The annals of rock history are replete with legendary clashes, but few rival the enduring and often venomous music feud between two titanic figures: Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones and the iconic Elton John. This bitter rivalry, characterized by sharp public barbs and decades of animosity, originated from a single, ill-fated live performance that etched itself into the lore of classic rock.

The flashpoint occurred on July 20, 1975, during The Rolling Stones’ “Tour of the Americas ’75” concert in Fort Collins, Colorado. Midway through their set at Hughes Stadium, Mick Jagger introduced Elton John, humorously referring to him as “Reg from Watford,” inviting him onstage to perform “Honky Tonk Women.” What was intended as a brief guest appearance, however, spiraled into an unwelcome musical marathon.

Elton John, fueled by what he later admitted was cocaine-induced overconfidence, continued to play for an additional ten songs, much to the dismay of the band’s regular keyboardists, Billy Preston and Ian Stewart, and the growing irritation of the audience. The Rolling Stones struggled visibly to encourage his departure, a moment of awkward onstage tension that planted the seeds of a deep-seated grudge in Keith Richards.

For years following this incident, Richards consistently used interviews as a platform to express his disdain for John, frequently resorting to calling him by his birth name, Reginald Dwight. The Rolling Stones guitarist famously dismissed John’s musical output as “pretentious” and “kid stuff,” even leveling the cutting remark that his songs were for “Dead Blondes,” a particularly harsh personal attack, fueling the ongoing music feud.

Not one to back down, Elton John, equally renowned for his sharp wit and candidness, retaliated in kind. His most memorable retort likened Richards to “a monkey with arthritis, trying to go onstage and look young,” a scathing critique aimed directly at Richards’ enduring image and stage presence. John further suggested The Stones would have been better off without Richards years prior, branding him an “asshole.”

Despite the protracted hostilities, glimmers of reconciliation emerged. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones reportedly intervened to broker a truce, leading to a cordial public appearance by both legends at the GQ Awards in London in 2015. More significantly, in 2023, Elton John contributed to The Rolling Stones’ album, “Hackney Diamonds,” appearing on tracks such as “Get Close” and “Live by the Sword,” marking a surprising musical collaboration that became a new chapter in rock history.

However, even this apparent burying of the hatchet couldn’t entirely quell Richards’ characteristic swagger. Following their joint work, Richards couldn’t resist a final, playful jab, asserting that it was Elton John who was basking in the reflected glory of playing with The Rolling Stones, humorously stating, “Everyone’s a fan of the Rolling Stones. Just like Paul, Elton was like, ‘I just fucking played with the Rolling Stones.'” This final quip cemented the unique, fiery relationship between these two iconic musicians, a true highlight of classic rock.