Did we forget one of your favorite frontmen in rock? Let us know in the comments below! For more Music content, click here!: th-cam.com/video/yxURjzEUcrI/w-d-xo.html
One item that tends to be forgotten with the passage of time is that Live Aid was performed in Wembley Stadium in England, and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia simultaneously. And when performing Radio Ga Ga, Freddie Mercury had crowds in both stadiums clapping during the chorus. That's how good a frontman he was. He held two audiences, separated by 3000 miles, in the palm of his hand.
Truth be told, he still grabs us with his voice. All 3 of my kids love Queen, and they were all born long after he passed. I bought the movie Bohemian Rhapsody on, and within 3 minutes, all 3 were on the couch watching with me. 😊
Have to agree...he was the Front Man, and his voice - as powerful when it needed to be, subtle when it had to be...never failed to bring emotion, and was *always* crystal clear. Saw JOURNEY in Chicago, Early 1980s...EPIC
Saving your 25 precious minutes 20. Bon Scott - AC/DC 19. Bono - U2 18. Eddie Vedder - Pearl Jam 17. Gerard Way - My Chemical Romance 16. Rob Halford - Judas Priest 15. Chester Bennington - Linkin Park 14. Bruce Dickinson - Iron Maiden 13. Chris Cornell - Soundgarden & Audioslave 12. David Lee Roth - Van Halen 11. Dave Grohl - Foo Fighters 10. Jim Morrison - The Doors 9. Kurt Cobain - Nirvana 8. Iggy Pop - The Stooges 7. Roger Daltrey - The Who 6. Axl Rose - Guns N' Roses 5. Steven Tyler - Aerosmith 4. Ozzy Osbourne - Black Sabbath 3. Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones 2. Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin 1. Freddie Mercury - Queen
Pretty upset Metallica wasn't on there James hetfield is definitely one of the greatest and Chad Gray from Mudvayne Chad always performs at his very best
Freddies versality, incredible vocals and music he wrote will always be amazing, his stage presence and everything about Freddie is very much to be appreciated!
I loved Freddie Mercury but i think it's not the best in the world. It was when he was alive. Ronnie JDio was great to,or Peter Steele from TON was a fucking genius.🎉
A man who is constantly forgotten about on lists like this is Steve Walsh of Kansas. Brilliant keyboardist, amazing vocalist, and in his heyday, one of the hardest working performers on stage.
@@hunteranime4793You need to listen to Deep Purple’s Child In Time. Ian Gillan will definitely debunk your theory that rock singers can’t hit high notes. He also sang the part of the original Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. Listen to Gethsemane (? sp).
I personally love Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain, Mick Jagger, Christ Cornell, David Grohl, and of course, Axl Rose. (No joke, those are the lead singers to my favorite bands) So glad you added these to the video. Layne Staley should have been in the video, as you have included multiple other grunge singers as well. Just a thought.
Layne Stanley should definitely be on this list!! But like you said I'm happy my all time favorite is number 9 Kurt Cobain is king!! And Chris Cornell is a legend Eddie Vedder and Akel too lol even though Kurt and Axel hated each other 🤣
Michael Hutchence from INXS is definitely my favourite and I miss Him so much... ❤😥 Was so handsome and charismatic with huge talent and perfect voice.
@@dragonqueen6589 yes ma'am! Staley and Dio would top that list! Shame Layne couldn't overcome the loss of his only love and let his addiction take him! I feel we were robbed, but it was his life to live and he lived it like he wanted! Smoke crack all day and play video games, then shoot heroin to sleep! If I were rich and childless, I can't say I'd live differently! Coke not crack, then dope at night! Plenty of money and no responsibilities..... Why not!
V.I.P. Steve Perry !!!! Your list covered a bunch of my favorites and a few I'm not familiar with. I'm sure there are a ton more that deserved to be here also. This list could easily be much, much longer.👍
As a Steve Perry fan myself it’s so hard for me to see Rock Frontmen excluding Perry and mostly have screamers. I find those are a separate category like Hard Rock Frontmen... or am I just sensitive? 😳
@@leetroy3129you are entitled to your opinion but that remark is typical of those whose only knowledge of Journey’s music comes from the four or five songs that have been played to death on the radio. Listen to their entire catalogue and you’d see that they could rock and burn with the best of them, and their live shows could blow anybody else off the stage. Bono is on this list and compared to U2 Journey is almost metal.
That's a pretty stunning list and hard to argue with, especially the #1. I was surprised at some omissions, like The Kinks' legendary frontman Ray Davies (even having one of his greatest songs covered by a frontman in your top 20; the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan; The Sweet's Brian Connolly, and Slade's Nobby Holder, the latter two arguably at the vanguard of proto-metal.
