The Divisive 12
Some rock stars earned global respect and admiration that only deepened with time, while others, despite fame and success, became targets of criticism, mockery, or controversy. This list looks at both sides of the legacy coin, spotlighting 12 artists people love to hate and 12 who remain widely respected. From massive chart hits to cultural impact, we break down why each name made the list, based on their influence, achievements, and how the world continues to see them.
1. KISS – The Merch Machine
KISS revolutionized rock merchandising, comic books, lunchboxes, even branded barbecue sauce and teddy bears, transforming their stage personas into a global lifestyle brand. Critics argue their focus on licensing overshadowed their music, calling them “brand-first, band-second”. Their theatrical makeup and stadium shows made them legends, but purists often dismiss that spectacle as empty showmanship. Despite the pushback, no one can deny KISS built a billion-dollar empire and inspired countless modern bands on how to market themselves. Love them or loathe them, their merchandising game reshaped rock’s business blueprint and cemented their legacy as the ultimate rock‑and‑roll storefront.
2. Yoko Ono – Avant-Garde Lightning Rod
Yoko Ono brought experimental art and sound collages into the mainstream with works like Plastic Ono Band, influencing generations of alternative artists. Yet, her constant presence in Beatles’ sessions and rumored part in their breakup made her public enemy number one for decades. She was blamed for everything, from creative differences to misogynistic scapegoating. In recent years, critical reassessment has restored her status. A wave of documentaries, retrospectives, and biographies highlight her independent voice in art and activism, crediting her as a cultural pioneer, not a lightning rod. Now seen as resilient and visionary, Ono’s art is finally getting its due, though the public backlash lingers in memory.
3. The Eagles – Smooth But Safe
As one of the best-selling bands ever, the Eagles crafted smooth harmonies and timeless hits that defined 1970s soft-rock. Yet critics and online discussions label them “plastic country-rock,” bland or overly polished. Many argue the band traded artistic edge for commercial appeal, leading to huge earnings but lukewarm critical respect. Even the band’s internal drama, donning egos and lingering gripes with critics, added to the “corporate machine” reputation. Still, millions continue to belt out Hotel California, proving their music’s emotional resonance and cultural staying power.
4. Ted Nugent – Guitar God or Political Lightning Rod
Ted Nugent earned fame as a hard‑rock guitarist and energetic live performer (Cat Scratch Fever, Stranglehold). But his outspoken conservative and pro‑hunting views often eclipse his music. Former bandmate Derek St. Holmes said Nugent’s politics “hurt the brand,” hurting both brand and music appeal. From racist remarks to controversial hunting practices and outspoken criticism of animal rights activists, his public persona is polarizing. To fans who separate art from politics, Nugent remains a shredding icon, but to others, his views distract from his undeniable talent.
5. Bon Jovi – Arena Anthems, Critic Targets
Bon Jovi gave the world instant-singalong anthems like Livin’ on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name, selling over 130 million records worldwide. Classic rock forums often label them “pop-rock” and accuse them of being formulaic and image‑driven. Critics say their polished sound lacks the grit purists crave. But dismissing them entirely ignores their massive global impact, arena-filling tours, and ability to write tunes that connect emotionally across generations. Whether setting off fireworks or pop‑rock anthems, they’ve earned admiration and far more than nostalgia.
6. Phil Collins – Ubiquitous Pop Figure
Phil Collins was everywhere in the 1980s and ’90s: solo hits, the lead singer of Genesis, Live Aid headline, films and collaborations, earning over 150 million records sold. But that omnipresence led many music critics and other musicians to view him as bland, overexposed, and lacking genuine artistic depth. His confident persona and public comments sometimes came across as arrogant, fueling resentment, especially among peers who accused him of dominating pop landscapes by default rather than innovation.
Another factor: repeated radio and film saturation led to listener fatigue. Songs like “Another Day in Paradise” drew backlash not just musically but for perceived insensitivity, accusations of exploiting social issues rather than addressing them meaningfully. On top of that, a widely publicized royalties lawsuit in 2000, where he sued former bandmates over compensation, cast a shadow on his generosity and fueled public disdain over perceived stinginess.
