The Most Vicious Put-Downs In Music

NME have delivered some deliciously catty goods with their collection of the best insults ever flung amongst famous music types. You should check them all out for yourself (there’s pictures! Pictures are nice, remember?!) but here are a couple of highlights.

First, this exchange between Alan McGee and Brian Eno – on Twitter, no less! – tickled me.

Alan McGee to Brian Eno: “Was it your idea to dress Coldplay up as The Beatles? And when are you going to make a decent record again? The last one was in 1972, cunt.” (Twitter, 2009)

Brian Eno to Alan McGee: “Fuck off, wanker.” (Twitter, 2009)

And here’s Bono calling the kettle black.

Bono on Chris Martin: “[He's] a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin. But he happens to be a great melodist.” (Radio 1, 2009)

I’ve no idea who any of these people are, but I do like the insult.

Faris Badwan on The Enemy: “You’ve got to hand it to these boys. They’re hungry, young and they’ve defied natural selection.” (NME Awards, 2008)

And finally, Miley Cyrus vesus Radiohead.

Miley Cyrus on Radiohead (after being ’snubbed’ by the band at the Grammys): “I was so upset. I wasn’t going to watch. Stinkin’ Radiohead! I’m gonna ruin them, I’m going to tell everyone.” (Johnjay and Rich radio show, 2009)

Radiohead on Miley Cyrus: “When Miley grows up, she’ll learn not to have such a sense of entitlement.” (Manager’s press statement, 2009)

Industry catfights make me rather happy.

MORE: The Most Vicious Put-Downs In Music (NME)