knew, and Dear Mr. President. What’s Up? followed immediately after Dear Mr. President on the DVD tracklist, creating a seamless blend of social commentary and self-empowerment.
By bringing her own unapologetic energy to the song, P!NK has turned What’s Up? into a rallying cry for a new generation of fans, adding a fresh layer of depth to the original. The video has quickly become a beloved archival gem, continuing to inspire millions and proving the timeless power of both P!NK’s voice and the 4 Non Blondes classic.
