Rockstars Who Actually Threw Fists

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Heavy metal is more than just awesome guitar riffs and mind-blowing solos. It’s a genre bursting with emotions, where love for art can sometimes turn into bitter fights.

These fights aren’t just about music differences or backstage arguments. Sometimes, they erupt into full-on battles. From big egos clashing to unexpected fights on stage, the history of heavy metal is full of stories of rock stars throwing punches.

Let’s dive into some of the craziest and often funny fights that shook the music scene, showing that metalheads are as passionate about their fights as they are about their music.

Guns N’ Roses Vs. Mötley Crüe

In 1989, at the MTV Video Music Awards, things got wild when Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil attacked Guns N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin backstage. Rumors flew that Stradlin had allegedly hit Neil’s pregnant wife, which sparked Neil’s anger.

Axl Rose, furious about defending his bandmate, threatened Neil with violence. Security jumped in to stop the brawl from escalating further, but it became a huge media sensation.

The feud turned into a public show. Neil boasted about breaking Stradlin’s nose, leading Rose to demand a public apology. They even challenged each other to a televised fight, but it never happened. Despite the drama, the MTV brawl became one of rock’s infamous feuds.

Skid Row Vs. Bon Jovi

Skid Row and Bon Jovi’s relationship soured when Skid Row’s merchandise outsold Bon Jovi’s, causing tension. Things exploded in Kentucky when Bon Jovi’s crew hazed Skid Row’s Bach with an ice milk dunk.

After their performance, things got heated. Bach claimed Bon Jovi and his crew confronted him, resulting in punches and a wall slam. This backstage brawl continued with public insults for years.

The bad blood lasted until a chance meeting in a London bar in the early 2000s, where they finally made peace. It showed that even intense rock rivalries can fade over time.

Slipknot Vs. Mushroomhead

Slipknot and Mushroomhead clashed over accusations of copying each other’s sound. The tension peaked at a live concert, where Mushroomhead’s fans attacked Slipknot, leading to chaos and arrests.

Despite the violence, Slipknot ignored Mushroomhead afterward, treating them like a minor annoyance. Mushroomhead continued jabbing in interviews until a moment of respect after Paul Gray’s death in 2010 hinted at a possible end to the feud.

Metallica Vs. Megadeth

The feud between Metallica and Megadeth began with guitarist Dave Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica. Mustaine formed Megadeth and publicly criticized Metallica for years, fueling the rivalry.

The tension showed no signs of ending until a chance meeting in a London bar in the early 2000s, where they finally made peace. It demonstrated that even long-standing grudges can eventually fade away.

Disturbed Vs. Finch

Disturbed and Finch clashed in 2002 when Finch guitarist Randy Stroh insulted Disturbed’s music and threatened their lead singer. This led to a brawl at a music festival, showcasing the dark side of the music industry.

The feud ended with security preventing further violence, highlighting the volatile nature of rock star conflicts.

Tommy Lee Vs. Kid Rock

Tommy Lee and Kid Rock’s feud stemmed from their shared history with Pamela Anderson. The tension exploded at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, where Kid Rock allegedly punched Lee, sparking a tabloid frenzy.

The cause of the fight remains murky, but it shows how personal issues can spill into public battles.

These clashes, from backstage brawls to public insults, are a reminder that behind the music, rockstars are just as prone to conflict as anyone else.

 

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