The debate between The Rolling Stones and The Beatles has fueled countless arguments among music fans. Both are considered the most influential British bands in history, yet deciding which is the better is a nearly impossible task. However, Frank Zappa was never one to shy away from making strong statements—especially when it came to this age-old question.
Though Zappa may not immediately come to mind in discussions about these two legendary bands, his opinion on the matter is as fascinating as his genre-defying music. Known for leading the experimental band The Mothers of Invention, Zappa’s musical style was unpredictable and hard to categorize. Mixing rock, jazz, blues, psychedelia, and more, his compositions were known for their wild complexity and biting social commentary. In stark contrast to the clean-cut rock stars of his time, Zappa’s music—and especially his humor—offered a refreshing antidote.
While Zappa often took jabs at mainstream culture and its music, there was one artist he never criticized—Mick Jagger. In a 1993 interview with Playboy, Zappa expressed admiration for both Jagger and The Rolling Stones. He even went as far as to say, “I liked The Rolling Stones,” before continuing, “I did like his [Mick Jagger] attitude and the Stones’ attitude.” For Zappa, the Stones represented an edge that resonated with his own artistic vision.
In fact, Zappa credited The Rolling Stones with one of The Mothers of Invention’s most memorable moments: their infamous photo in dresses on the cover of Melody Maker. According to Zappa, the idea was inspired by The Rolling Stones’ own drag photo, though the band didn’t try to make it glamorous. “We had probably the ugliest band on the planet at that time,” Zappa joked. “You want to see an ugly guy in a dress? Look at this son of a bitch.”
Beyond the fashion statement, Zappa and Jagger’s connection went beyond the music. In 1968, Jagger visited Zappa at his home, The Log Cabin, where he even helped remove a wooden splinter from Zappa’s toe. During this time, Zappa also formed The GTOs—a girl group that included Pamela Des Barres, a former lover of Jagger’s.
Despite his own avant-garde style, Zappa made it clear that his preference for The Rolling Stones was rooted in their musical influences.
He told SongTalk, “I generally liked the Rolling Stones better than the Beatles during that era; they were a little bit more to my taste because they were more involved in the blues.”
This deep respect for the Stones’ blues roots was in line with Zappa’s own musical values, even as he mocked the seriousness of rock culture in general.
So, while Zappa didn’t always toe the line with conventional rock stars, he was unequivocal in his admiration for The Rolling Stones—particularly Mick Jagger’s attitude. His choice was clear: the Stones were the band that better aligned with his own creative spirit and irreverent perspective.
