Anthologies of musical greats abound, spanning decades of creativity, teamwork, and, yes, rivalry. Ambition, ego, and even pure musical talent have driven artists to new levels of creativity in these feuds, which have had an indelible impact on the music industry.
Bands Vs. Bands
Try to discover how the titans destroy one another.
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
This long-running feud between the mop-topped Fab Four and the bad boys of rock, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles exemplified a clash of cultures. While the Rolling Stones radiated defiance and raw intensity, the Beatles were pop perfection. Both bands’ mutual admiration and healthy rivalry inspired them to write classic songs.
Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
Both rappers met a horrible end in this East Coast-West Coast hip-hop battle that was stoked by lyrical diss recordings and personal hostility. It brought attention to the risks of gang violence and changed the face of rap music irrevocably.
An Inspirational Spark
There are positive outcomes to musical rivalries as well. On occasion, they spark an original idea.
Oasis
Noel and Liam Gallagher were the lead singers of the British rock band Oasis. Their public spats and heated sibling rivalry inspired the band’s music and drive. The spirit of the ’90s was encapsulated in their music.
Besides the Meat
Rivalries in music go beyond time and style. They serve as a reminder that music is an intensely personal art form, and that musicians and other creative types are quite possessive of their ideas. These rivalries, whether they started out as friendly rivalry or as a result of genuine hostility, have added depth to the musical canon and keep music lovers enthralled.