Both Ray Davies and Billy Corigan were inspired and vocally trained by their mentor , Klaus Nomi . Both Davies and Corigan have said many times,,Klaus’s vocal training made them the singer they are. Also both said,,without Klaus fathering me and guiding me spiritually, I would have been lost Total eclipse by their mentor and father figure Klaus Nomi inspired both to write all their biggest hits
So glad Chester made the list. He was an incredibly diverse vocalist. He truly was the heart and soul of LP. He, Eddie Veddar, Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury are my favourites from this list.
I think Michael Hutchins deserves to be mentioned and how the hell is Steve Perry not on this list? That being said, most on your list are favorites of mine as well. Some truly excellent voices here.
literally every frontman on this list is more talented, had a better career, and was way more culturally relevant. AIC isn't even in the Rock and roll hall of fame
@Quam no thats not how I personally measure success. I'm just bringing that up to give someone perspective as to why you won't see AIC in a mainstream list like this. They weren't as famous or popular as any of these bands..
He really was a great performer with a great voice. I was lucky enough to see him live in the mid 80's and it was an unforgettable and amazing show. RIP sir. Mad love & respect to u. Your legend will live on.
@@robbob5302 Yes, Steve Perry to me should have definitely been here. I also would have put Scott Weiland, Lanye Staley, Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale too as being great rock frontmen. Most of the list is pretty good.
Well him and Robert Plant are probably the only people in spots that fit the rest of the list is made up of people who shouldn’t have been on it or people who deserved to be higher up
I looove Perry´s voice. But as a frontmen, I think he lacks charisma. The opposite of David Lee Roth. His voice sucks (live at least) but he is the most charismatic frontman ever.
Although I disagree with the placement of the other frontmen I agree with the placement of Freddie Mercury he was the best frontman his stage presence and vocal range put him there.
20.) Bon Scott- AC/DC 19.) Bono- U2 18.) Eddie Vedder- Pearl Jam 17.) Gerard Way- My Chemical Romance 16.) Rob Halford- Judas Priest 15.) Chester Bennington- LINKIN PARK 14.) Bruce Dickinson- Iron Maiden 13.) Chris Cornell- Soundgarden, Audioslave 12.) David Lee Roth- Van Halen 11.) Dave Grohl- Foo Fighters 10.) Jim Morrison- The Doors 9.) Kurt Cobain- Nirvana 8.) Iggy Pop- The Stooges 7.) Roger Daltrey- The Who 6.) Axl Rose- Guns N’ Roses 5.) Steven Tyler- Aerosmith 4.) Ozzy Osbourne- Black Sabbath 3.) Mick Jagger- The Rolling Stones 2.) Robert Plant- Led Zeppelin 1.) Freddie Mercury- Queen Here’s some who deserve honorable mentions 1.) Ronnie Van Zhant- Lynyrd Skynyrd 2.) Jon Bon Jovi- Bon Jovi 3.) Ronnie James Dio- Black Sabbath, Dio 4.) James Hetfield- Metallica 5.) Phil Anselmo- Pantera 6.) Billy Corgan- The Smashing Pumpkins (Add Ons I Forgot) 7.) Zack De La Rocha- Rage Against the Machine 8.) Sting- The Police 9.) Lemmy- Motörhead 10.) Layne Staley- Alice In Chains 11.) Alice Cooper- Alice Cooper 12.) Serj Tankian- System of a Down 13.) Dave Mustaine- Megadeth
Being a great front man has a lot more to do with entertaining not just vocals. The problem with layne was he was almost always high live and his performance almost always suffered from it. It’s kinda hard to be a great front man being high on heroin.
@@shanebroussard6262 I disagree. Being a front man is literally about vocals. I don't care if the singer has great personality when he's not singing, just interacting or entertaining the crowd. It's his vocals and how he sings the songs. Yeah he had his demons, and his own reasons why he was addicted. But the man nailed his songs as is his job. Plus he's the only one I know of that punched a Nazi at one of his shows. So there's that. Did you not see the MTV unplugged show where, yeah he was high on heroin, but damn, the way he still hit those notes.
@@leoalvarez7176 yes I seen the mtv unplugged show. The thing is that’s your opinion. The majority of the world rates front me for the entire performance and not just vocals. If all a singer can do is stand in one place because he is high and sing I’m sorry but that shit is super boring. Most agree with me. Yes vocals are important but so is the show. Ozzy isn’t the best vocalist but is considered one of the best front men. Why? Because he puts on a good show!
I know they are not everyone’s cup of tea but Matt Bellamy from Muse deserves a mention. Incredible guitarist and stunning live vocal. Filled out the worlds biggest stadiums and arenas consistently.
Matt Bellamy easily deserves a spot on the list. Some other mentions, Ritchie Kotzen, Hendrix, Bruce Dickinson, Bobby Kimbell, Prince, Steve Lukather, Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I went to a Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax clash of the Titans concert in early 1991 in Baltimore. Nothing like seeing Layne Staley sitting on the stage monitors like he doesn't give a shit (for Alice In Chains, the opening act). Yet I'm walking through the parking lot and I'm seeing people who wanted nothing but metal shaking his hand happily! (AIC barely broke the scene then with Man In The Box as a marginal single... only to become rock legends for life)
No Layne Staley? Not even an honorable mention?? He may not have been a big of frontman as Cobain since he didnt play guitar too but Layne had the best voice in all of grunge!
