When it comes to being a frontman leading classic rock bands, there have been many greats over the years. If you started a list of the best, it could be quite long. Then the arguments come over who is in, and who has been missed off.
It is much easier to create a much shorter list of the most iconic rock frontmen of all time. So that’s what I have done here. I’ll be honest, that makes it almost entirely predictable, except for ardent rock fans who will cite someone most of us haven’t heard of for years, if at all.
This way, there are, I reckon anyway, eight absolute standouts. All of them classic rock icons. At their prime they were undoubtedly at the top of the lists of greatest ever frontmen.
These rock music singers completely changed the genre
Now, before we get to the names, there are a few things to be clear on to qualify for such a list. I’ve said frontman, but it could easily include women. I just reckon there haven’t been any females yet that quite surpass those here. Tina Turner, Chrissie Hynde, and others could all make a good claim, but would fall slightly short by comparison.
Then there is the actual status of the people involved. They have to be iconic on a worldwide basis by a wide range of ages and generations, not just rock music fans. I’d also add that they need to be known by their own name, not just as the guy from that band.
They have to be clear frontmen with legendary status. I’m insisting on the need to be excellent vocalists and performers, with huge charisma, swagger, and being full of style. No shy retiring types count here. Longevity is also a factor; they should ideally have delivered over more than a couple of years or albums.
So that rules a few in and quite a few out. If your favorite is missing below, the simple question is - were they better than any of the eight below at their best? That’s a high standard to meet, as you'll see.
8 iconic classic rock frontmen who have that swagger and style
Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones
I’m not going to spend ages justifying all eight of the frontmen. I shouldn’t have to explain who they are or why they are on the list. Mick Jagger is obvious. He fits all the criteria and has been at the top for so many years, and is still performing in front of one of the world's best ever rock and roll bands.
Roger Daltrey - The Who
Roger Daltrey is another great from way back who is still doing his thing. Sure, he’s a lot older now, but seeing him and Pete Townshend live as The Who is still a terrific experience. I can only imagine what that must have been like with Keith Moon and John Entwistle in place. Daltrey’s vocals and stage presence still command attention. He’s a definite inclusion in the frontman stakes.
Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin
Robert Plant took the stage with perhaps the greatest rock and roll band ever. Like Daltrey, he had top musicians alongside, which definitely helped. They all took the attention at times, but Plant was often the focal point on stage. He, too, is still performing in various bands and collaborations. He may not be as wild as he used to be, but his status as a great rock frontman is undiminished.
Freddie Mercury - Queen
These names aren’t ranked in any order. That’s a huge debate and task. But I’d certainly have Freddie Mercury at the top, even of such an esteemed list of names as this. He held audiences in his hand, conducted and shared emotions, sang and played with such intensity.
Seeing Queen live was always a superb experience. Mercury had it all. Sadly cut short, but we did have so much great music from that time, and it still lives on.
Rod Stewart - The Faces
Yes, Rod Stewart is on this list. Forget about the softer solo albums, the Great American Songbooks, and his later work. They are all pretty good in their own way and show his endurance. But let’s go back to prime Stewart, with the Faces, partying on stage.
His bluesy vocals were at their best then. He then took that level into a solo career for many years. It may be controversial to some, but they maybe aren’t seeing the original Stewart in their mind.
David Bowie
Does David Bowie fit the criteria? He is more of a solo artist, but always led great bands on stage. From Ziggy Stardust days through to memorable performances much later at Glastonbury, he was much more than just a solo act. It may be a slight twist of the rules, but how could I leave him out?
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix could maybe be excluded based on such a short life. But he set the world on fire, not to mention the occasional guitar. He led the band; he steered rock music in a different direction. And as for guitar playing, that was a whole new world at times, too. He’s definitely in this eight on merit.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen often uses a long list of adjectives to describe the E Street Band at a gig. His superlatives equally apply to himself. The Boss isn't as spectacular on stage as some of those above. He’s more pure rock and roll.
But boy does he deliver a show, three and a half hours worth usually, as a minimum. Springsteen is a US icon, known worldwide; he speaks his mind in his songs and delivers with passion on stage. The ultimate non-showy showman.
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