5 Rock Star Feuds That Became Physical

Rock music has always been full of fiery personalities, and sometimes that energy spills over into physical confrontations. Some of the most memorable rivalries in music didn’t just end with harsh words—they escalated into full-on fights. Here are five classic rock star feuds that got physical.

1. Roger Daltrey vs. Pete Townshend

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who had a volatile relationship, with creative tensions often leading to physical fights. During one recording session, Daltrey punched Townshend in the face after a heated argument. Their frequent clashes became almost as famous as their music.

Despite their conflicts, the band pushed on, creating some of the most iconic rock songs in history. Their physical altercations added to the band’s legend, showcasing how intense their artistic differences could be.

2. Liam Gallagher vs. Noel Gallagher

The Gallagher brothers of Oasis are infamous for their fiery relationship. Their sibling rivalry boiled over into physical fights on more than one occasion. One of the most well-known incidents occurred in 2009, when a backstage brawl before a concert in Paris ended with Noel leaving the band for good.

Their violent altercations and public insults became the stuff of rock legend. Fans never knew when another clash would happen, but these fights played a major role in the eventual breakup of Oasis.

3. Sid Vicious vs. Johnny Rotten

The Sex Pistols were the face of punk rock chaos, and Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten’s relationship was often explosive. Sid’s drug-fueled antics led to constant tension with Johnny. One infamous incident occurred on tour when the two got into a physical fight on stage, with Rotten attacking Sid during a performance.

Their relationship symbolized the chaotic nature of the band and the punk movement itself. The physical violence between them became part of the self-destructive image that ultimately led to the band’s collapse.

4. David Bowie vs. Lou Reed

David Bowie and Lou Reed had a complicated friendship that turned violent in 1979. During an argument in a London restaurant, Lou Reed punched Bowie over an artistic disagreement. The altercation shocked those around them, considering their past collaboration and friendship.

Though their relationship recovered, the physical fight remains a surprising chapter in the careers of two of rock’s most iconic figures. It showed that even creative geniuses could be prone to conflict.

5. Dave Mustaine vs. James Hetfield

Tensions in Metallica ran high in the early days, especially between guitarist Dave Mustaine and frontman James Hetfield. Their rivalry turned physical more than once, with a particularly violent fight occurring after Mustaine’s drunken behavior clashed with the rest of the band. Hetfield and Mustaine came to blows, which contributed to Mustaine’s eventual firing from the band.