9 Most Uncomfortable Rock Interviews Ever Aired—Cringeworthy List

Throughout music history, some rock stars have made headlines for their wild interviews. They’ve shocked fans and critics alike with their words and behavior. Here are ten of the most notorious rock star interviews ever aired.

Chrissie Hynde Addresses Controversy (NPR Morning Edition, October 2015)

While promoting her autobiography “Reckless: My Life as a Pretender,” Chrissie Hynde stirred controversy with her story about being sexually assaulted. She blamed herself for the attack, which caused a backlash. In an NPR interview, Hynde mentioned that she never used the word “rape” in her book and seemed unaware of why her comments upset people.

When the interviewer pressed her further, Hynde became upset and defensive. She told critics they didn’t have to buy her book or listen to her music. She stated that she was only sharing her story, not advising others. Hynde felt she was being unfairly judged, comparing the backlash to a “lynch mob.”

John Lydon’s Awkward Interview (The Tomorrow Show, June 1980)

John Lydon appeared on “The Tomorrow Show” looking disheveled and annoyed. Host Tom Snyder started the interview awkwardly by asking about the band’s name and its meaning. Lydon, alongside guitarist Keith Levine, said, “We ain’t no band. We’re a company,” and followed up with a dismissive “Doo-dah.”

Snyder kept asking questions, trying to understand the band’s purpose. Lydon and Levine continued being difficult and uncooperative throughout. The tense exchange made it clear that Lydon had little interest in playing along with the host’s questions.

The Sex Pistols’ Profanity-Laden Interview (Thames’ Today, December 1976)

The Sex Pistols appeared on British TV after releasing “Anarchy in the U.K.” The band members, including Johnny Rotten and Steve Jones, created chaos with their foul language. The host, Bill Grundy, set the tone by suggesting the band was as drunk as he was.

Steve Jones was the first to use explicit language, and Johnny Rotten followed with sarcastic remarks. Grundy encouraged more outrageous comments, leading Jones to call him a “dirty bastard.” The interview ended with Grundy hoping never to see the band again, marking it as a notorious TV moment.

Lana Del Rey’s Morbid Comment (The Guardian, June 2014)

Lana Del Rey shocked fans by saying she wished she was dead during an interview with The Guardian. The interviewer, Tim Jonze, asked if she thought dying young was glamorous. Del Rey replied that she did and wished she was already dead.

Jonze urged her not to say that, but Del Rey insisted she meant it. She expressed being tired of everything, including making music. The remark led to a conversation with Kurt Cobain’s daughter, Frances Bean, who reminded her that young musician deaths should not be romanticized. Del Rey later clarified her comments, blaming interview questions focusing on Cobain and other late musicians.

Billy Bob Thornton’s Unusual Behavior (CBC Radio/Q TV, April 2009)

Billy Bob Thornton appeared on a Canadian radio show to discuss his band, the Boxmasters. Host Jian Ghomeshi introduced Thornton’s band and mentioned his acting career. This seemed to annoy Thornton, who then acted confused and dismissive.

When asked basic questions about the band, Thornton gave vague and unhelpful answers. His behavior puzzled the host and made the interview uncomfortable for listeners. Thornton’s refusal to engage in the interview and his strange responses created an awkward situation.

Keith Richards Criticizes The Beatles (Esquire, August 2015)

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards didn’t hold back in a 2015 interview with Esquire. He criticized The Beatles’ iconic album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” calling it “a mishmash of rubbish.” Richards felt the album lacked roots and said The Beatles lost sight of their original goals.

Richards compared the album unfavorably to the Rolling Stones’ experimental work. He continued to share strong opinions about other legendary rock bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin. His blunt criticism of “Sgt. Pepper’s” surprised many fans and underscored Richards’ unfiltered personality.

John Lennon’s Controversial Quote (London Evening Standard, March 1966)

John Lennon caused a major stir when he said, “The Beatles are more popular than Jesus.” Initially, the comment didn’t attract much attention. However, when it was later quoted in an American magazine, it sparked outrage.

Many people, especially in the southern United States, were offended by Lennon’s remark. Protests included burning Beatles records and banning their music from radio stations. The controversy overshadowed the band’s American tour, leading to press conferences where Lennon tried to explain his words.

Elton John Comes Out (Rolling Stone, October 1976)

In 1976, Elton John was one of the world’s biggest pop stars. During an interview with Rolling Stone, he openly discussed his sexuality. This was a bold move at a time when gay rights were not widely accepted.

John’s honesty about his private life surprised many fans and the public. His declaration in such a prominent publication helped pave the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the music industry and beyond.

Prince Walks Out of Interview (MTV, 1999)

Prince was known for his mysterious and eccentric persona. In a 1999 interview with MTV, he was asked about his name change to an unpronounceable symbol. Prince didn’t appreciate the line of questioning and abruptly ended the interview.

This action surprised the interviewer and viewers alike. His walk-out underscored his reputation as an artist who strongly defended his artistic choices and privacy. This moment added to the legend of Prince’s enigmatic personality.