At 80, Rod Stewart Finally Reveals 6 Musicians He Disliked The Most!

Rod Stewart, the legendary rock icon, has shaped generations with his unforgettable voice and timeless hits.

But behind the glamour and success, Stewart has also had his share of rivalries and outspoken moments in the music industry.

From clashes with fellow legends to feuds that rocked the backstage world, the story of Rod Stewart is as much about his relationships as it is about his music.

As he celebrates his 80th birthday, Stewart has opened up about the musicians he could never get along with.

In this article, we delve into the untold stories, heated rivalries, and the passion that defined Stewart’s incredible journey through rock and roll.

Join us as we explore six musicians that Rod Stewart openly admitted he disliked the most.

The Rock and Roll Rivalry Landscape

The world of rock music is filled with legendary figures, each with their unique style, persona, and, often, their own set of controversies.

Rivalries in the music industry are almost as common as the music itself.

For every duet that warms the heart, there’s a feud brewing in the background.

Rod Stewart, known for his raspy voice and charismatic stage presence, has certainly had his fair share of conflicts.

These rivalries have not only shaped his career but have also provided fans with a glimpse into the often tumultuous world of rock and roll.

As Stewart reflects on his long and storied career, he reveals the names of those he clashed with the most.

Let’s take a closer look at these six musicians who have left an indelible mark on Stewart’s life, albeit not always in a positive way.

David Bowie: A Clash of Titans

David Bowie was one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his time.

However, his relationship with Rod Stewart was anything but smooth.

Both artists were at the forefront of the glam rock movement in the early 1970s, but their personalities often clashed.

Stewart has openly admitted that he found Bowie’s persona to be somewhat pretentious.

The two were known to have had several heated exchanges, particularly over their differing approaches to fame and artistry.

While Bowie embraced his alter egos and theatricality, Stewart preferred a more straightforward rock and roll approach.

This fundamental difference in style and attitude led to a rivalry that defined a significant portion of both artists’ careers.

Despite their differences, it’s clear that both musicians respected each other’s talents, even if they could never quite see eye to eye.

Mick Jagger: The Rolling Stones Rivalry

Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, is another name that comes up frequently in discussions about Rod Stewart’s rivalries.

Both men have been titans of the rock genre, and their paths have crossed numerous times over the decades.

Stewart has shared that he found Jagger’s larger-than-life persona to be overwhelming at times.

The competition between the two was palpable, especially during the height of their careers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Stewart often felt overshadowed by Jagger’s fame and the massive success of The Rolling Stones.

This rivalry was not just personal; it was also professional, as both artists vied for the same audience and chart positions.

While they have shared the stage on occasion, the tension between them has always lingered just beneath the surface.

Robert Plant: A Battle of Rock Legends

Robert Plant, the legendary lead singer of Led Zeppelin, is another musician with whom Stewart has had a complicated relationship.

Both men are considered rock icons, yet their musical styles differ greatly.

Stewart has been candid about his feelings towards Plant, describing him as arrogant and overly confident.

The rivalry intensified during the 1970s, when both artists were at the peak of their fame.

Stewart felt that Plant’s attitude and the aura surrounding Led Zeppelin created an environment that was difficult for other artists to navigate.

Despite this, there has always been a mutual respect for each other’s talents, even if their personal interactions were fraught with tension.

Freddie Mercury: The Queen of Controversy

Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant frontman of Queen, is another figure in the pantheon of rock legends that Rod Stewart has had a tumultuous relationship with.

While both artists are celebrated for their incredible vocal abilities and stage presence, their personalities often clashed.

Stewart has noted that he found Mercury’s theatrical style to be excessive at times.

The rivalry between the two was fueled by their contrasting approaches to performance and fame.

While Mercury embraced the spotlight with all its drama, Stewart preferred a more grounded approach.

This difference in style led to a competitive atmosphere, with both artists wanting to outshine the other.

Despite their differences, both Stewart and Mercury have acknowledged each other’s immense talent, adding complexity to their rivalry.

Brian Ferry: Glam Rock Tensions

Brian Ferry, the frontman of Roxy Music, is another musician with whom Rod Stewart has had a rocky relationship.

Ferry’s sophisticated style and artistic vision often put him at odds with Stewart’s more straightforward rock approach.

Stewart has expressed that he found Ferry’s pretentiousness to be off-putting.

Their rivalry was characterized by a clash of musical philosophies, with Stewart favoring raw energy and Ferry leaning towards artful sophistication.

The tension between them was palpable during the height of their respective careers in the 1970s.

While both artists have had successful careers, their differences have often overshadowed any potential camaraderie.

The Beatles: A Legacy of Competition

Lastly, the rivalry with The Beatles, particularly Paul McCartney, is one that Rod Stewart has often reflected upon.

The Beatles’ monumental impact on music is undeniable, and their legacy has cast a long shadow over many artists, including Stewart.

While Stewart has expressed admiration for The Beatles, he has also admitted to feeling overshadowed by their success.

The competition for chart dominance and public attention created a sense of rivalry that Stewart has acknowledged throughout his career.

Despite this, Stewart has always maintained a level of respect for the band, recognizing their monumental contributions to music.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Rivalries

As Rod Stewart reflects on his life and career at the age of 80, it’s clear that rivalries have played a significant role in shaping his journey through the music industry.

These six musicians represent a complex tapestry of relationships that have defined not only his career but also the landscape of rock music as a whole.

While Stewart may have had his differences with these artists, it’s evident that they have all contributed to the rich history of rock and roll.

Rivalries are often a reflection of the passion and intensity that drives artists to create and perform.

In the end, it’s this very passion that has made Rod Stewart a beloved figure in the music world, and his candid reflections on these rivalries only add to the intrigue of his incredible journey.

As we celebrate Stewart’s legacy, we are reminded that behind every great artist lies a story filled with conflict, competition, and ultimately, respect for the craft.

Here’s to Rod Stewart and the unforgettable mark he has left on the world of music.