5 Classic Rock Feuds That Never Ended
via Riccardo Caiati / YouTube
In the world of classic rock, fierce rivalries and feuds have often taken center stage. The intense competition among musicians has led to some of the most famous disputes in music history. These conflicts, fueled by egos and clashing personalities, have left a lasting impact. Here are five rock feuds that have never truly ended.
1. Roger Waters vs. David Gilmour
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Roger Waters and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd were once bandmates who created some of the most iconic music together. However, their creative differences and personalities led to a major fallout. Waters, the bassist, and key lyricist, often clashed with Gilmour, the guitarist, over the band’s musical direction. Waters wanted to pursue more conceptual and politically charged music, while Gilmour preferred a more traditional rock sound.
The tension reached its peak in the early 1980s when Waters decided to leave Pink Floyd, believing the band couldn’t continue without him. Gilmour, along with other members, decided to keep Pink Floyd alive, leading to legal battles and public disagreements. Even after decades, Waters and Gilmour continue to have a strained relationship, highlighting how deep personal and artistic differences can run.
2. Eagles vs. Don Felder
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Eagles were known not only for their harmonious music but also for their internal strife. Guitarist Don Felder had numerous conflicts with founding members Glenn Frey and Don Henley. The disagreements often revolved around creative input and financial matters, leading to a toxic working environment. Felder felt marginalized and argued that his contributions were not adequately recognized.
The situation escalated in 2001 when Felder was fired from the band. He responded by filing a lawsuit against his former bandmates and later wrote a tell-all memoir detailing his experiences. The ongoing legal battles and public statements from both sides kept the feud alive. To this day, the rift between Don Felder and the remaining Eagles members demonstrates the fragile nature of creative collaborations.
3. John Fogerty vs. Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty, the frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), had a tumultuous relationship with the other band members, including his brother Tom Fogerty. John felt that he carried the band’s success on his shoulders due to his role as the primary songwriter and leader. The other members resented his dominance and lack of collaboration. Tensions peaked in the early 1970s when the band decided to dissolve.
Legal battles over song rights and royalties further strained the relationships. John Fogerty’s refusal to perform with his former bandmates at various reunions kept the animosity alive. Decades later, the conflicts and unresolved issues continue to cast a shadow over CCR’s legacy, illustrating how business and personal relationships can collide in the music industry.
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4. Noel Gallagher vs. Liam Gallagher
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The sibling rivalry between Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis is one of the most infamous feuds in rock history. The brothers’ tumultuous relationship was marked by public spats, backstage altercations, and creative differences. Despite their conflicts, they managed to create some of the most iconic Britpop music of the 1990s, with hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”
Their volatile relationship reached a breaking point in 2009, leading to the band’s split. Since then, the Gallagher brothers have engaged in a continuous war of words through social media, interviews, and songs. The animosity between Noel and Liam remains, making any potential Oasis reunion seem unlikely. Their feud is a classic example of how deep-seated family issues can impact professional collaborations and leave a lasting mark on a band’s legacy.
5. Lindsey Buckingham vs. Stevie Nicks
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Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac have had a famously tumultuous relationship, both romantically and professionally. The duo’s initial romantic involvement added a layer of complexity to their professional collaboration. Their breakup in the late 1970s brought personal and creative tensions to the forefront.
Despite creating enduring music together, disagreements about the band’s direction, tour plans, and artistic decisions have persisted. The feud took a significant turn in 2018 when Buckingham was fired from Fleetwood Mac, reportedly at Nicks’ insistence. The ongoing discord between Buckingham and Nicks highlights the challenges of maintaining professional relationships amidst personal strife.
These classic rock feuds exemplify how personal and professional conflicts can leave a lasting mark on the music industry, shaping the legacies of the artists involved.
