6 Times Rock Bands Threw Shade at Other Acts Publicly

Rock music has always been known for its rebellious spirit, and sometimes that extends beyond the music itself. Over the years, several classic rock bands have publicly criticized or mocked their peers, leading to memorable feuds and rivalries. Here are six notable instances where classic rock bands threw shade at each other in public.​

Oasis vs. Blur

In the mid-1990s, two British bands, Oasis and Blur, were at the forefront of the Britpop movement. Their rivalry was fueled by the media and personal jabs. Oasis’s Noel Gallagher once wished that Blur’s Damon Albarn and Alex James would “catch AIDS and die,” a statement he later regretted. Blur responded by wearing Oasis T-shirts during performances, mocking their rivals.​

The competition peaked when both bands released singles on the same day in 1995. Blur’s “Country House” outsold Oasis’s “Roll with It,” intensifying the feud. Over time, tensions eased, and in 2013, Albarn and Gallagher performed together at a charity concert, signaling a truce.​

Nirvana vs. Guns N’ Roses

In the early 1990s, Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses represented different rock subgenres. Tensions arose when Nirvana declined an offer to tour with Guns N’ Roses. Kurt Cobain criticized the band’s music and image, leading to public insults from Axl Rose. At the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, a backstage confrontation occurred between the bands.​

Despite the animosity, members of both bands have since moved on. In recent years, former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash have shared the stage, indicating that past grievances have been set aside.​

Elton John vs. Madonna

Elton John and Madonna, both pop icons, had a long-standing feud that began in the early 2000s. John criticized Madonna’s live performances, accusing her of lip-syncing. He also mocked her for winning a Golden Globe for her role in “Evita,” suggesting she didn’t deserve it.​

Madonna responded by calling John’s comments “unfair” and “untrue.” The feud lasted for years, but in 2012, they reconciled after a chance meeting at a restaurant. John later apologized, and Madonna accepted, ending their public spat.​

Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Faith No More

In the late 1980s, Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis accused Faith No More’s Mike Patton of imitating his style. Kiedis believed Patton copied his stage movements and vocal delivery. Patton denied the allegations, leading to tension between the bands.​

The feud simmered for years, with occasional public comments reigniting it. In 1999, the conflict resurfaced when Kiedis had Mr. Bungle, Patton’s other band, removed from several festival lineups. Despite the animosity, both artists have continued their careers without further incidents.​

Slipknot vs. Limp Bizkit

In the early 2000s, Slipknot and Limp Bizkit were prominent in the nu-metal scene. Tensions arose when Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst referred to Slipknot fans as “fat, ugly kids.” Slipknot’s Corey Taylor responded by criticizing Durst’s musical abilities and authenticity.​

Despite the initial hostility, the bands eventually shared stages at festivals, and the feud cooled down. In later interviews, Taylor acknowledged that the conflict was overblown and expressed respect for Limp Bizkit’s contributions to the genre.​

Paul Simon vs. Los Lobos

During the recording of Paul Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland,” he collaborated with various artists, including Los Lobos. However, tensions arose when Los Lobos claimed Simon used their song without proper credit. Steve Berlin of Los Lobos accused Simon of taking their track and dismissing their concerns.​

Simon denied the allegations, stating that the song in question was a collaborative effort. The dispute remained unresolved, with both parties maintaining their versions of events. Despite the controversy, “Graceland” remains one of Simon’s most acclaimed works.​