10 Times Howard Stern Got Into A Feud With Famous Musicians

Howard Stern has built a career on being blunt and unapologetic, often stirring the pot with his opinions and interviews. His clashes with musicians are legendary, often making headlines for their candid nature.

Here are ten notable feuds between Stern and some well-known musicians:

Jon Bon Jovi
The animosity between Stern and Jon Bon Jovi began when the rocker chose to promote his 1988 album New Jersey elsewhere instead of on Stern’s show. Feeling snubbed, Stern sarcastically dubbed him “Jon Bon Phony.” This label stuck as a symbol of the tension between them, showcasing Stern’s displeasure at being overlooked.

Michael Jackson
Stern didn’t hold back when discussing Michael Jackson in his 1995 book Miss America. He painted an unsettling picture of Jackson during an encounter, describing him as wearing “thick white makeup, like Bozo the motherfucking clown.” Stern went on to mock Jackson’s physical appearance, calling his nose a “scarecrow wrapped in surgical tape.” The harsh description underscored Stern’s disdain and disbelief at Jackson’s attempt to use him to rehab his image amidst child abuse allegations.

David Lee Roth
Stern and David Lee Roth had a rocky relationship, primarily fueled by Stern’s jabs at Roth’s hair. Stern accused Roth of wearing a wig, coining the nickname “David Weave Roth.” This dig was a playful yet pointed critique that stirred the pot between them. Despite the friction, they made amends when Roth appeared on Stern’s show, but their peace was short-lived, dissolving again in 2005.

Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar’s tenure in Van Halen didn’t impress Stern, who bluntly stated, “He’s full of shit. He’s a phony.” Stern’s criticism stemmed from his belief that Hagar was posturing as a rock star, which he found insincere. Hagar’s frustration with Stern’s dismissal of his work in the band highlighted the ongoing tension between them.

Pete Townshend
The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey planned a performance on Stern’s show, but the interview derailed when Stern brought up Townshend’s 2003 child-porn investigation, from which he was cleared. Daltrey, left alone after Townshend walked out, was visibly angry, stating the topic shouldn’t have been resurrected.

Madonna
Stern and Madonna’s feud spanned decades, with Stern frequently criticizing her public persona. He took issue with her involvement in the Michael Jackson scandal and her attempts to appear younger than her age. Stern’s unfiltered opinions often seemed harsh, reflecting his disapproval of her actions and image.

Carnie Wilson
When Carnie Wilson appeared on Stern’s show after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, Stern was unrelenting in his critique of her weight. He questioned why her then-fiancé would want to be with someone “fat” and “disgusting,” creating an uncomfortable and offensive atmosphere.

Tool
Stern was initially excited about including Tool’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter” on the Private Parts soundtrack. However, the band refused, despite their label’s approval, leading to a notable absence on the album. Stern was incensed and later barred Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan from promoting a new project on his show, illustrating Stern’s tendency to hold grudges.

Dolly Parton
In 2008, Stern found himself in hot water after manipulating an audiobook of Dolly Parton’s autobiography to make it sound like she made racist and offensive remarks. Parton was appalled, stating, “I have never been so shocked, hurt, and humiliated in all my life.” Stern dismissed the backlash as an absurd bit, claiming it was meant as a parody. Despite the uproar, no lawsuit was filed, but the incident left a lasting impact on Parton.

Robert Plant
Stern’s interview with Robert Plant could have been a dream come true, given his admiration for Led Zeppelin. However, the conversation faltered as Stern fixated on Zeppelin’s history, despite Plant’s clear desire to discuss his solo work. Plant’s frustration was palpable as he tried to redirect the conversation to his new album, Carry Fire. The interview ended on a strained note, with Plant sarcastically asking if Stern was a replacement host, highlighting the disconnect between the two.