As a frontman Layne was light-years ahead of Kurt, actually Cobain shouldn't be on this list at all, great musician, an icon, anything you want, great front man? IMHO nope
@@devonjones5200 They were, but the topic is clear, a frontman is someone with charisma to handle the crowd, they have signature moves and unique voices, Kurt Cobain had none of that if you compare it with the really great ones, again, great musician, wrote great songs, I like Nirvana, but Layne was truly a frontman, Cobain was not
Seen Foo fighters live in reading festival 2019! Dave Grohl and the band gave me goosebumps, they had me smiling the entire time. RIP Taylor Hawkins too ❤️
There is one singer who is always missing on these lists: David Byron from Uriah Heep. His voice was unique, his charisma overwhelming, and still all of you forgot about his great performances. That's really very very sad. R.I.P. Davy, I will never forget you until I die. Your name will be my last words when I close my eyes forever. 💖
Ooo I'm sorry. I can see you really admired him very much, and I get it because I admire Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull in the same way. From my youth I remember: " I was only seventeen, I fell in love with a gypsy queen", which I really liked. There were definetely some more Uriah Heep songs that I liked, but I cannot remember the titles right away..R.I.P Davy. And Ramona, all my best wishes to you from Turkey.💝🌺🌷🍀
Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, James LaBrie..these are men I have seen live and can vouch for their absolute prowess at the mic but there can be only one and that is Freddie Mercury hands down, end of sentence. 30 plus years after his death and he is still sitting on his throne as THE BEST ever. RIP Freddie Mercury.....you were and will always be a real one!
In my opinion all of these list are subjective and a matter of taste. With the exception of Mercury, Jagger, and Plant who are as close as you can get to factual on a list like this. The rest of the spots could be filled with a random assortment of at least fifty or sixty other front men.
Are you that old or you see them in the last 10 years and not in the 80s and 90s? Even though I am a 90s kid, I listen to all these and much much more. We need part 2. Or more honorable mentions. I mean where's Megadeth, Metallica, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Poison, Dire Strait, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, A7x, even Hinder just to name some of other great frontman. I know 20 isn't enough, Top 50 would do justice but the video will be 2 hours long so I get it. Anyway, I envy you. I've been to live shows in the last 10-15 years to see Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, and Mr Big, they are all getting old. I've seen A7x live before Sullivan passed away, one of the best in the 21st century.
@@andrewhartmangunsmith2755 I am that old. I was born in Jan. 1971. Went to many Monsters of Rock shows in the 80s as well as regular concerts. My concert stub stack is quite tall and very distinguished. I will say that I went to just as many concerts in the 90s as I did in the 80s. Prolly more so cuz I had a good job and could afford to follow some my fave bands like Megadeth and Tesla on the road to places like Las Vegas, San Diego, Albuquerque and Tuscon. I live in Phoenix so going shows here is no biggie. My concert going has drastically slowed down. The kids that go to shows now have no idea about concert etiquette is and they take the fun out seeing live music.
And ,YES, our beloved Freddie Mercury should be ALWAYS number 1, his vocals, his dedication to perfection and his love of pleasing his fans, no one had huge crowds mesmerized like Freddie, I've watched Live Aid so many times and it ALWAYS makes me tear up, Miss you Freddie 😍❣️🫶
Others have already mentioned him, but few vocalists could match the power and raw emotion of Layne Staley. Whether he was fronting Alice In Chains or Mad Season, there was no one like him. His lyrics could also hit deep.
His voice and power alone was incredible but it seems like the list was looking at people who could mesmerize a crowd with their dancing or vibe. Layne laid it all in his voice
Already knew the number 1 before I skipped to it. Freddie is rock and roll royalty of the highest court!! Literally if angels don’t sound like this I don’t want to go to heaven.
