I wrote recently about the top eight classic rock frontmen of all time. It was an iconic list full of huge stars. All are absolute legends, and many are still playing on after decades at the top.
As expected, there were a few comments here and there about the list. I haven’t seen any major disagreements about the artists included. As is often the case, people were more thoughtful about who wasn’t included.Â
That’s fair, everyone has their own views and opinions. Many of the other suggestions were names I had considered but ruled out. They didn't quite fit the criteria I set. One of those rules was that they had to be better than the eight I had listed. That’s a tough one to get past. They also had to be worldwide household names across generations. Another sticking point for some.Â
Eight top frontmen who missed that classic rock list
Let’s take a look at another eight highly rated contenders, with my view on why they didn't make the original list of the top frontmen. This does reveal a couple that, I will admit now, were left out in error. Even then, I am sure I will have missed someone else's favorite.Â
Dave Grohl - The Foo Fighters
Let’s start with Dave Grohl. He is an impressive frontman with the Foo Fighters, of that there is no doubt. His time as a drummer with Nirvana doesn’t count in this. Grohl ticks off several of the boxes, and he is pretty well known for sure. But is he really outstanding upfront? Is he really better than the original eight? That's where Grohl fell short in my view and didn't make the cut.
Elton John
I have a dilemma and a confession here: I dithered over including Elton John. Looking back to his extravagant stage shows, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, he was an exceptional performer. I decided to leave Elton out as he was more of a solo artist. On balance, I got that wrong; I should have made it a list of nine with Elton in there.
James Brown
The Godfather of Soul was an amazing performer. James Brown brought huge life and energy to his stage shows and live performances. But he is easily ruled out. The list was about classic rock frontmen. It wasn't about soul or funk, where Brown was an absolute master.
Steve Perry - Journey
Steve Perry has a great voice, which is unquestioned. He has power, range, emotion, and many great songs to display that in huge arenas. But does he have a real stage presence? Does he swagger like Jagger or have the command of an audience that the top frontmen have?
That’s where he doesn't compare quite so well with the list. I’d also say he is a rock giant, but not necessarily a household name on the same basis as the others. Meaning it’s a near miss for Perry.Â
Ian Anderson - Jethro Tull
To be fair, Ian Anderson is a superb frontman. His style and the band's blend of music are unique. He is still performing live to great reviews, too. Anderson fails on the recognition aspect. He’s not well known enough outside the world of rock music fans to qualify. There is also a generational aspect to that. Meaning he was left off the original list, but is well worthy of a mention.
Jim Morrison - The Doors
This was another tricky one. At his peak, Jim Morrison with The Doors was fantastic on stage. He and the band were a must-see act in the mid to late 1960s. He was the focal point of the group, so when his alcohol abuse started to impact the shows, it hit them hard.
Latter shows were unpredictable, stumbling, and well off track. It all fell apart after a disastrous gig in New Orleans, which called a halt to the band. All in all, he became a close miss for the top eight list.
Bob SegerÂ
A terrific live performer both with and without the Silver Bullet band. It was their live shows and albums that got them recognition. Bob Seger, though, just wasn’t iconic enough for the top eight list. Well known across rock music, he falls short of being a legendary frontman compared to the others on the list.Â
Debbie Harry - Blondie
I did say originally that it didn't have to be males on the list. I struggled to name female icons at that level and so kept with the term frontman.
Now I realize Debbie Harry is a contender. Her time with Blondie is spectacular and dynamic; she oozes stage presence. I’m not sure she is quite up there with a couple of the top names, but on reflection, I should have included both her and Elton on the original list.
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