The definition of classic rock varies depending on who you ask. For some, it begins with Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, while others place it squarely in the 1960s. From a modern lens, however, classic rock often refers to music leading up to the late 1970s punk revolution. By this measure, Mick Jagger stands tall as one of the last enduring icons of the classic rock era.
As the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Jagger rose to prominence alongside The Beatles. Though often pitted as rivals, the two bands shared a mutual appreciation, with The Beatles even paving the way for The Stones’ early success. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, The Rolling Stones claimed their spot on rock’s throne, sharing the spotlight with the likes of Led Zeppelin and The Who.
But as the 1970s unfolded, rock music splintered into distinct subgenres. From the snarling punk of Sid Vicious to Jimmy Page’s intricate guitar work, and from Black Sabbath’s heavy metal to the Eagles’ soft rock, the spectrum widened. In this dynamic landscape, Aerosmith emerged as one of America’s biggest rock acts. However, Jagger wasn’t impressed.
Jagger’s Harsh Words for Aerosmith
In a 1977 interview, Jagger didn’t mince words when discussing Aerosmith at the height of their fame.
“Oh God, Aerosmith,” he said with disdain. “They’re just rubbish—absolute bullshit.”
This scathing critique came just two years after Aerosmith’s breakthrough album, Toys in the Attic, which had catapulted the Boston band into stardom.
Part of Jagger’s criticism seemed to stem from comparisons between Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones. Specifically, fans often likened Steven Tyler’s stage presence and vocal style to Jagger’s own. While Jagger had some kind words for Tyler personally, the comparisons clearly irked him.
“The singer is quite a nice guy, mind you,” Jagger remarked. “He’s almost too bloody sweet. He’s very kind to me, anyway. But… impersonating me? What are you playing at? Slam!”
Tyler’s friendly demeanor didn’t soften Jagger’s view of Aerosmith’s music, which he dismissed as formulaic and uninspired. Despite their popularity, Jagger’s disdain for the band’s perceived lack of originality was evident.
A Formula That Divided Critics
Aerosmith’s music, much like later bands such as Guns N’ Roses, celebrated classic rock’s anthemic sound but often leaned into predictable, crowd-pleasing formulas. While fans embraced their catchy riffs and high-energy performances, critics frequently pointed out their derivative tendencies. To Jagger’s ears, Aerosmith’s polished yet repetitive style lacked the edge and authenticity he valued in rock music.
Jagger’s irritation with Aerosmith likely intensified when the band was compared to The Rolling Stones in more than just sound. In the early ’70s, The New York Dolls drew comparisons to Jagger’s swagger, and soon Tyler faced similar parallels. For Jagger, the association was unwelcome, particularly when Aerosmith’s music, which he deemed subpar, was part of the equation.
A Potential Change of Heart?
Decades later, Aerosmith solidified their legacy with hits that spanned generations, from the gritty “Dream On” to the chart-topping power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in 1998. The latter, however, polarized listeners and drew criticism for its saccharine style. It remains unclear whether Jagger softened his stance on Aerosmith over the years, but his sharp dismissal in 1977 remains a stark reminder of how fiercely protective he was of his own originality and influence.
While Steven Tyler and Aerosmith went on to carve their own space in rock history, Jagger’s scorn highlights the challenges of being compared to a legend—a dynamic that continues to stir debates among fans and critics alike.
