The 1960s pop band Mick Jagger couldn’t stand: “Fuck you”
During the vibrant era of the 1960s, The Rolling Stones, known for their rock prowess, found themselves occasionally sharing the stage with one particular bubblegum-pop ensemble.
Mick Jagger, a prominent figure in The Stones, held little regard for this group, harbouring a sense of disdain towards them. Interestingly, however, this band also seemingly took deliberate strides to provoke The Rolling Stones, creating an air of tension between the two factions.
This kind of friction wasn’t unusual during the height of the British Invasion. With so many bands competing for chart positions, radio play and public attention, even the slightest overlap in audience or image could spark rivalries, whether playful or genuinely antagonistic. Touring line-ups, in particular, became breeding grounds for these tensions, as billing positions and crowd reactions often dictated perceived status within the scene.
For a band like The Rolling Stones, who were carefully cultivating a grittier, more rebellious identity, being associated with lighter, more commercially polished acts could feel like a threat to that image. Their appeal was rooted in danger and authenticity, so comparisons to more wholesome groups—however successful—were bound to grate. In contrast, bands like Herman’s Hermits leaned into accessibility, embracing a broader, more family-friendly audience.
This clash of identities highlights a wider divide within 1960s pop culture. While some acts pushed boundaries and courted controversy, others thrived by offering escapism and simplicity. When these worlds collided on the same stage, it was almost inevitable that sparks would fly.
During a 1995 interview, Jagger was questioned about comparisons between The Rolling Stones and the 1960s luminaries, the Beatles. Jagger highlighted the common occurrence of likening The Stones to the Fab Four and numerous other bands of the era, including Herman’s Hermits. Herman’s Hermits stood among the many ’60s bands whose musical style bore a resemblance to the early sound of the Beatles.
“I remember one time playing in Philadelphia, and Herman’s Hermits were top of the bill, and we were second, and there was some argument about the dressing rooms,” Jagger told Rolling Stone. “[No one] was complaining because he was top of the bill and his dressing room wasn’t good enough. … And one of the most impossible things was going out to have a hamburger, and some guy would go, ‘Are you Herman’s Hermits?’ It would kill you. So you go, ‘F*ck you. Herman’s Hermits is sh*t.”
Herman’s Hermits had a cheerful and accessible image, contributing to their appeal among a broad audience, especially teenagers. While rooted in pop sensibilities, their music also incorporated rock and roll elements, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners during the ’60s music scene. Despite their success dwindling toward the late ’60s, the band’s songs remain nostalgic and remain remembered for their infectious melodies and playful charm.
The band gained popularity with hits like ‘I’m Into Something Good’, ‘Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter’, ‘There’s A Kind of Hush’, and ‘I’m Henry VIII, I Am’. These songs showcased their knack for crafting catchy, radio-friendly tunes that resonated with audiences, especially during the peak of the British Invasion’s popularity in the United States.
However, The Rolling Stones didn’t respect the band very much, even once insisting on closing the show they both performed at in Philadelphia. No one extended the performance to shorten The Stones’ stage time, prompting a portion of the audience to depart early during their set, much to Jagger’s irritation.
This wouldn’t be the only sourness that The Stones or Jagger encountered during their peak of fame. The Beatles, specifically John Lennon, also encountered some friction with the singer. “Every fuckin’ thing we did, Mick does exactly the same — he imitates us,” claimed Lennon. “And I would like one of you fuckin’ underground people to point it out, you know Satanic Majesties is Pepper; ‘We Love You’, it’s the most fuckin’ bullshit, that’s ‘All You Need Is Love’.”
