John Lennon wasn’t just one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century — he was also one of the most polarizing. A sharp tongue, bold political views, and a rebellious streak meant Lennon made just as many enemies as admirers throughout his career. While “hate” is a strong word, several musicians openly clashed with Lennon over the years — either through interviews, lyrics, or feuds that went public.
Here are six artists who famously took issue with Lennon, his ideas, or his approach to fame and music.
Paul McCartney (Briefly)
The post-Beatles breakup fallout saw McCartney and Lennon trading lyrical punches, especially in 1971. Lennon’s scathing song “How Do You Sleep?” directly attacked Paul’s artistry and ego. While the two eventually reconciled before John’s death, their rivalry during the early ’70s was emotionally raw and very public.
“The only thing you done was yesterday,” Lennon sneered, referencing Paul’s biggest hit.
Todd Rundgren
The singer-songwriter didn’t hold back when criticizing Lennon in a 1974 interview, accusing him of hypocrisy, drunken behavior, and being out of touch.
“Lennon lives in a fantasy world,” Rundgren said. “He’s a bloody idiot most of the time.”
Lennon, of course, fired back in the press, and the two exchanged scathing open letters, marking one of the strangest musical spats of the decade.
Frank Zappa
While Zappa performed live with Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1971, he later criticized how Lennon presented their collaboration, calling it “dishonest.” Zappa claimed that John edited and renamed tracks from their jam session without permission.
“That was his record, not mine,” Zappa said bluntly.
Elvis Costello
Though he admired the Beatles, Costello once criticized Lennon’s political posturing during the “bed-in for peace” era, suggesting it was more about publicity than protest. He later softened his stance but remained critical of how idealistic celebrity activism can appear hollow.
Richard Ashcroft (The Verve)
In a late-’90s interview, Ashcroft called Lennon “overrated” and said the Beatles’ mythology had “held back British rock.” It was a bold claim, especially coming from a frontman of a band that owed much to ’60s influences.
Phil Collins
Collins once expressed frustration over how Beatles-era artists (including Lennon) overshadowed the next generation. Though he admired Lennon’s songwriting, he resented how younger musicians were often dismissed in the shadow of the Fab Four.
Conclusion – Lennon’s Legacy Was Never Meant to Be Comfortable
Love him or hate him, John Lennon stirred emotions — in fans, critics, and peers alike. His brilliance was matched by his contradictions. And if greatness is measured by the conversations you spark long after you’re gone, Lennon remains one of the loudest voices in rock history.