My additions - Black Francis ( Pixies ) , Perry Farrell ( Jane's Addiction ) , James Hetfield ( Metallica ), Dave Mustaine ( Megadeth ), Michael Stipe ( REM ) , Johnny Rotten, John Lydon ( Sex Pistols , PiL )
The only thing this list did right was at least put Jim Morrison above David Grohl. Although why he was even on the list is mindboggling. There is not one single music documentary out there that doesnt somewhere or sometime have David Grohl shooting his yap off. Im sick of hearing his name! Ahem. I agree with you though, John Lydon not being on this is an indictable offense. The list was supposed to be Greatest Rock Frontmen. Not strictly just about voice although thats important. But overall presence and influence. Johnny Rotten is iconic. On and off stage. And he has influenced an awful lot of singers since. Just using the others on this list Lydon has Jim Morrisons charisma and intellect, coupled with Kurt Cobains nonchalant menace (that is my term but i think you get my meaning). and you dont have to be a punk fan to appreciate him either. If you look at the frontman as being essentially the stormtrooper of a band - leading the charge and driving the direction of the band few could match him. He became synonymous with the Pistols, with Punk and basicaly with everything that 'lamestream' society found unsettling. Ok now I am ranting. Id have put Eric Burdon on here as well. The Animals. I was about to critique the lack of soul singers on here but they video specified it was bands not solo singers, so that rules out James Brown Sam Cooke Otis Redding. Bob Marley shouldve have at least got the 20 spot too. AND Liam Gallagher should be on here. He has one of the best voices in rock. Stage presence and notoriety, The list is about frontmen. And LG was definitely that. He was the face of Oasis. And of britpop if you want to use that term. Ok I am ranting. Thumbed up your comment though. And I can get behind Michal Stipe being on the list too. For the same reason, he was the face of the band, and a key figure for a long time really. Ok this comment is too long. Have a great day🙂
You left out a couple of Andersons. Jon Anderson from Yes. Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Now there's a frontman if I ever saw one - pure entertainment. And of course there's Chuck Billy from Testament. I could think of many I could take off your list to make room for those I named.
Def need a part 2 lol. Forgot many legends. Layne Staley James Hetfield Steve Perry Lemmy Vince Neil Tom Petty Bruce Springsteen Jon Bon Jovi John Fogerty Ronnie Van Zant Billie Joe Armstrong Sammy Hager/Roth John Lennon/McCartney Billy Idol Scott Weiland Steve Miller Joe Elliot Bryan Adams Sebastian Bach Bret Michael's Sting Eddie Money And what about the king of rock himself ...elvis!?
Geddy Lee of Rush - although drummer Neil Peart once said “We don’t have a lead singer - we have an overworked bass player!” Also Steve Perry of Journey had an iconic voice as well.
watch Freddie Mercury's call-and-response with the crowd at Live Aid and tell me he's not the greatest ever. it gives me the chills. every. single. time.
Interesting list, I'd have to go with a 3 way tie for #1 .. Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, Ozzy Osbourne.. All of them are great though.. But Bono? should be in top 5. And Michael Hutchence??
Yes he should be top five especially considering Axl Rose was 6 on this list And Bono was below Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and Axl Rose
Agree with most here. This is a great list, but y’all missed Layne Staley. A haunting voice and a charismatic front man. I also think Chris Cornell should have been a bit higher. Freddie Mercury’s overall talent and stage presence does demand respect. RIP 🙏☝️ to so many we lost on this list.
Frontmen & Voice: 1. Freddie Mercury 2. Ronnie James Dio 3. Ian Gillan 4. David Coverdale 5. Graham Bonett 6. Rob Halford 7. Sammy Hagar 8. Paul Stanley 9. Noddy Holder 10. Joe Lynn Turner 11. Jørn Lande 12. Tony Martin 13. Ozzy 14. Paul Rodgers 15. Bruce Dickenson
@@jlapuma13 Exactly. That's why they didn't use the term "vocalist" or "singer". That being said, Ronnie James Dio not being here invalidates the entire list.
It really does not surprise me that Freddie is the top pick, there really is nobody like him and he’s definitely a frontmen for the ages. I’m honestly surprised that Serj Tankian of System of a Down or even James Hetfield weren’t on here, Serj’s voice was so unique at the time and it really helped define SOAD’s sound (not to mention his and Daron Malakian’s voices are so perfect together) and plus James is one of the greatest heavy metal vocalists and Metallica probably wouldn’t be the same without Papa Het
It's top 20 rock so I wouldn't expect metal singers here even though Ozzy Osbourne isn't really a rock singer on top of that missed out multiple more rock singers such as Bruce Springsteen
I'm not even a huge fan of Queen and I would have been surprised and even a tab bit upset (if only because I called it from the start, lol) if he wasn't #1
@@Plexus37 I suppose you're correct regarding Andy Bell as Erasure is definitely more pop than rock, but INXS, Depeche Mode, and The Police are all rock bands.
Great list with amazing artists!! I would definitely add Geoff Tate of Queensryche who has an AMAZING voice, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Michael Poulsen of Volbeat, and Steve Perry of Journey.
@Ben Williams I don't disagree. But it's funny how people credit Grunge with killing Glam Metal, when we realize that the best Grunge bands were led by entertaining frontmen. We may have been tired of the cheese and aesthetic of "hair bands", we still wanted our hard rock to be entertaining.
Layne Staley should be here. Also Chris Cornell should have been in the top 10 and a far better front man than some. Not disrespecting others but his vocals and song lyrics were something special. Along with Chester Bennington who also should be higher. I did grow up with the top ones and respect the top 5 but I feel like some of this list is made by folks that need to include some that had a blip in what it meant be on this list.
Can't believe Mike Patton and Faith No More are not here. They influenced almost every big band that followed!! And Mike with his voice with the nist octaves sang in Rock/pop only Corey Taylor is snapping at his feet by half an octave and he says Mike is his reason for being.
