February 6, 2012 8:55

Marcus Collins reveals he's received 'a lot of abuse' over his White Stripes cover

'X Factor' finalist says Jack and Meg's fans haven't taken too kindly to his reworking of 'Seven Nation Army'

Photo Gallery: The White Stripes
Photo: Press

Marcus Collins – finalist on last year's series of The X Factor – has revealed he has been receiving "a lot of abuse" from fans of The White Stripes over his cover of 'Seven Nation Army'.

The singer released the track online last week, ahead of its formal release on March 4. It previews his self-titled debut album, which will come out on March 12. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click to listen to the track.

Speaking to The Sun about the response he's received from White Stripes fans, Collins said:

I've had a lot of abuse. Plenty. Seriously. But I know I can't please everyone. A lot of people have got opinions on it but they can always listen to the White Stripes version.

He continued: "Why are they listening to me if they don't like it? Listen to the original if you don't like my singing. It's just the X Factor connection but, you know, why are people kicking off about it now?"

'Seven Nation Army' was originally released in 2003 as the lead single from The White Stripes' fourth studio album 'Elephant'. It has since been covered by Hard-Fi, goth rockers The Pretty Reckless, now defunct rock supergroup Audioslave and pop singer Kelly Clarkson.

Collins has also included cover versions of '(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher' by Jackie Wilson and 'Tightrope' by Janelle Monae on his debut album.

Marcus Collins covers 'Seven Nation Army' - how bad is it?