Well I have a fondness for Roy's version anyway and I like it better. However I didn't say "Oh My" when I heard Van Halen's version.
I don't understand conversations that tend to lean towards anything heavier than experimental,progressive or alternative (all of which I own and listen to) as taboo or not right.
I agree also for myself that it's never really one band that influence me either, except in my case I can understand all types of genres.
It's all art and expression...and the funny thing is you don't get this between musicians (rarely)...only fans.
Van Halen can listen to R.E.M. and appreciate on a pro level as R.E.M. could listen to & appreciate AC/DC and all attend similar industry functions.
Back in the old days of Gynger Lynn I met Adrian Belew in the recording studio and we talked to each other as musicians who clearly understood what we both did. Not some divided line between hard rock and prog.
I've said it before and I will say it again....I love ELP on record and have never been too impressed with Carl Palmer live (mainly in things like Asia) as I don't like when he's attempting "solid rythyms".
It's difficult for over the top prog guys to play straight rock and harder for straight up rockers to play all out prog (except maybe for Arjen or many of today's stronger metal acts). But both sides can, have, dabble and show that they are mentally capable.
This whole my band is smarter than your band is boring and tiresome. We like what we like because at the end of the day the only one getting the last laugh are the pro's and I'm sure they all share funny stories together regarding their collective fan base wars.
I'm sure a few people belly ached over the Talking Heads destroying Take Me To The River...but I like that cover as well. If it's done the same with no artistic expression attached....why bother covering it.