7. Nickelback – Chart Kings Turned Meme
Nickelback dominated the 2000s with hits like “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph,” and “Rockstar,” selling over 50 million albums and charting four albums in Billboard’s top 10. Despite that commercial success, they became the ultimate internet punchline, fans and critics lambasted their music as formulaic, lyrical clichés and structurally repetitive across songs. Their overexposure and mainstream ubiquity, played on every radio station and channel, led to listener fatigue, turning admiration into ridicule. A 2024 documentary, “Hate to Love: Nickelback,” explores how the band’s experience paved the way for public figures to endure online abuse. The film highlights their resilience, showing that loyalty from fans kept them active on stage despite widespread mockery. On Reddit, users describe Nickelback as “not bad at all” but not groundbreaking, a band stuck by a working formula, neither great nor terrible.
8. Limp Bizkit – Frat Rock Flashback
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Limp Bizkit soared with rap-rock hits like “Break Stuff,” “Rollin’,” and “My Way,” packing arenas and leading the nu-metal wave. But over time, their aggressive style, brash lyrics and frat-party attitude came to represent a cringe-worthy era in rock, often quoted in meme culture as an emblem of dated self-seriousness. Critics and online commentators call their image “frat-rock cringe”, a style now viewed more as kitschy nostalgia than edgy or innovative. Though fans recall energetic shows and anthem tracks, many modern listeners see the band as an over-the-top marketing gimmick hiding shallow musical ambition rather than artistic growth.
9. Creed – Serious But Spoiled
Creed filled arenas in the late ’90s and early 2000s with earnest rockers like “My Own Prison,” “With Arms Wide Open,” and “Higher.” They even scored Grammy Awards, but were often derided for melodramatic vocals and overly earnest lyrics, leading critics to label them self-serious and emotionally inflated. Forums and meme galleries began mocking Creed’s sound and Scott Stapp’s vocal delivery as overly earnest and unoriginal. The band’s spiritual, heavy-rock branding struck a chord with fans, but for many others, the emotional intensity tipped into clichés and emotional manipulation. Their overwhelming sincerity ultimately became part of the joke, overshadowing their initial success.
10. The Doors – Myth Meets Music
The Doors, fronted by legendary poet-rocker Jim Morrison, became rock lore with hits like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm.” Morrison’s charisma, unpredictable performances and poetic flair continue to captivate audiences. But critics argue the band leaned heavily on Morrison’s mystique, sometimes using improvisation and chaos to mask uneven musical consistency. Some say the Doors coasted on the legend of Morrison rather than delivering consistently strong songwriting across the board. Their sound, rich in spoken-word theatrics and jam-based structures, earned devoted fans, yet left others feeling the music was inconsistent and overly reliant on performance art and persona rather than compositional strength.
11. Styx – The Theatrical Prog Pop
Styx built a reputation in the late ’70s and early ’80s for their big, Broadway-style rock songs like “Come Sail Away” and “Mr. Roboto”. Their concept albums, Parade Theatre, Kilroy Was Here, were packed with storytelling ambition. Fans remember them fondly for lighting-heavy live shows and melodic hooks. Critics, however, often saw them as over the top, part prog-rock, part cheesy pop, caught in dramatic excess. One Redditor put it bluntly:n“They became too pop-ish, and soft for my taste… Sail Away was way overplayed.” Even the band’s own songwriter Dennis DeYoung admitted critics called them “posers” for mixing prog pretensions with pop sensibility. Love it or hate it, Styx’s theatrical blend left a strong imprint, and many still enjoy the vibrant nostalgia.