It's hard to argue with most of this list, but how do you leave Dio off? Forget his solo career, he was a force of nature out front for Rainbow and Sabbath.
Their are far too many good frontmen in rock that Watchmojo have left out for example: Damon Albarn (Blur & Gorillaz) Phil Anselmo (Pantera) Billie Joe Armstrong (Green day) Richard Ashcroft (The Verve) Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) Michael Hutchence (INXS) Matt Bellamy (Muse) Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedy) Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi) Marc Bolan (T. Rex) Ian Brown (The Stone roses) David Byrne (Talking heads) David Coverdale (Deep purple & White snake.) Ian Curtis (Joy Division) Ray Davies (the Kinks) Jonathan Davis (Korn) Zack De la Rocha (Rage against the machine) Ian Dury (Ian Dury & the Blockheads) Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music) Brandon Flowers (The Killers) Steve Perry (Journey) Black Francis/Frank Black (Pixies) Jerry Garcia (Grateful dead) Corey Glover (Living colour) James Hetfield (Metallica) Josh Homme (Queen of the Stone Age) Noddy Holder (Slade) Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople) Anthony Kiedis (Red hot chilli peppers) Geddy Lee (Rush) Johnny Rotten (Sex pistols) Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) Morrissey (The Smiths) Robert Smith (The Cure) Bradley Nowell (Sublime) Joey Ramone (The Ramones) Trent Reznor (Nine inch nails) Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays) Fred Schneider (The B-52’s) Joe Strummer (The Clash) Patrick Stump (Fall out boy) Michael Stipe (REM) Sting (The police) Corey Taylor (Slipknot) Serj Tankian (System of down) Brendon Urie (Panic! At the disco) Thom Yorke (Radiohead) Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) Jack White (White Stripes) Lux Interior(The Cramps) A lot of these frontmen I mentioned seems to be be pretty good, memorable and impactful to me.
They were only selecting 20 though, which makes it tough. I hope they do a part 2 and include some of yours, because you are right about a lot of them.
So glad to see Gerard and Chester on this list. Would have added Tom Petty, John Lennon and Paul McCartney and David Bowie. ABSOLUTELY agree with the number one though. It couldn’t have been anyone else ❤
Other great rock frontmen: Viktor Tsoi (Kino) Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group) Ray Davies (The Kinks) John Fogerty (CCR) Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) Tell me other great rock frontmen
Great video and thank you for doing this. I really enjoyed it. I would love to have seen Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes on the list, but I appreciate these things are not a science and remain inherently subjective! Thanks again! 😎👍
It's a good list .. certainly, sometimes, it is a matter of personal taste. I love Matt Bellamy ( Muse) ,Jim Kerr (Simple minds), Dave Gahan( Depeche mode) ,Thom Yorke ( Radiohead ) ,Scott Weiland (Stone temple pilots), Morrisey( Smiths) ....and many others. Greetings from Italy
Steve Perry definitely should of made this list. His voice could hold his own against anyone on this list. As for Freddie being a better singer That's a just a matter of opinions. Steve Perry when he was in his prime. To me know other singer could touch him. He was truly one of a kind.
@@crystalfreeman9295 I respect your opinion, but Freddie Mercury had the greatest vocal prime in history (although it was short). I don't want to get into statistics but I will say that Freddie's range was much wider (f2-f6), Freddie was also capable of sub-harmonics (the notes inside of the notes). Freddie had the faster vibrato, and more power. Steve's voice is more full, and rich, that is really the only edge he has on Freddie. I would definitely put Steve having the better *voice* meaning he sounds really good, and his voice is more pleasing to most peoples ear. However, when it comes to *vocal ability* Steve is nothing short of excellent and his vocal delivery was amazing, but Freddie is just the best. It's been scientifically proven Freddie was the best. I will say, I am thoroughly angry that Steve didn't make the list. I would put him over everyone but Freddie. The two of them are in a league of there own.
Geoff Tate of Queensryche has one of the most amazing voices whether belting out rock or gently singing a ballad :) I like this video ,just please include Geoff next time :)
Even though I am a 90s kid, I listen to all these and much much more. We need part 2. Or memorable honors. I mean where's Megadeth, Metallica, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Poison, Dire Strait, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, even Hinder! Great list cause we all know Top 20 isn't enough for this topic, Top 50 would do justice but then the video will be like 2 hours long, so I get it. I would have change only 2 or 3 with additional memorable honors of upto 5-6 frontman.
I'm glad to see Bruce Dickerson finally getting some respect on the frontman topic ! That dude is amazing to see live, the entire band is really they are masters of their instruments
Many great artists on this list, but several should have been on this list, gonna try to name a few: Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Sabbath) John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Even forgot Brian Johnson, frontman of AC/DC after Bon Scott, taking over as singer to make one of the greatest and most popular album of all time (Back in Black)!
