When Rock Gods Collided: A Look Back at the Infamous Clash of Bon Jovi & L.A. Guns

When Rock Gods Collided: A Look Back at the Infamous Clash of Bon Jovi & L.A. Guns

In the world of rock music, there have been countless instances of rivalry and tension between bands, but few have been as infamous as the clash between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns in the late 1980s. The two bands, both giants of the hair metal scene, had a long history of animosity and hostility towards each other, which culminated in a series of public feuds and confrontations that would shake the very foundations of the music industry.

The Roots of the Rivalry

The feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns began in the early 1980s, when both bands were just starting to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of rock music. Bon Jovi, with their anthemic ballads and fist-pumping choruses, were quickly gaining popularity, while L.A. Guns, with their sleazy, hard-rock sound, were building a loyal following on the Sunset Strip.

The tension between the two bands was fueled by the ego and insecurity of their respective frontmen, Jon Bon Jovi and Phil Lewis. Both men were ambitious and driven, and each saw the other as a threat to their own success. The situation was further complicated by the fact that both bands were signed to the same record label, Mercury Records, which only added to the tension and competition between them.

The Feud Intensifies

In the mid-1980s, the rivalry between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns reached a boiling point. The two bands began to trade insults and barbs in the press, with Bon Jovi’s management team accusing L.A. Guns of being jealous of their success. L.A. Guns, in turn, accused Bon Jovi of being a bunch of “poseurs” who were trying to steal their thunder.

The tension finally boiled over in 1987, when Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns clashed at a music festival in Los Angeles. The two bands had been scheduled to perform on the same stage, but things quickly got out of hand as the two frontmen began to snarl and snipe at each other during their respective sets.

The incident was widely publicized, and the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns became a major news story in the music industry. Fans of both bands were shocked and dismayed by the display of hostility, and the two bands’ reputations were forever tarnished by the incident.

The Aftermath

In the years that followed, the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns continued to simmer, with the two bands trading insults and barbs in the press. However, as the years went by, the tension between them began to dissipate, and both bands were able to move on with their careers.

In the end, the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and rivalry in the music industry. Both bands were able to put their differences aside and focus on their music, and both went on to achieve great success in their own right.

Conclusion

The feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns is a reminder that even the most successful and talented bands can be brought down by petty squabbles and ego clashes. While the two bands were able to move on from their differences and achieve great success, the incident will always be remembered as a dark moment in the history of rock music.

FAQs

Q: What sparked the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns?
A: The feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns was sparked by a combination of factors, including ego, insecurity, and a desire for success. Both bands were competing for attention and fame in the late 1980s, and the tension between them only intensified as they began to trade insults and barbs in the press.

Q: What was the most infamous incident between the two bands?
A: The most infamous incident between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns was a clash at a music festival in Los Angeles in 1987. The two bands had been scheduled to perform on the same stage, but things quickly got out of hand as the two frontmen began to snarl and snipe at each other during their respective sets.

Q: Did the feud have any lasting impact on the music industry?
A: Yes, the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns had a lasting impact on the music industry. The incident served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and rivalry, and it highlighted the importance of professionalism and sportsmanship in the music industry.

Q: Are the two bands still feuding?
A: No, the feud between Bon Jovi and L.A. Guns has long since been put to rest. Both bands have moved on from their differences and have continued to achieve great success in their own right.