Who are the Rock Stars Who Refuse to Tolerate Disrespectful Interviewers?

In the music industry, rock stars are often in a position to see the best and worst of coverage in the media. Many, including Lou Reed and Dee Snider, have spoken out about the unfairness and disrespect they endure from some journalists. It's no secret why so many musicians, particularly rock stars, have a reputation for not liking journalists. The relationship between musicians and the press is often a tense one, with reports of rock stars going as far as to refuse to speak to certain media personalities or publications.

Why Do Rock Stars Hate Journalists?

It's common for musicians to have a less than friendly relationship with the press, especially rock stars who often feel that their work and professionalism are not always given the credit they deserve. For many, the frequent trivialization of music, from the band's style to their concepts, can be incredibly frustrating.

Rock Star vs. Rock Critic Example: Lou Reed and Lester Bangs

A particularly dramatic example of the tension between a rock star and a critic is the relationship between Lou Reed and Lester Bangs. Bangs, known for his scathing reviews, notably described Reed's later work as a "gargantuan slab of maggoty rancor." This response from Reed only fueled the fire, with Reed retorting, "They're disgusting. Mainly the English. They’re pigs." The intensity and mutual disdain between the two only highlight the deep-seated issues that can arise between rock stars and their critics.

Bang's autobiography, 'Psychotic Reactions,' further demonstrates his opinionated nature. The book, summed up as one of the worst depictions of the music business, only served to further cement the existing animosity. Often, these exchanges are rooted in personal animosities and misunderstandings, but their impact is undeniable. Rock stars often have to deal with comments that, while sometimes justified, can be insulting and undeserved.

Dee Snider: Addressing Unfair Journalism

Dee Snider, the frontman of Twisted Sister, is another figure in the music community who has spoken out about unfair journalism. Snider has noted that when something new comes from the music world, journalists trivialize it, nickname it, or dismiss it as a fleeting fad. This sentiment is not uncommon among rock stars, who often feel that their art and the message behind their music are being superficially treated.

According to Snider, such dismissiveness is particularly pronounced in genres like jazz and grunge. When jazz is labeled as "weird" or grunge is seen as "whiny," these terms are often used as a replacement for deeper analysis and criticism. Snider's point is that the music industry, like any other, deserves a level of respect and depth in its examination. When journalists reduce their work to simplistic descriptors or outright dismiss it, they do a disservice to the creators and to the fans who appreciate the depth and complexity of the music.

Exemplary Cases of Rock Stars Standing Up for Themselves

One notable example of a band taking a stand against unfair journalism is Queen. The band, known for their bold and grandiose style, faced criticism from journalists who viewed their music and fashion as overly ostentatious. One such critic was Chris Charlesworth, who wrote scathing articles about Queen, including an accusation that Roger Taylor's house was too big compared to his own. However, Charlesworth had an interesting complaint: he did not own a single Queen album, suggesting that his dislike was based more on personal opinions than an informed understanding of the band's music.

Queen’s response to Charlesworth was particularly telling. The band simply refused to give him the time of day, effectively putting an end to any communication. This is a common stance among rock stars and bands who feel that the press is being disrespectful or unfair. By not engaging with certain journalists, they can send a clear message that their work is not subject to cheap criticism.

In summary, the tension between rock stars and journalists is often rooted in a combination of professional disagreements and personal animosities. Both sides sometimes fail to understand the other, leading to situations where musicians feel undervalued and misunderstood, and journalists feel stymied in their attempt to provide fair criticism. However, rock stars who are willing to speak out against unfair practices often gain the respect of their peers and fans.