Thank goodness you had Robert Plant at least at 2nd. Notably missing for me is Paul Rodgers who has one of the best rock voices - same with Steve Perry.
the criteria for being a great front man was connections to the crowd, charisma, stage presence, etc. Steve has a phenomenal voice but he lacks stage presence, and he is not charismatic at all. People like Freddie Mercury had it all, presence, an undeniable connection to the crowd, voice...everything. Steve is undoubtedly one of the greatest singers ever though.
@@vanplq8841sadly hes not, I am a big fan of his. He is a dramatic tenor and that already puts him in a high place for rock vocalists. However, dramatic tenors lack diversity and versatility in their voices. Via, Bruce Dickenson. It would be hard for a dramatic tenor to be first. Freddie is a Spinto tenor. That's a very rare voice type in popular music and are usually found in opera. Spintos have the lightness/agility of a lyrical, and strength/power of a dramatic, making Freddie have access to more musical styles than Dio already. And that is just voice types.
Chester Bennington. Freddie Mercury. Chris Cornell. Steve Perry. Roger Daltrey. Gerard Way. Eddie Vedder. Man, these were (and still are) my greatest influences.
Here’s some that should have been included: Vince Neil Brett Michaels Steve Perry Paul Stanley Lou Gramm Ronnie Van Zant Joe Elliot Tom Petty Jon Bon Jovi James Hetfield John Cameron Fogerty Sting
Great choice to have Mercury at # 1. Such a powerful performer and had such a wide vocal range. He always had the crowds mesmerized. One of my all time favorites. RIP Freddie. There are a few I would not have included in this list, but the majority of them belong on the list. I do have to mention that I am quite surprised that the Eagles did not make the list. Awesome group. Glenn Frey and Don Henley made magic together. Great song writers and vocalists. Two of their albums are in the top ten as best selling albums of all time. Don Henley does have a very long solo career, so maybe that is why he did not make the list. Still the Eagle were a great group and deserve recognition.😍
Randy Meisner was also great with the Eagles. He had a gorgeous voice. I would never have left out Jon Bon Jovi or Steve Perry either. Jon gave Steve the title "The Voice" And they were both amazing. With Steve Perry as my number one favorite of all time.
Freddie was without a doubt an amazing performer... but Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin changed the entire direction of music in that era.. I have seen every one on the list live...at least once and I'm with you on this one...@@blackeer6614
@@lyricberlin still Freddie was a great show Man. He really commanded his audience. How people responded to his songs was something special. Now if we ask who was the Sexiest frontman ? that was Jon Bon Jovi If let’s dexter Fletcher soon makes a biopic about Jon Bon Jovi Chris Hemsworth should portray him.
Did we forget one of your favorite frontmen in rock? Let us know in the comments below!
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Please do better.
Immediately stopped watching after Bono was placed ahead of Bon Scott, who picks this BS?
@@SirNic4180 better? what do you mean
Bob Scott should be in the top 10
@@MrSpaghettiWestern19 I just started watching and I'm scared David Lee Roth doesn't make the list
Freddie Mercury controlling the crowd at Live Aid always gives me chills
Every time I see it.
Robert plant did it first and better
@@dansharp5275 you jokin right
@@isaiahaguilar8661 no it’s on TH-cam he did it before queen was even a thing
@@dansharp5275 Robert plant is nowhere near Freddie's talent. No one is.
One item that tends to be forgotten with the passage of time is that Live Aid was performed in Wembley Stadium in England, and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia simultaneously. And when performing Radio Ga Ga, Freddie Mercury had crowds in both stadiums clapping during the chorus.
That's how good a frontman he was. He held two audiences, separated by 3000 miles, in the palm of his hand.
The shortest route by air between Philadelphia and London covers 3545 miles.
For a 20-minute performance. Wow!!
Freddie was hands down the best singer, performer, musician, song writer . Just amazing!!! QUEEN FOREVER
Freddie Mercury hands down the absolute best! No one else can touch him!
Truth be told, he still grabs us with his voice. All 3 of my kids love Queen, and they were all born long after he passed. I bought the movie Bohemian Rhapsody on, and within 3 minutes, all 3 were on the couch watching with me. 😊
I'm shocked that Steve Perry from Journey is not on this list.
Was thinking the SAME thing
Maybe because they're listing frontmen - not specific vocal talent.
@@napadave58 , Steve Perry was their front man
@@napadave58 Spot on, Perry was a brilliant vocalist, but not too charismatic as a front man.
Have to agree...he was the Front Man, and his voice - as powerful when it needed to be, subtle when it had to be...never failed to bring emotion, and was *always* crystal clear.
Saw JOURNEY in Chicago, Early 1980s...EPIC
I still cry when I hear an old Alice in Chains song, I love his voice so much and I wish I could have helped him.
