Hailey Watson
Some of the biggest names in music history created unforgettable songs that millions of fans still love today.
Behind the scenes, though, working with these talented artists was often a nightmare for their bandmates and collaborators.
From explosive arguments to bizarre behavior, these musicians proved that fame and talent don’t always come with great people skills.
1. Chuck Berry
Known as the Father of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry gave the world legendary guitar riffs and hits like “Johnny B. Goode.”
His influence on music is impossible to measure.
Yet behind his genius lay a personality that made collaboration incredibly difficult.
Berry refused to rehearse with fellow musicians and showed little respect for their time or talent.
The 1987 documentary “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll” captured his tense interactions with Keith Richards, who tried desperately to organize rehearsals.
Berry’s dismissive attitude and unwillingness to cooperate frustrated even the most patient musicians.
His behavior became so notorious that many artists hesitated to work with him despite his legendary status.
2. Ozzy Osbourne
As Black Sabbath’s frontman, Ozzy Osbourne helped create heavy metal music as we know it.
His voice defined an entire generation of rock.
However, his unpredictable actions and substance abuse made him extremely challenging to work with during the band’s peak years.
Bandmates grew tired of his erratic behavior and unreliability.
Recording sessions became chaotic, and planning tours felt impossible.
His struggles affected everyone around him, creating tension that eventually became unbearable.
In 1979, Black Sabbath finally fired Ozzy, unable to continue working under such difficult conditions.
Despite launching a successful solo career afterward, his reputation for being a tough coworker followed him throughout the industry.
3. Liam and Noel Gallagher
The Gallagher brothers turned Oasis into one of Britain’s biggest rock bands during the 1990s.
Their songs dominated radio stations and sold millions of albums worldwide.
Unfortunately, Liam and Noel’s sibling rivalry created constant drama that often overshadowed their musical achievements.
Their fights weren’t just private disagreements.
The brothers argued publicly, canceled shows, and threw insults at each other in interviews.
Backstage battles sometimes turned physical, with instruments and other objects becoming weapons.
Other band members found themselves caught in the crossfire of these explosive feuds.
The toxic environment eventually destroyed Oasis completely, with the band breaking up in 2009 after one final, massive argument.
4. Tom DeLonge
Blink-182 became one of the most successful pop-punk bands ever, with Tom DeLonge as a founding member and creative force.
Fans adored his catchy guitar work and distinctive singing voice.
But DeLonge’s shifting priorities eventually created serious problems within the band.
He suddenly left his bandmates hanging to pursue interests in UFO research and other projects.
His departure felt abrupt and disrespectful to the other members who wanted to continue making music together.
Communication broke down completely, with conflicting stories about who said what.
The remaining members felt abandoned and betrayed by someone they’d worked with for years.
DeLonge’s actions highlighted how personal ambitions can destroy professional relationships, even in successful bands.
5. David Lee Roth
Van Halen’s original frontman brought incredible energy and showmanship to the band’s performances throughout the early 1980s.
David Lee Roth’s acrobatic stage moves and larger-than-life personality helped make Van Halen superstars.
Millions of fans bought tickets specifically to see his wild antics.
However, his massive ego clashed constantly with guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s vision for the band.
Roth demanded attention and control, treating other members like his backing band.
Arguments about musical direction became increasingly bitter and personal.
The tension grew so intense that Roth left Van Halen in 1985.
His flamboyant personality, while entertaining for audiences, proved exhausting and frustrating for bandmates who wanted mutual respect.
6. Brian Wilson
As the creative genius behind The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson composed some of America’s most beloved songs.
Albums like “Pet Sounds” revolutionized pop music and influenced countless artists.
His musical brilliance remains unquestioned even today.
Wilson’s mental health struggles, however, created enormous challenges for his bandmates.
He became increasingly isolated and exhibited eccentric behavior that disrupted recording sessions.
His perfectionism meant endless takes and expensive studio time that frustrated everyone involved.
Sometimes he simply couldn’t function, leaving the band without their primary songwriter and producer.
The other Beach Boys never knew what to expect, making planning tours and albums incredibly stressful.
Wilson’s internal battles affected the entire group’s dynamics for decades.
7. Axl Rose
Guns N’ Roses exploded onto the rock scene with Axl Rose’s powerful vocals leading the charge.
Songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle” became instant classics.
Rose’s voice and stage presence captivated audiences worldwide, making the band massive stars.
His temperamental nature, though, made him notoriously difficult to work with for bandmates and crew members alike.
Rose frequently arrived hours late to concerts, sometimes canceling shows entirely without warning.
His perfectionist demands and volatile mood swings created constant tension.
Original band members gradually left, unable to tolerate his controlling behavior and unpredictable outbursts.
The revolving door of musicians became a running joke in the industry.
8. Lindsey Buckingham
Fleetwood Mac’s guitarist and producer helped create the band’s signature sound on albums like “Rumours.”
Lindsey Buckingham’s intricate guitar work and production skills were absolutely essential to their success.
His musical contributions earned millions of fans and critical acclaim.
Yet his romantic relationship with bandmate Stevie Nicks created unbearable tension when it fell apart.
The two continued working together despite their breakup, leading to uncomfortable recording sessions filled with emotional pain.
Their personal drama affected everyone in the band.
Buckingham’s perfectionism and demanding nature in the studio also wore on his colleagues.
Eventually, the accumulated tensions led to his controversial firing from Fleetwood Mac in 2018, decades after joining.
9. Morrissey
The Smiths’ lead singer became an icon of 1980s alternative music with his poetic lyrics and unique vocal style.
Morrissey’s witty, melancholic songs resonated deeply with fans who felt like outsiders.
His influence on indie rock cannot be overstated.
Working with him, however, proved incredibly frustrating for guitarist Johnny Marr and other band members.
Morrissey’s difficult personality, constant complaints, and controversial statements created endless problems.
He refused to compromise on creative decisions and often dismissed others’ ideas.
His behavior contributed significantly to The Smiths’ breakup in 1987.
Even in his solo career, Morrissey has developed a reputation for canceling shows, making offensive comments, and alienating collaborators with his stubborn, uncompromising attitude.
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