8 Rock Stars Who Publicly Mocked Their Former Bandmates
Alex Illingworth / YouTube
Rock bands often face internal conflicts, especially when strong personalities clash. Sometimes, these disagreements become public, with band members openly criticizing each other. Here are eight instances where rock stars publicly mocked their former bandmates.
The Beach Boys
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Cousins Mike Love and Brian Wilson, both founding members of The Beach Boys, have had a strained relationship for decades. Wilson has criticized Love’s singing abilities and labeled him as “egotistical.” In response, Love successfully sued the band for songwriting credits on many of their hits.
Their disagreements have affected the band’s dynamics over the years. Despite their shared history, the tension between them has been evident in various interviews and public appearances.
The Everly Brothers
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Don and Phil Everly, known for their harmonious vocals, had a tumultuous relationship off-stage. Their animosity culminated in a 1973 concert where Phil smashed his guitar and walked off stage, effectively ending their performance.
This incident highlighted the deep-seated issues between the brothers, which had been building up over time. Their personal differences often overshadowed their musical achievements.
The Kinks
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Brothers Ray and Dave Davies of The Kinks had a complex relationship marked by both collaboration and conflict. Dave once remarked, “You’ve heard of vampires. Well, Ray sucks me dry of ideas, emotions and creativity. He’s a control freak.”
Their band eventually disbanded in 1996, but the brothers have occasionally hinted at reconciliation. Their story is a testament to the challenges of mixing family with business.
Kiss
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Original Kiss members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss have had longstanding issues with bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Stanley alleged in his 2014 biography that Frehley and Criss were antisemitic, claims which Frehley denied.
These accusations further strained their relationships, making reunions and collaborations difficult. The band’s internal dynamics have been a topic of discussion among fans and media alike.
Oasis
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Liam and Noel Gallagher’s feud is one of the most publicized in rock history. After Oasis disbanded in 2009, the brothers frequently exchanged insults through the media and social platforms.
Despite the ongoing tension, fans remain hopeful for a reunion. Recent developments suggest that reconciliation might be possible in the future.
Pink Floyd
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Roger Waters’ departure from Pink Floyd in 1985 led to a prolonged dispute over the band’s name and legacy. Waters attempted to prevent the remaining members from using the Pink Floyd name, leading to legal battles and public disagreements.
Despite a brief reunion in 2005, tensions have persisted. The band’s history is marked by both musical innovation and interpersonal conflicts.
Simon and Garfunkel
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Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, iconic for their harmonious duets, had a relationship fraught with tension. After their split in 1970, they reunited several times, including a notable 1981 concert in Central Park.
However, their 2010 reunion was marred by disagreements, with Simon accusing Garfunkel of not disclosing vocal issues. Their partnership has been both celebrated and complicated.
Yes
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In 2008, Yes vocalist Jon Anderson faced health challenges, leading the band to tour with replacement singer Benoit David. Feeling sidelined, Anderson formed a new group with former Yes members Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman.
This led to two versions of Yes touring simultaneously, causing confusion among fans. The situation highlighted the complexities of band dynamics and branding.
Metallica and Dave Mustaine
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Dave Mustaine was an early member of Metallica but was dismissed in 1983 due to personal conflicts and substance issues. Mustaine has expressed resentment over the band using his compositions after his departure. He stated, “I think I wrote many of the songs that made you famous.”
Over the years, Mustaine’s relationship with Metallica has been tumultuous. While there have been moments of reconciliation, underlying tensions have occasionally resurfaced in interviews and public statements.