12. Morrissey – Provocateur Extraordinaire
Morrissey began as the thoughtful, witty frontman of The Smiths, lyricist and voice for outsider feeling. His solo work continued that path, winning acclaim for its introspective style and emotional lyrics. But over the years, his outspoken political comments, blasts at immigration, praise for far-right groups, dismissals of anti-racism, shifted public focus dramatically. This has made him deeply controversial: some fans overlook it for the music, others feel alienated or betrayed. Critics point out his cancellation from labels, canceled tours, banned music, and outspoken social commentary, turning his persona into its own headline. Still, Nick Cave referred to him as “one of the finest lyricists of his generation,” saying his music “ushers us toward what is true” even in discomfort. Morrissey remains a lightning rod, beloved for art, criticized for attitude.
The Widely Respected 12
Some rock legends don’t just fade away, they rise higher with time. This list celebrates 12 rock stars whose talent, impact, and legacy continue to earn deep respect across generations. From boundary-breaking voices to timeless songwriting and trailblazing influence, these artists didn’t just make music, they made history.
1. Bob Dylan – The Nobel Poet
Bob Dylan earned the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for “creating new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition,” becoming the first songwriter ever to win, placing him alongside Homer and Sappho in the literary canon. His influence is unmatched, with over 340 artists covering his work and songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone” becoming cultural touchstones. His transformative shift from folk to electric at Newport in 1965 defined the modern rock persona, reshaping songwriting and inspiring generations. Dylan’s lyrics are taught in universities, his voice still touring, his legacy spanning music and literature, proof that true art transcends categories.
2. The Rolling Stones – Eternal Rock & Roll
Formed in 1962, the Rolling Stones have sold over 250 million albums and earned 38 US top-10 albums, a record for any artist. Their 2024 Hackney Diamonds Tour grossed $235 million from 848,000 tickets, while their new studio work and upcoming album show they’re still creatively thriving. Thirty studio albums, constant touring for more than six decades, and headline-grabbing chart success make them the blueprint for rock longevity. The Stones remain the ultimate example of rock’s staying power, still evolving, still selling, still rocking.
3. Tom Petty – Humble Heart of Rock
Tom Petty carved out a reputation as rock’s approachable everyman, delivering timeless, relatable hits like “American Girl” and “Free Fallin’” that resonate across generations. His collaboration with the Heartbreakers brought out a warmth and sincerity rare in big rock shows, earning him immense respect and a loyal fanbase. Though he never chased flashy persona or theatrics, Petty’s impact was felt deeply, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy lifetime honours, and a lasting catalog that still sounds fresh today. His steady, heartfelt approach to rock has made him a touchstone of authenticity in the genre.
4. Freddie Mercury – Voice of Legends
Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary vocal range and theatrical flair propelled Queen to icon status, delivering classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love.” His ability to command stadiums and push musical boundaries, melding rock, opera, and pop, was groundbreaking. Beyond his powerhouse voice, Mercury’s dynamic stage presence and fearlessness in expressing identity made him a musical and cultural trailblazer. Decades later, his performances continue to draw fans, proving that true talent, and authenticity, never fades.
5. David Bowie – The Chameleon Artist
David Bowie was the master of reinvention: Ziggy Stardust, Thin White Duke, Berlin experimentalist, each era showcased fresh music, fashion, and ideas. Albums like “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” and “Heroes” are credited for pushing music, gender expression, and art forward. Critics and scholars still praise Bowie’s fearless creativity, citing his influence on pop culture, performance art, and music. His recent biography and exhibitions reinforce his unrivaled ability to shape and reflect the times, making him one of rock’s true visionaries.
6. Bruce Springsteen – Heartland Hero
Bruce Springsteen, known as “The Boss,” has sold over 140 million records worldwide and won 20 Grammys, an Oscar, a Tony, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s the only non-British songwriter inducted as a fellow of the UK’s Ivors Academy in 2024, recognized for his storytelling impact on both sides of the Atlantic. His iconic albums like Born to Run, The River, and Born in the U.S.A. showcase his signature blend of blue-collar grit, cinematic vision, and lyrical empathy. Springsteen’s live performances are legendary for their emotional intensity and duration, his 2023 tour earned around $380 million alone, pushing his total concert revenue past $700 million and confirming his enduring draw. He continues to shape American rock by honoring everyday struggles and triumphs, influencing generations of artists who aim to combine heart and honesty in their music.
