The Feud Between Roger Daltrey And The Rolling Stones Explained
Music is filled with enormous egos, whether on the solo side or with groups. These are people who worked hard to reach their level of talent, and they are not shy about letting others know how good they are. Sometimes they are spurred on by a penchant for debauchery, like drinking or other things, which can then reduce whatever inhibitions they had about respecting others to zero. Other times, it might even be possible non-medicated issues.
Whatever the case, the public gets to hear unfiltered thoughts or actions that can lead to hurt feelings or even wide rifts between bands that had otherwise respected each other up until that time. There can be bad blood and make for miserable times for all those in close proximity to those who are in the middle of disagreement. Some prime examples, via Complex, include Kid Rock and Tommy Lee, the Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire, and Anthony Kiedis and Mike Patton, to name a few.
While one particular feud never reached the level of, say, Guns N' Roses and Nirvana, it featured some strong opinions from one legendary rock frontman about another big-time group.
Mick Jagger probably took Roger Daltrey's comments in stride
The parties involved are The Who's Roger Daltrey and the Rolling Stones. According to Loudwire, Daltrey called the Stones a "mediocre pub band." There was seemingly no indication that Daltrey was smirking sarcastically as he said it. This dig came on the heels of Paul McCartney calling Mick Jagger's group a "blues cover band."
Of course, Daltrey tried to soften the insult by adding, "No disrespect," which would be like saying that one doesn't want to start a fight after punching the other person in the face. He then compared The Who and the Rolling Stones to "apples and cheese," which is a mixed metaphor, for sure. Daltrey did not clarify which was which, so that is up to anyone to decide, though some might view Jagger's stage antics as cheesy, so that might settle it.
Jagger probably just laughed at the comments. This "mediocre pub band" that "does blues covers" has been going on for decades, selling out stadium after stadium. They are still going strong even after the death of Charlie Watts. They are likely very secure in their place in the rock 'n' roll pantheon.