Photo — Bob Dylan: BobDylan-1964StLawrenceYearbook-3, from the 1964 yearbook of St. Lawrence University (Public domain) · John Lennon: Listen to This Press Kit (1974) Immediate (Public domain)
The Short Version
A high-profile artistic rivalry and interpersonal tension between Bob Dylan and John Lennon, marked by song parodies, critical tape recordings, and competing philosophical outlooks.
Latest Development
Lennon records answer song 'Serve Yourself' and addresses rivalry in final interviews
Lennon recorded the parody song 'Serve Yourself' challenging Dylan's religious messaging and discussed his complex envy and admiration of Dylan in final interviews before his death.
1980 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
1980
Lennon records answer song 'Serve Yourself' and addresses rivalry in final interviews
Public statementLennon recorded the parody song 'Serve Yourself' challenging Dylan's religious messaging and discussed his complex envy and admiration of Dylan in final interviews before his death.
Source ↗1979
Lennon criticizes Dylan's gospel track 'Gotta Serve Somebody'
OpinionFollowing Dylan's evangelical turn and release of 'Gotta Serve Somebody', Lennon recorded audio notes calling the track pathetic, mediocre, and embarrassing.
Source ↗1974
Lennon produces cover of Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'
Verified eventLennon produced a cover of Dylan's 1965 track 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' performed by Harry Nilsson on the album Pussy Cats.
Source ↗1966
Dylan releases 'Fourth Time Around' and engages Lennon in limousine exchange
Public statementDylan recorded 'Fourth Time Around' as a response to Lennon's 'Norwegian Wood', suspecting Lennon was copying his folk style. Dylan later confronted Lennon in a filmed limousine ride regarding song publishing and copyright.
Source ↗1964
The Beatles and Bob Dylan meet in New York
Verified eventThe Beatles met Bob Dylan in 1964, sparking a period of mutual admiration and creative influence between Lennon and Dylan.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Historical. The feud ended historically following John Lennon's death in 1980, leaving a legacy of deep mutual influence alongside creative friction.
Related Beefs
Same people, same category.
Related Beefs
TBTupac ShakurThe Notorious B.I.G.
Initially friends and collaborators in the early 1990s, rap icons Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
Kanye WestTaylor Swift
The long-running public conflict between Kanye West and Taylor Swift began at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards when West interrupted Swift's…
Jay-ZNas
What began as subtle subs and missed studio sessions in 1996 grew into one of hip-hop's most defining feuds.
DrakeKendrick Lamar
Two of the most commercially dominant rappers of their generation moved from years of subtweet-level competitiveness into a direct, rapid-fi…
Sources
- 1.SourceLennon records answer song 'Serve Yourself' and addresses rivalry in final interviews ·
- 2.SourceLennon criticizes Dylan's gospel track 'Gotta Serve Somebody' ·
- 3.SourceLennon produces cover of Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' ·
- 4.SourceDylan releases 'Fourth Time Around' and engages Lennon in limousine exchange ·
- 5.SourceThe Beatles and Bob Dylan meet in New York ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.