The 20 Greatest Frontmen in Rock - Axl Rose #5

[FunkyMonkey]

The 20 Greatest Frontmen in Rock

Jan 15th 2010

What is it that makes a man a great rock frontman? A rare mixture of style, swagger and charisma ? and having the vocal chops to back it all up certainly doesn't hurt, either. But this isn't a list of the greatest singers of all time here ? and things like No. 1 hits or platinum album sales don't even factor. Instead, let's look at those male vocalists who just exude cool every time they take the stage and see if it is possible to pinpoint what sets them apart from the also-rans.

5. Axl Rose

Axl Rose has attained an almost mythical status -- and not only for his onstage presence. Rose is a lightning rod for controversy, be it punching an unruly reporter or taking 14 years and $12 million to make an album. Despite all that, when he is on his game, there is no one better. Barely contained intensity mixes with manic energy to make him an attention magnet. And even with the depth of talent that the other members of Guns N' Roses possessed, it was impossible to keep from watching Axl as he rushed across the stage, belting out notes that could shatter glass or bloody eardrums.

1. Elvis Presley
2. Freddie Mercury
3. Mick Jagger
4. David Lee Roth
5. Axl Rose
6. Gene Simmons
7. Ozzy Osbourne
8. Iggy Pop
9. Jim Morrison
10. Alice Cooper
11. Steven Tyler
12. Bruce Dickinson
13. Bruce Springsteen
14. David Bowie
15. Marilyn Manson
16. Robert Smith
17. Bono
18. Rob Zombie
19. Ted Nugent
20. Robert Plant

http://www.spinner.com/2010/01/15/greatest-rock-frontmen/

[Nytunz]

well.. Axl should be among the 3! Axl, Freddy and Steve Marriot

[Judas Fuckin Priest]

Where's Rob Halford ?

[Gracie2006]

how is gene simmions on there when Paul does a lot of the work. plus Elvis should not be a frontman when he was a solo act.

[Gracie2006]

pull out ted nuggent and put in Ian Curtis from Joy Division

[MrMojoRa]

That list sucks!

Here's mine:
1.   Axl Rose
2.   Freddie Mercury
3.   Jim Morrison
4.   Ozzy
5.   Bono
6.   Rob Halford
7.   Robert Plant
8.   Alice Cooper
9.   Bruce Dickinson
10. Ronnie James Dio

Honorable mention: Scott Weiland (wait, just kidding  )

[warrocks]

Rob zOmbie? 

I like your list Kev Money

halford and DIO definitely should make the list

[oldfan]

No James Hetfield or Baz?

[russtcb]

I'm a huge Elvis fan but there's always the debate over whether or not he was a "frontman". From 1970 on, I definitely say so.

But as far as "entertainers" go, my top 5 is close to theirs.

I'd say:

1 Elvis Presley
2 Michael Jackson
3 Axl Rose
4 Freddie Mercury
5 David Lee Roth

[bolton]

Elvis is the king,but the best frontman ever is Axl Rose

[ppbebe]

Elvis is the king,but the best frontman ever is Axl Rose

ditto the best frontman knows how to draw out his bandmates potentials
and shine them.

[C0ma]

I'm a huge Elvis fan but there's always the debate over whether or not he was a "frontman". From 1970 on, I definitely say so.

But as far as "entertainers" go, my top 5 is close to theirs.

I'd say:

1 Elvis Presley
2 Michael Jackson
3 Axl Rose
4 Freddie Mercury
5 David Lee Roth

I'd say Elvis was a frontman, he fronted 'bands' with two of the best guitar players in their genre. Scotty Moore and James Burton... Plus no one did what he did on stage before that.

And to the person questioning Rob Zombie, have you ever seen him live? You may not like the music, and may not find alot of deep meaning in his lyrics.... but the man busts his ass on stage and puts on one hell of a show... which is what being a frontman is all about.

[NicoRourke]

And even with the depth of talent that the other members of Guns N' Roses possessed, it was impossible to keep from watching Axl as he rushed across the stage

Why is it writen in past ... The greatest frontman in rock is out there kicking ass at the moment.

[Gracie2006]

Ive seen rob zombie several times. I loved White Zombie!!!  the man can put on a show.

[Layflats]

Eddie Vedder should be in there.

[FunkyMonkey]

Why is it writen in past ... The greatest frontman in rock is out there kicking ass at the moment.

They also say this...

when he is on his game, there is no one better.

[Annie]

Axl should be #1! He is WAYYYYY better than David Lee Roth.

[D]

Id def put him over Roth and Mercury... I can Jagger just cause of the history etc

real shocker is Robert plant at 20...... I don't like Plant but he has to be recognized higher than that.

[BlowUpYourVideo]

Just to add another indignant comment onto the pile: Robert Plant at #20?! Get that man in the top 5 at least.

Get Liam Gallagher on there too.



But #5 isn't bad I guess, out of all the frontmen in the world, though I've never really considered solo guys like Elvis or Bowie  frontmen.

[D]

Yeah, I agree. Hilarious how Gene is number 6 and isn't even the best frontman in his own band.


Axl being number 5 is still great though, especially when u factor in media bias etc



Jon Bon Jovi not on the list is the true crime.