Mutual Exclusivity

Concerning the apparent animosity between fans of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, I think that's pretty strange, but believable. They had a very different image though in reality they were both very similar bands. They both came to America during the British Invasion in the Sixties and they were both rock bands, but their outward image was radically different. The Beatles displayed a clean, almost respectable, look while the Stones went for what is now the classic "bad boy" look. Their music was even similar, most notably in The Stones' Beggar's Banquet and The Beatles' White Album. However, the music of any time period tends to sound very similar, and draw from peers of the time.

Personally, I don't see it as a black and white choice. I was brought up listing to both, and like them almost equally. The Stones and the Beatles are not mutually exclusive, and I see no reason for not liking both.