6 Times Classic Rock Bands Had Fights Mid-Concert

Rock concerts are typically celebrations of music and unity. However, there have been moments when tensions among band members boiled over during performances, leading to onstage altercations. Here are six notable instances where classic rock bands experienced conflicts in the middle of their concerts.​

The Who’s Onstage Brawl

In 1966, during a performance in Newbury, England, The Who’s internal tensions erupted publicly. Drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle had been experimenting with amphetamines, leading to erratic behavior. During the show, a disagreement escalated, resulting in Moon and Entwistle engaging in a physical altercation onstage. This incident highlighted the volatile dynamics within the band during that period.

The Kinks’ Infamous 1965 Incident

The Kinks experienced a notorious onstage fight on May 19, 1965, at the Capital Theatre in Cardiff, Wales. Guitarist Dave Davies made a disparaging remark to drummer Mick Avory, suggesting he use his anatomy to play the snare drum. Avory responded by knocking Davies unconscious with a cymbal stand. Fearing he had seriously injured his bandmate, Avory fled the scene. This violent episode underscored the underlying tensions within the group.

U2’s Heated Exchange in 1980

Even bands known for their camaraderie aren’t immune to conflicts. On December 14, 1980, during a performance at Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut, U2 faced an onstage altercation. Bono confronted drummer Larry Mullen Jr. over a mistake, leading guitarist The Edge to intervene physically. This rare incident of public discord was a departure from the band’s typically harmonious image. ​

The Eagles’ 1980 Onstage Fallout

Tensions within The Eagles reached a breaking point on July 31, 1980, during a concert in Long Beach, California. Glenn Frey and Don Felder’s strained relationship culminated in threats exchanged mid-performance. Frey recalled, “Only three more songs till I kick your ass.” This confrontation contributed to the band’s breakup shortly thereafter. ​

The Everly Brothers’ 1973 Breakup

Sibling duo The Everly Brothers had a dramatic falling out onstage on July 14, 1973, at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. Phil Everly smashed his guitar and exited the stage, leaving Don to finish the set alone. This public dispute led to a decade-long separation between the brothers. ​

The Beatles’ Early Onstage Scuffle

In their early days, The Beatles experienced internal conflicts. During a performance in Hamburg in 1961, Paul McCartney and bassist Stuart Sutcliffe engaged in a physical altercation onstage. The fight was reportedly over a comment McCartney made about Sutcliffe’s fiancée, leading to a public brawl that surprised the audience. ​