They say every legend has a rough start, and for these future icons, it came with a chorus of boos. Before the sold-out stadiums and screaming fans, they were the misunderstood openers, the weird new act, or the out-of-place band who left the stage early. They were heckled, mocked, or just shamelessly ignored.
These stories prove that greatness isn’t always recognized at first glance and that to perceive real talent, sometimes you have to let it simmer. This gallery revisits 20 unforgettable moments when music legends were booed off stage, only to come back louder, bolder, and impossible to ignore.
1
Jimi Hendrix (Opening for The Monkees in 1967)
Teen Monkees fans weren’t ready him. They booed him and he was eventually cut from the tour.
2
Foo Fighters (Opening for Mike Watt in 1995)
Still recovering from Nirvana’s end, Dave Grohl’s new band was met with skepticism.
3
The Smashing Pumpkins (Opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1991)
Audiences didn’t get the whiny intensity.
4
Rush (Opening for KISS in 1975)
Some crowds hated the prog-rock complexity but later, they’d be worshipped.
5
Rage Against the Machine (Opening for U2 in the 90s)
They had mixed reactions and lots of walkouts.
6
Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention (Opening for The Monkees in 1967)
Zappa got booed off more than once. Monkees fans were definitely not ready their satire.
7
Prince (Opening for The Rolling Stones in 1981)
He was booed off stage twice and it got so bad Mick had to defend him.
8
The Police (Opening in U.S. clubs in the ’70s)
The crowd didn't care about them until Roxanne.
9
Metallica (Opening for Ozzy Osbourne in 1986)
Got booed a lot only to become legends after.
10
KISS (Opening for Blue Öyster Cult)
Audiences laughed at the makeup before the band redefined rock.
11
Soundgarden (Opening for Guns N' Roses in 1991)
They wanted Slash, not grunge.
12
The Beatles (Opening for Roy Orbison in 1963)
Booed in early shows but by the end of the tour, they were headliners.
13
Depeche Mode (Opening in U.S. clubs in the 80s)
They were booed and ignored until they started to fill stadiums.
14
David Bowie (Opening for The Monkees in 1967)
Some early crowds were confused by his look and sound.
15
Nirvana (Opening for Sonic Youth in the 90s)
Audiences didn’t care. Then Nevermind happened.
16
Billy Joel (Opening for The Beach Boys in the 70s)
His introspective style didn't line up with the fans style so he got heckled.
17
Bruce Springsteen (Opening for Chicago in 1973)
Crowds weren't happy with him but he became the boss.
18
The Doors (Opening for Simon & Garfunkel in 1967)
Fans came for folk harmonies, not Jim Morrison’s wild energy. A mismatch
19
Queen (Opening for Mott the Hoople in 1973)
The crowd wasn't ready for Freddie. The band nearly split after this.
20
The Rolling Stones (Opening for The Ronettes in the 60s)
Crowds didn't get their sound. They were nearly pulled from the bill.
