Iggy and Diamond Dave are two of my favorites. As far as present day goes, I haven't seen a better showman than John Ries from Rocket from the Crypt.
Ever seen him live, with Van Halen, in-person with your own eyes? I didn't think so. He is the epitome of a great rock front man. My picks were based only on people I've actually seen in-person. To pick someone only from a video or reputation is not a terribly educated choice.
Yeah but best ever ? He is such a friggin cliche, yet lacks the menace of a Jagger or presence of a Mercury or Daltry. He is just a big, goofy yank that doesnt particulary install any depth of emotion in you accept "arent you a bit of a tit". He only become a rock star because he wanted to be famous. He's in it for the chicks. Jagger and the rest had *#*#*#*# to say. And at least bands like The darkness put a post-modern ironic slant on it now. Van Halen were the American version of Led Zeppelin, and like most things yank, they completly missed the point.
What does this have to do with nationality? Besides, Diamond Dave was in it to entertain us - and that's what being a frontman is all about.
It has nothing to do with nationality. I was just getting into why Van Halen are so limp. There have been some blinding yank front men, like Morrison, Frank Black and Rico Suave. Sure, some of us go to be entertained. Some of us go to be overwhelmed too ...
I think this guys entire arguement can summed up as this: diamond dave is american, therefore he is crap. anybody else that is british must be better. here's my summary of your post: tool. ignorant tool. pull your head out and stop with the american smack.
What?!? let's see what you said: "He is just a big, goofy yank" "Van Halen were the American version of Led Zeppelin, and like most things yank, they completly missed the point." if you're saying it's not about nationality with you, you're either stupid or think we are. i'm going with you.
Diamond Dave was definitely making some idiotic (and seriously fun) music, which is why I rank him fairly high. I like the Who, etc., fine, but those guys all had an annoying tendency to think that they were making high art just because they threw in stuff about blind kids, gnomes, and orchestras. Van Halen were gleefully stupid, and that counts for something. Dave just oozed charisma back in the day, too. But Rocket from the Crypt--anyone who has seen them live can testify for Reis's brilliance. Plus, they're punk rock, so you don't have to feel guilty about liking 'em.
Bono, Jagger, Rollins. Of the frontmen I've seen live, I'd have to say Pelle Almqvist. When he informs you that "You love the Hives!", you believe it even though it's your first time ever hearing their music.
1-yeah... unlike every other rock musician in history 2-holy christmas on a cracker!! NEWSFLASH: THEY SUCK! - and no... of course DLR was being totally serious the whole time, never the least bit cheeky 3-WTF?!? these two bands have what in common? 4 members? that's like saying the kinks were the british four tops dude
Not to nitpick or be a nattering nabob, but Chuck D. was actually kind of lame in concert. One of the greatest voices and lyricists in the history of rap, no doubt. But he never had the greatest stage presence. Hence Flav.
The Darkness and Van Halen have nothing in common ? WTF! obviously that proves youve seen or heard absolutley sweet FA of the Darkness. Shows your integrity if you think the sole reason people become rock stars is too get laid. I would hate to have a gander through your record collection .... Oh here we go. I've already stated there were many fine American front men. The fact is DLR wasn't really one of them. If being able to do the splits on stage is all it takes for you then good luck to you.
noooooooo... you said van halen were the american version of led zep and that is the comparison i was ridiculing and i never said chicks were the sole reason, but let's get real... when forming a band in the garage... it's a big motivator oh and my record collection is both varied and spectacular thank you
DLR SUCKS i have to agree with people who are against Roth. the best frontman is Hagar. i was on the fence till i saw the tour with both last year. david actually forgot the words. was reading the lips of the fans down in the front rows. i also agree with the other people choices in the "classic" frontmen. Definently Freddie.
i'm ashamed that everyone of us has forgotten the most powerful frontman in rock today... NAY! OF ALL TIME!! WONDER BOY HIMSELF!