Poll: Who Is the Greatest Frontperson in ROCK, ever?
I’ll cut right to the chase – I want to ask one simple question to the musically-educated readers of this site, as well as esteemed listeners of Alan’s (102.1 the Edge or Q107 Toronto, no bias here). That question is WHO IS THE GREATEST FRONTPERSON IN ROCK, EVER?
They could be living or dead, male or female; the only real criteria I’m imposing is that it be for a rock band. I don’t even want to give suggestions so as to influence any results. As for voting, feel free to comment on this article, tweet @alancross or myself @ROCKthusiast, and spam his Facebook page (please don’t actually spam Alan’s FB). I would also love to hear anyone’s thoughts via old-fashioned email at [email protected]. I look forward to compiling your entries, not to mention finding out about the latest Nigerian letter scams. Thank you all in advance!
Freddy Mercury
I know there will be some who hate this and some who love this but pound for pound, is there anyone better than Bono for whipping a crowd up and pulling them in? Ignoring his world-saving antics and all the rest, when he is performing, he’s impossible to ignore. If you look at that ability from early on in U2’s career, it’s been one of his greatest gifts.
I love how people always feel the need to criticize Bono for trying to save the world. Maybe we should give recognition to the people who are actually doing something to try and help others instead of focusing all our attention on the latest Donald Trump news. Sad.
I’d give the nod to Gord Downie. Yes, another person who tried to do good.
I know many may disagree but if you have ever seen Ed Sheeran in concert, you will know what I am talking about. A literal one man band. The guy puts on a hell of a show. How he can carry a two hour show ALONE is beyond me.
Holy fuck, are you kidding?
David Lee Roth. Although he is NOT one of rock’s greatest singers, as a frontman? He cannot be touched. Charismatic. Can get a crowd engaged. Entertaining. He can do it all.
In the 70’s and 80’s sure, but their last tour he was literally the worst front man I’ve ever seen in my life. but yeah, 70’s and 80’s the guy was the king!
lol. the last three comments should be edited to say Freddie Mercury. and the same should go for every comment that follows. just youtube Freddie Mercury if you never heard of him. Or take 15 mins and watch what he did at LiveAid to a sellout crowd that was not coming to see a Queen show. That alone is probably enough proof.
Freddie Mercury absolutely! No other voice like his and the best personalty to engage an audience. I am watching Queen on AXS tv right now. I never grow tired of listening and watching Queen.Freddy is just amazing! He is still my favorite singer and front man. At 71 years of age I still think that Freddy Mercury is the best!!!!!
In the modern age, I would think Scott Weiland. The man knew how to command a crowd. I’m also rather partial to our man Gord Downie, both on stage and off, was a true class act.
I think that particular distinction would have to go to Freddie Mercury.
Freddie. No contest. Although Gord was damned close. I do agree with Larry, though: Bono is fantastic live (U2 in general is).
Everybody knows the greatest frontman of all time is DIO. The greatest frontwoman is Tatiana Shmailyuk of Jinjer. So lets end this ridiculous discussion.
Everybody knows the greatest frontman of all time is DIO. Greatest frontwoman is Tatiana Shmailyuk of Jinjer. So lets end this ridiculous discussion.
I gotta go with Freddie. Gord and Vedder very close behind.
Agreed.. no one can deny Gord .. I think there are some awesome others to throw into the ring John Mann .. Spirit of the West.. he had great stories and musically all over the place .. from the simple beauty of “Take it From the Source” to wild .. wild renditions of “home for a rest”… also if you have ever seen Jane’s or Porno for Pyros.. he was the core and essence of Lollapalooza..Perry Farrell. Concert Hall 93 show. Unreal.
A mixture of Karen O and Nick Cave would make the ultimate frontperson.
Ditto, what Larry said above… for the last 40+ years, Bono draws the audience in like no other.
Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain deserve a shout, Julian Casablancas too
Freddy Mercury, hands down. Modern day, Dave Grohl and Vedder are fantastic. But still, no one holds a candle to Mercury.
Freddie Mercury. I’m surprised it’s even a contest.
Peter Gabriel from early Genesis
Gotta go with Robert Plant.
The one greatest Front man Is Bruce Springsteen, seeing him live has always been awesome!
Every single time!
Freddie Mercury, no contest.
The question is “Who Is the Greatest Frontperson”. How about Debbie Harry of Blondie? She is fierce!
Have to agree with the others, Freddie Mercury.
dead-Freddie Mercury, alive-Bono
dead-Freddie, alive- Bono
Scott Weiland hands down
Without a doubt it has to be Freddy Mercury.