Saving your 25 precious minutes
20. Bon Scott - AC/DC
19. Bono - U2
18. Eddie Vedder - Pearl Jam
17. Gerard Way - My Chemical Romance
16. Rob Halford - Judas Priest
15. Chester Bennington - Linkin Park
14. Bruce Dickinson - Iron Maiden
13. Chris Cornell - Soundgarden & Audioslave
12. David Lee Roth - Van Halen
11. Dave Grohl - Foo Fighters
10. Jim Morrison - The Doors
9. Kurt Cobain - Nirvana
8. Iggy Pop - The Stooges
7. Roger Daltrey - The Who
6. Axl Rose - Guns N' Roses
5. Steven Tyler - Aerosmith
4. Ozzy Osbourne - Black Sabbath
3. Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones
2. Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin
1. Freddie Mercury - Queen
Thanks!
Wish I could promote your post to the top!
Thanks for thinking of others and their time!
Wow, no steve perry? Daaaang. At least they have ozzy
Pretty upset Metallica wasn't on there James hetfield is definitely one of the greatest and Chad Gray from Mudvayne Chad always performs at his very best
Michael H from INXS should never have been left off. Nice list though. I can’t argue about any of them.
Absolutely. Hutchence’s voice was an effortless powerhouse.
Who?
No surprise that Freddie Mercury is #1 on this list. He has been and always will be my favorite singer of all time. RIP Freddie
Freddies versality, incredible vocals and music he wrote will always be amazing, his stage presence and everything about Freddie is very much to be appreciated!
👍🙏✌️
I loved Freddie Mercury but i think it's not the best in the world. It was when he was alive. Ronnie JDio was great to,or Peter Steele from TON was a fucking genius.🎉
Yes, it is a surprise hes #1, because Mick Jagger is #1. End of discussion.
NOBODY had the vocal range and articulation of Steve Perry of Journey
A man who is constantly forgotten about on lists like this is Steve Walsh of Kansas. Brilliant keyboardist, amazing vocalist, and in his heyday, one of the hardest working performers on stage.
Yes!
You are so right! Kansas would be nothing without him.
Yes. And Sebastian Bach of Skid Row and Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum. Two great frontmen.
Thanks for mentioning S. Walsh. Ubertalented and underrated as a rock front man.
A list like this deserves to have a Top 50, because they are so many great frontmen in rock!
Layne Staley from Alice in Chains should have been on the list somewhere
Could probably throw in Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon and Robert Smith of the Cure as honorable mentions.
@@supaflyguy666 Absolutely
Very true
They want to make a list for women but Janis Joplin is better than the guy from Queen let's be honest I don't even know his name that's how bad it is
I don't know about that. Hoon and Layne are good but I wouldn't call anything they've done as "electrifying".
Can't Believe you Left out Steve Perry! Such an iconic and angelic voice!
True
Agreed, he should be in the top 3
He's one of those who can really sing ! without screaming like a typical rocker who can't reach high notes
@@hunteranime4793You need to listen to Deep Purple’s Child In Time. Ian Gillan will definitely debunk your theory that rock singers can’t hit high notes. He also sang the part of the original Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. Listen to Gethsemane (? sp).
TATS WHAT IM SAYING
I personally love Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain, Mick Jagger, Christ Cornell, David Grohl, and of course, Axl Rose. (No joke, those are the lead singers to my favorite bands) So glad you added these to the video. Layne Staley should have been in the video, as you have included multiple other grunge singers as well. Just a thought.
Layne Stanley should definitely be on this list!! But like you said I'm happy my all time favorite is number 9 Kurt Cobain is king!! And Chris Cornell is a legend Eddie Vedder and Akel too lol even though Kurt and Axel hated each other 🤣
Michael Hutchence from INXS is definitely my favourite and I miss Him so much... ❤😥 Was so handsome and charismatic with huge talent and perfect voice.
Oh yeah! He had it all... That voice, and oozed sex appeal! Seen INXS back in the mid 80's, when they were still just a pub band.
Thank you for this comment. He was just spectacular singer ❤.
I feel the same way. no one can top hutch, no one.
Yes Mickael HUTCHENCE from INXS is in the top 5 of the best Rock and Roll frontman. What a shame to Forget HUTCH!!!
Fuck This list!!!
Came here to say to write this HUTCHO FOREVER ❤❤❤
This list deserves a part deuce! There's just too many awesome frontmen for just one list. Layne Staley,DIO,Lemmy just to name a few.
No Lemmy? Seriously!
Layne and Ronnie James Dio definitely belong above most people on this list!
Those guys would be easily applicable to a list of best metal vocalists too🎸🎸🎸🎸🎙🎙🎙🎙
Peter Steele.
@@dragonqueen6589 yes ma'am! Staley and Dio would top that list! Shame Layne couldn't overcome the loss of his only love and let his addiction take him! I feel we were robbed, but it was his life to live and he lived it like he wanted! Smoke crack all day and play video games, then shoot heroin to sleep! If I were rich and childless, I can't say I'd live differently! Coke not crack, then dope at night! Plenty of money and no responsibilities..... Why not!
