7 Classic Rock Music Awards Moments That Were Totally Cringe

Award shows have given us many memorable moments, but some stand out for being particularly awkward. Here are seven instances in classic rock history where things got uncomfortable.

Rage Against the Machine’s Stage Protest at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards

At the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, Rage Against the Machine was nominated for Best Rock Video alongside Limp Bizkit. When Limp Bizkit won, bassist Tim Commerford climbed the stage set in protest during their acceptance speech. His actions caused confusion and discomfort among attendees. Security intervened, and Commerford was eventually escorted off the stage. The incident was seen as disruptive and unprofessional, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Jethro Tull’s Unexpected Win at the 1989 Grammy Awards

In 1989, the Grammy Awards introduced a new category: Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. Many expected Metallica to win for their album “…And Justice for All.” However, the award went to Jethro Tull, a band known for its flute-infused rock, which many did not consider metal. The audience was shocked, and some even booed. Jethro Tull’s frontman, Ian Anderson, was not present to accept the award, adding to the awkwardness. This surprising win led to criticism of the Grammy voting process and is still discussed as a major upset in award show history.

Nirvana’s Chaotic Performance at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards

In 1992, Nirvana was set to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards. The band wanted to play a new song, but the producers insisted on their hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” As a compromise, Nirvana started with a few seconds of the forbidden song before launching into their approved track. The performance ended with bassist Krist Novoselic throwing his instrument into the air and accidentally hitting himself on the head. Drummer Dave Grohl then approached the microphone and began taunting Axl Rose, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere. The chaotic performance was memorable but left many viewers uneasy.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Confused Speech at the 2005 UK Music Hall of Fame Induction

In 2004, Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. During his acceptance speech, frontman Ozzy Osbourne appeared disoriented and struggled to articulate his thoughts. He rambled incoherently, leaving the audience uncomfortable. The incident was attributed to Osbourne’s ongoing health issues and past substance abuse, shedding light on the personal struggles faced by many rock musicians.

The Beatles’ Controversial Remarks at the 1966 NME Awards

At the 1966 NME Awards, The Beatles accepted their award and made comments that some perceived as dismissive towards other artists. John Lennon joked about the Rolling Stones, saying, “You’ve just seen the greatest tea-room orchestra in the world.” The remarks were met with mixed reactions, with some finding them humorous and others viewing them as arrogant. This incident highlighted the competitive tensions between leading bands of the era.

Bob Dylan’s Interrupted Performance at the 1998 Grammy Awards

In 1998, Bob Dylan performed “Love Sick” at the Grammy Awards. Midway through his performance, a shirtless man with the words “Soy Bomb” painted on his chest danced erratically near Dylan. Security quickly removed the intruder, but the unexpected interruption left the audience bewildered. Dylan continued his performance without acknowledging the disruption, showcasing his professionalism amidst the chaos.

Metallica’s Technical Difficulties at the 2017 Grammy Awards

In 2017, Metallica teamed up with Lady Gaga to perform “Moth Into Flame” at the Grammy Awards. As the performance began, lead singer James Hetfield’s microphone malfunctioned, rendering his vocals inaudible. Realizing the issue, Hetfield moved to share Lady Gaga’s microphone, but the disruption had already affected the performance’s flow. At the song’s conclusion, a visibly frustrated Hetfield threw his guitar off stage, expressing his anger over the technical mishap. This incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of live performances and became a memorable moment in Grammy history.