5 Times Rock Artists Made Offensive Public Statements

Even the most successful rock bands have dealt with arguments behind the scenes. Fame, pressure, and clashing personalities often led to harsh words—sometimes said in interviews, sometimes during feuds. While some of these musicians later made peace, their public comments were shocking at the time and hurtful to those involved. These were not just offhand remarks, but direct insults or personal criticisms made by artists about their own bandmates. Here are five real moments when classic rock legends said things that crossed a line.

1. John Lennon on Paul McCartney

In a 1970 interview with Rolling Stone, John Lennon referred to Paul McCartney’s music as “granny music.” He used that phrase to mock the lighter pop songs Paul wrote, such as “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” and criticized Paul’s musical style during the Beatles’ final years together. Lennon’s words reflected how far their creative partnership had fallen apart.

Their working relationship became more strained during the “White Album” and “Let It Be” sessions. Lennon felt Paul took control of the band after Brian Epstein’s death. While they later reconnected personally, Lennon’s insult became one of the most remembered lines from their split.

2. Roger Waters on David Gilmour

Roger Waters often downplayed David Gilmour’s creative contributions to Pink Floyd. In interviews, Waters said Gilmour was a “jolly good guitarist and singer,” but suggested he didn’t bring much else to the band’s ideas or direction. Waters believed he was the main writer behind their big concept albums.

The tension grew after Waters left the band in the 1980s and Gilmour continued using the Pink Floyd name. Waters took legal action and often insulted Gilmour in public. Although they’ve occasionally appeared together since, Waters’ dismissive words have continued to create friction between them.

3. David Crosby on Neil Young

David Crosby caused a serious rift with Neil Young after making personal remarks about Young’s relationship with actress Daryl Hannah. In 2014, Crosby called Hannah a “purely poisonous predator” during an interview, suggesting she was bad for Young. The comment led Young to cut off contact with Crosby for years.

Crosby later apologized publicly and admitted his words were wrong, but the damage was already done. Neil Young didn’t accept the apology for some time, and their musical partnership in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young came to an end. Crosby would later call the feud one of his biggest regrets.

4. Don Henley on Glenn Frey

After Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, Don Henley shared in interviews that their relationship had been tense. He said they “butted heads” over leadership in the Eagles and disagreed often about how the band should be run. Their arguments sometimes spilled over into public comments during the group’s original run.

Although they co-founded the band and had great success together, Henley admitted that their friendship had its limits. Their fights were well known in the music world, but Henley still praised Frey’s talent and said the Eagles could never have existed without him, despite their past issues.

5. Axl Rose on Slash

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Axl Rose referred to Slash as a “cancer” in Guns N’ Roses. He made the statement publicly while justifying why Slash was no longer part of the band. The remark shocked fans and marked a deep low point in their relationship.

The two had not spoken for years and each gave harsh interviews about the other. It wasn’t until 2015 that they privately resolved their differences and Slash rejoined the band. Despite the reunion, Axl’s original comment remains one of the most offensive public statements in classic rock history.