At 80 years old, Rod Stewart remains one of the most iconic figures in rock and roll history.

Known for his raspy voice, electrifying stage presence, and a career spanning over six decades, Stewart has earned his place among music legends.

But even legends have their secrets, and Stewart shocked the music industry when he recently revealed the names of six artists he claims he “hated” for decades.

In a brutally honest confession, the rocker reopened old wounds, sparked fresh debates, and shed light on hidden rivalries that fans never knew existed.

The revelation came during an intimate interview with a British music magazine, where Stewart reflected on his career, his relationships, and the competitive world of rock and roll.

“I’ve always been a scrapper,” Stewart admitted. “It’s in my DNA.

But some people just rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn’t let it go.”

What followed was a candid recounting of rivalries that shaped his career, tested his patience, and, in some cases, fueled his creativity.

David Bowie: The Chameleon vs. The Scrapper

At number six on Stewart’s list was David Bowie, the Thin White Duke himself.

Bowie’s fearless reinvention and glam rock aesthetic dazzled the world, but to Stewart, it represented everything he despised about the music industry.

“Bowie was a genius, no doubt,” Stewart said. “But I couldn’t stand the gimmicks. All the costumes, the personas—it felt like theater, not rock and roll.”

Stewart’s disdain for Bowie reportedly began in the early 1970s, when glam rock exploded onto the scene.

While Bowie embraced glitter, makeup, and flamboyant performances, Stewart remained rooted in raw, blues-inspired rock. “Music should be honest,” Stewart insisted.

“It should come from the heart, not from a wardrobe.”

The rivalry wasn’t just personal; it was philosophical.

Bowie represented reinvention and artistry, while Stewart championed authenticity and grit.

According to sources close to Stewart, he often dismissed Bowie’s work as “art gallery exhibitions disguised as rock concerts.”

The tension boiled over during shared performances and recording sessions, with Stewart famously mocking Bowie’s ever-changing personas.

“At least I know who I am when I wake up every morning,” he reportedly quipped.

Bryan Ferry: High Society vs. Working-Class Grit

Next on Stewart’s list was Bryan Ferry, the frontman of Roxy Music.

If Bowie tested Stewart’s patience, Ferry outright infuriated him.

“Bryan Ferry was a posh boy playing dress-up with rock music,” Stewart declared.

“He turned it into something academic, something for critics, not for real people.”

The clash between Stewart and Ferry was as much cultural as it was musical.

Ferry’s polished, intellectual art rock stood in stark contrast to Stewart’s raw, working-class approach.

“Rock and roll should be for everyone,” Stewart argued.

“It shouldn’t need footnotes or a dictionary to understand.”

The rivalry reached its peak during overlapping European tours in the mid-1970s.

At a backstage event in Paris, Ferry reportedly approached Stewart for a polite chat, only to be brushed aside with the cutting remark, “I don’t talk to people who think rock music needs footnotes.”

Freddie Mercury: The Showman vs. The Storyteller

At number four was Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen.

While Mercury was celebrated for his theatrical performances and operatic vocals, Stewart saw it as hollow spectacle.

“Freddie was brilliant, but all the smoke machines and props—it was too much,” Stewart said.

“Rock doesn’t need all that. It needs truth, grit, and vulnerability.”

Stewart’s frustration with Mercury stemmed from their differing approaches to performance.

While Mercury dazzled audiences with elaborate productions, Stewart prided himself on raw storytelling and emotional connection.

“Great performers don’t need costume changes to reach people’s hearts,” he remarked.

The rivalry sharpened during shared festival stages across Europe and America.

At one infamous soundcheck in 1977, Stewart reportedly muttered, “Look at all that equipment just to play basic rock songs.

Whatever happened to plugging in and letting the music do the talking?”

Mick Jagger: Authenticity vs. Image

The rivalry with Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones cut deeper than most.

For Stewart, Jagger represented a carefully crafted image rather than genuine rebellion.

“Mick’s a great performer, but the bad boy persona—it’s all marketing,” Stewart said.

“Real rock rebels don’t need publicists to tell them how to be dangerous.”

The tension reportedly began in the late 1960s, when Stewart was carving his identity with the Faces while the Stones were solidifying their reputation.

According to sources, Stewart often dismissed Jagger as a “middle-class drama student pretending to be a street tough.”

The rivalry escalated during the 1970s, with both acts vying for similar tours and audiences.

At one London club, Stewart allegedly confronted Jagger directly, scoffing, “At least my swagger comes from actually living rough, not from studying method acting.”

Robert Plant: The Battle of the Voices

At number two was Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, a rivalry fueled by competition over who held the crown as rock’s greatest voice. “Robert’s got a hell of a range, but all that mythology—it’s not for me,” Stewart said.

“Rock should be about real life, not Viking cosplay.”

Stewart’s frustration with Plant wasn’t just about personality; it was about artistry.

While Plant’s soaring vocals and mystical imagery captivated audiences, Stewart believed he was delivering raw human truth. “I don’t need mythology books to write love songs,” he famously remarked.

The rivalry grew sharper whenever industry polls ranked the greatest rock vocalists.

At a 1975 awards ceremony, Stewart reportedly refused to approach Plant’s table, telling companions, “I don’t mingle with people who need mythology books to write love songs.”

Ronnie Wood: Betrayal From Within

The most painful rivalry of all was with Ronnie Wood, Stewart’s former bandmate in the Faces.

Unlike the other clashes, this one wasn’t just professional—it was personal.

“Ronnie was family,” Stewart said. “We built everything together, and he traded it all away.”

The betrayal came in 1975, when Wood began moonlighting with the Rolling Stones while still a member of the Faces.

According to Stewart, Wood’s secret negotiations shattered the trust that had fueled their climb.

“He didn’t just leave the band; he broke the brotherhood,” Stewart lamented.

Wood’s departure marked the end of the Faces and left Stewart facing the uncertainty of a solo career.

“It was a wound that blurred the line between friendship and betrayal,” he admitted.

“In rock and roll, ambition can fracture even the closest bonds.”

The Fallout: Old Wounds and Fresh Debates

Stewart’s confession has reignited debates among fans and critics about authenticity, artistry, and the competitive nature of rock and roll.

While some praised his honesty, others accused him of holding onto grudges.

“Rod’s always been a fighter,” one industry insider remarked. “But maybe it’s time to let go.”

For Stewart, the rivalries weren’t just about ego—they were about principles.

“Rock and roll isn’t just music,” he said. “It’s a way of life.

And I’ll keep fighting for what I believe in until the day I die.”