7. Stevie Nicks – Rock’s Timeless Enchantress
Stevie Nicks has sold over 120 million records with Fleetwood Mac and another 65 million as a solo artist. She’s the first woman to be inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, once with the band (1998) and again solo (2019), earning titles like “Reigning Queen of Rock” and ranking among Rolling Stone’s top 100 singers and songwriters. Hits like “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Edge of Seventeen” still dominate classic rock stations and live setlists. Nicks’s spellbinding stage presence and heartfelt lyrics on themes of love, mysticism, and resilience have maintained her relevance. Her influence spans artists across decades and genres, proving that vulnerability and style can coexist on rock’s mainstream stage, a rare feat in an industry often divided along gender lines.
8. Prince – Musical Mastermind
Prince was the rare artist who wrote, produced, arranged, and played almost every instrument on his groundbreaking work. From Purple Rain to Sign o’ the Times, he blended funk, rock, R&B, pop, and jazz into a sound entirely his own. His talent was not only musical but also visionary, every aspect of his art carried his signature brilliance. A multi-Grammy winner, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and often cited as one of the greatest guitarists ever, Prince’s impact continues through songs he wrote for others (Nothing Compares 2 U) and protégés like The Time. His fearless approach to taboo topics, gender identity, and creative control reshaped the industry’s expectations of artistry and ownership.
9. Janis Joplin – Raw Rock Soul
Janis Joplin’s fiery vocals and emotional intensity made her one of the most potent voices of the late 1960s. With just a few albums, Cheap Thrills with Big Brother and the Holding Company, plus her solo debut Pearl, she delivered classics like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” becoming a symbol of raw, soulful expression that demanded attention. Her brief yet meteoric rise and tragic death at 27 only amplified her legend. Decades later, Joplin is celebrated not just as a voice but as a force who broke barriers for women in rock, paving the way for countless female performers seeking authenticity and power.
10. Jimi Hendrix – Guitar Innovator
Jimi Hendrix redefined what an electric guitar could do, his explosive riffs, wah-wah riffs, feedback mastery, and stage theatrics set a new standard in rock. In just four years (1966–1970), his band the Jimi Hendrix Experience released three seminal albums, Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, and Electric Ladyland, shaping blues-rock and psychedelic genres in one fell swoop. Though his life was tragically short, Hendrix’s influence is the stuff of legend: guitarists still study his chord voicings, tone, and off-kilter rhythms, and artists across genres cite him as a foundational influence. His genius, creativity, and showmanship remain benchmarks for musical innovation and boundary-pushing.
11. Aretha Franklin – Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin achieved legends status with over 75 million records sold, 18 Grammy Awards, and historic performances like singing “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”; hers was a voice that defined generations. She was the first female inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1987), earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and performed at multiple presidential inaugurations, recognitions underscoring her influence not just in music but in American culture. But what truly makes Franklin remarkable is how she merged artistry with activism. Her rendition of “Respect” became both a civil rights and feminist anthem, and she used her platform for social change, supporting civil rights, offering bail for activists, and lending her voice to movements far beyond the stage. Her life’s work has become a cultural cornerstone, and her legacy continues to inspire performers across genres.
12. Joan Jett – Punk Pioneer
Joan Jett burst onto the scene as a founding member of the Runaways and went on to become known as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll and Godmother of Punk. With the Blackhearts, she scored enduring hits like “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” the latter spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later earning a Grammy Hall of Fame induction, even entering Billboard’s Hard Rock Streaming chart in 2024, forty years post-release. Beyond her chart success, Jett’s career is marked by barriers shattered for female rock artists: she was the first female musician to front a hard-rock band, and her influence inspired movements like Riot Grrrl. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2015) and credited with giving women a louder voice in rock, her legacy lives on with raw power, rebellion, and unfiltered authenticity.
Of course we cannot finish a story on rock stars without mentioning Ozzy. He was a legend and may he rest in peace.
This story 12 Rock Stars People Love to Hate, And 12 the World Still Respects was first published on Daily FETCH
