Devin J
Ever heard a song so many times you wanted to scream? Imagine being the artist who has to play that hit every single night. Believe it or not, some iconic musicians loathe their most famous tracks. Let’s get into ten musical legends who’d rather you forget their chart-toppers.
Radiohead – “Creep”
Radiohead’s “Creep” is an anthem for many, but the band themselves? Not so much. Lead singer Thom Yorke has been known to introduce it at concerts as “that song,” and once quipped, “We sucked Satan’s c—” for letting it define them. They even left it off setlists for years, only to bring it back begrudgingly. Yorke’s disdain for the number is almost as legendary as the track.
Beastie Boys – “Fight For Your Right”
This frat party anthem was meant to be a parody but backfired, becoming a genuine party staple. The Beastie Boys have expressed their regret over this track, with Mike D admitting, “There were tons of guys singing along to it who were oblivious to the fact it was a joke.” The irony was lost, and the Boys were left to fight for their right to be taken seriously.
Madonna – “Like a Virgin”
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” catapulted her to superstardom, but she’s not a fan. She once told Rolling Stone, “I’m not sure I can sing ‘Holiday’ or ‘Like a Virgin’ ever again. I just can’t—unless somebody pays me like $30 million or something.” Even the Queen of Pop has her limits when it comes to nostalgia.
Frank Sinatra – “Strangers in the Night”
Old Blue Eyes himself couldn’t stand “Strangers in the Night.” Despite its success, Sinatra called it “a piece of shit” and “the worst fucking song I’ve ever heard.” Yet, he performed it countless times, much to his dismay. Imagine crooning a hit you despise night after night—Sinatra’s disdain was as legendary as his voice.
Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
For many, “Stairway to Heaven” is a masterpiece, but Robert Plant is so over it. The Led Zeppelin frontman has called it “that bloody wedding song” and rarely chooses to perform it. He’s even offered a radio station a large sum, never to play it again.
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Kurt Cobain once called “Smells Like Teen Spirit” a tune that “ruined” the band. The grunge anthem was a blessing and a curse, launching Nirvana into the mainstream while overshadowing their other work. Cobain’s frustration was palpable, describing it as “too commercial” and even “cliched.”
Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a feel-good anthem, though not for Brian May. The Queen guitarist didn’t appreciate the song’s hedonistic vibe, feeling it reflected Freddie Mercury’s dangerous lifestyle at the time. May once said, “I didn’t like it. I thought it was a bit frivolous.”
R.E.M. – “Shiny Happy People”
Despite its catchy, upbeat melody, Micheal Stipe’s aversion to it is evident in its absence from their setlists. “Shiny Happy People” is one of R.E.M.’s most well-known tracks, but the lead singer describes the number as “a fruity pop song written for children.”
Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Noel Gallagher of Oasis has famously said he can’t stand “Wonderwall.” Despite it being a crowd favorite, he’s called it “f—— dreadful.” The song’s ubiquity has worn on him, making it one of the most begrudgingly played tracks in the band’s catalog. Noel’s honesty about his disdain adds a layer of humor to every performance.
Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” has one of rock history’s most recognizable guitar riffs. But Slash, the guitarist, isn’t impressed. He dismissed it as a “joke riff” and expressed surprise over its success. Even Axl Rose wasn’t keen on the track initially, making its status as a classic rock staple all the more ironic.
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