The Notorious List Of Rockstar Interviews
Before the internet made direct artist-fan connections effortless, the role of interviewers in promoting musicians was crucial and often led to memorable encounters that shaped rock history.
Here’s a Legendary List of unforgettable Rockstar Interviews:
Courtney Love on Vanity Fair
Courtney Love’s infamous interview with Vanity Fair became a battleground between her, her husband Kurt Cobain, and reporter Lynn Hirschberg. Hirschberg’s claim that Love used heroin during pregnancy sparked a heated controversy, highlighting the raw intensity of rock’s personal and public lives.
Lou Reed vs. Lester Bangs
Lou Reed and Lester Bangs engaged in a series of sharp-witted exchanges that defined their era. In a 1973 profile for Let It Rock magazine, Bangs famously dubbed Reed a “vaguely uncomfortable fat man.” Their encounters, like the one chronicled in Creem’s “Let Us Now Praise Famous Death Dwarves,” showcased their intellectual sparring and mutual respect amid creative differences.
Sex Pistols vs. Bill Grundy
The Sex Pistols’ notorious appearance on the Today show with host Bill Grundy turned into a drunken spectacle that scandalized the nation. In their inebriated state, the band hurled obscenities live on air, forever etching punk rebellion into public consciousness.
Keith Richards vs. The Beatles
Keith Richards’ blunt critique of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” stirred controversy. Richards dismissed the iconic album as “a mishmash of rubbish,” sparking debates over artistic integrity and musical evolution during rock’s transformative 1960s.
John Lennon vs. Religious Controversy
John Lennon sparked outrage in 1966 when he remarked to Maureen Cleave that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus. His provocative statement on Christianity and rock ‘n’ roll’s cultural influence ignited protests and record burnings in America, revealing the power of music to challenge societal norms.
Elton John’s Coming Out
Elton John’s candid 1976 interview with Rolling Stone marked a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ visibility. In openly discussing his homosexuality, John challenged stereotypes and affirmed the fluidity of sexuality, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding within the music industry and beyond.
