10 Feud Between The Vocalists and Guitarists

These legendary music feuds have shaped the history of rock and roll! From iconic duos to renowned bands, tensions between singers and guitarists have fueled drama both on and off stage. Let’s delve into the top 10 feuds that rocked the music world.

1. Ritchie Blackmore & Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
Deep Purple’s late-60s and early-70s success owed much to vocalist Ian Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. However, personal pursuits drove a wedge between them, leading Gillan to depart. Blackmore’s resentment lingered, but they briefly reunited for a Deep Purple comeback.

2. Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel)
Despite their harmonious sound, Paul Simon’s firm control over their music created tension with Art Garfunkel, leading to Garfunkel’s pursuit of an acting career. While occasional reunions happened, their collaborations remained mostly professional.

3. Vivian Campbell & Ronnie James Dio (Dio)
Creative and financial disputes plagued Dio’s collaboration with guitarist Vivian Campbell, leading to Campbell’s departure and lasting personal grudges, even after Dio’s death.

4. David Gilmour & Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters took control, sparking a bitter departure from guitarist David Gilmour, who continued the band under the same name. Legal battles ensued, leaving their friendship strained.

5. Eddie Van Halen & David Lee Roth (Van Halen)
David Lee Roth’s departure from Van Halen due to creative differences fueled public jabs at Eddie Van Halen, but they briefly reconciled in 2007 until Van Halen’s passing in 2020.

6. Don Felder & Glenn Frey (The Eagles)
The Eagles’ Glenn Frey clashed with guitarist Don Felder both on and offstage, leading to a heated altercation during a performance and ultimately Felder’s departure from the band.

7. Dave & Ray Davies (The Kinks)
The sibling rivalry between Dave and Ray Davies of The Kinks intensified over creative control, culminating in disputes over songwriting credits, leaving fans hopeful for a reunion.

8. Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’s tumultuous relationship within the Fleetwood Mac fueled hit songs but also led to Buckingham’s expulsion from the band, indicating unresolved tensions.

9. John Lennon & Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ partnership dissolved amid leadership struggles and diverging musical visions, leading to a bitter fallout reflected in their solo careers until Lennon’s untimely death.

10. Noel & Liam Gallagher (Oasis)
The Gallagher brothers’ infamous feud within Oasis overshadowed their Britpop success, leading to a permanent split in 2009. Despite the ongoing tension, an official reunion seems unlikely, perpetuating the most iconic feud in rock history.