V.I.P. Steve Perry !!!! Your list covered a bunch of my favorites and a few I'm not familiar with. I'm sure there are a ton more that deserved to be here also. This list could easily be much, much longer.👍
As a Steve Perry fan myself it’s so hard for me to see Rock Frontmen excluding Perry and mostly have screamers. I find those are a separate category like Hard Rock Frontmen... or am I just sensitive? 😳
Absolutely
@@beckimollareza8291I don’t consider Journey music rock. It is cheesy pop.
@@leetroy3129you are entitled to your opinion but that remark is typical of those whose only knowledge of Journey’s music comes from the four or five songs that have been played to death on the radio. Listen to their entire catalogue and you’d see that they could rock and burn with the best of them, and their live shows could blow anybody else off the stage. Bono is on this list and compared to U2 Journey is almost metal.
@@OlympicLeprechaunThank you!
That's a pretty stunning list and hard to argue with, especially the #1. I was surprised at some omissions, like The Kinks' legendary frontman Ray Davies (even having one of his greatest songs covered by a frontman in your top 20; the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan; The Sweet's Brian Connolly, and Slade's Nobby Holder, the latter two arguably at the vanguard of proto-metal.
Both Ray Davies and Billy Corigan were inspired and vocally trained by their mentor , Klaus Nomi . Both Davies and Corigan have said many times,,Klaus’s vocal training made them the singer they are. Also both said,,without Klaus fathering me and guiding me spiritually, I would have been lost
Total eclipse by their mentor and father figure Klaus Nomi inspired both to write all their biggest hits
Chester forever missed but never forgotten rip!
So glad Chester made the list. He was an incredibly diverse vocalist. He truly was the heart and soul of LP. He, Eddie Veddar, Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury are my favourites from this list.
Michael Hutchence should have made the list
Chester for sure. Miss you down here Chester 😞😞
Chester is so unique and a truly legend!
Can't believe Axle was higher on the lust than Chester
I think Michael Hutchins deserves to be mentioned and how the hell is Steve Perry not on this list? That being said, most on your list are favorites of mine as well. Some truly excellent voices here.
Steve Perry is #1 in my mind…..
Highly agree. Steve Perry had a voice to himself.
Michael Hutchence is top 5. Better than jagger and just behind mercury. He was a great.
bro steven tyler is on this list. he's 5
@@stratonicc2651 Steve Perry not steve tyler...aye
Ian Gillian - Deep Purple
Ian Anderson - Jethro Tull
Steve Perry - Journey
James Maynard Keenan - Tool / Perfect Circle
Ima just add one Vince Neil - Möltey Crüe
only steve perry makes my top. 5
Deep Purple should be also
Steve Perry started a new sound legacy for generations
Bon Jovi starts their own sounds. Jon's a cool 😎 performance
Layne Staley was grunge! Powerful and diverse range with his voice. Definitely should have been on this list!!!
Man you aint kidding.
literally every frontman on this list is more talented, had a better career, and was way more culturally relevant. AIC isn't even in the Rock and roll hall of fame
@Quam no thats not how I personally measure success. I'm just bringing that up to give someone perspective as to why you won't see AIC in a mainstream list like this. They weren't as famous or popular as any of these bands..
@Quam I agree.
I think that's exactly why AIC is left out so often.
@@waynetables6414 oh because that’s the measure of a legendary band.
Iron Maiden and Deep Purple may have a word with you.
No Ian Gillian/ Deep Purple, Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull or Joey Ramone/ The Ramones and Steve Perry-no Steve Perry???
ikr
Ronnie James Dio was an awesome frontman. I was surprised that he was not included. No-one will ever sing like he did.
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!
He is God so not included with HUMAN
I can Sing like Ronnie James Dio but it Really Hurts my Voice to do it.
@@sheikhriajul6882Exactly 💯 👏 🙌
He really was a great performer with a great voice. I was lucky enough to see him live in the mid 80's and it was an unforgettable and amazing show. RIP sir. Mad love & respect to u. Your legend will live on.
There will never be another Freddie for sure! He had to be #1 on this list and he will always be #1 in my heart, for sure!
Freddie Mercury definitely should be at number one! Great list Mojo! I would have put Steve Perry of Journey on this list too!
You're right.
Somebody should have been bumped for Steve Perry.
@@robbob5302 Yes, Steve Perry to me should have definitely been here. I also would have put Scott Weiland, Lanye Staley, Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale too as being great rock frontmen. Most of the list is pretty good.
Well him and Robert Plant are probably the only people in spots that fit the rest of the list is made up of people who shouldn’t have been on it or people who deserved to be higher up
I looove Perry´s voice. But as a frontmen, I think he lacks charisma. The opposite of David Lee Roth. His voice sucks (live at least) but he is the most charismatic frontman ever.
@@manololluch5148 fair assessment.
Great list, just wondering how Steve Perry of Journey did not make it. Probably one of the all time best voice of modern music.
Journey sucks
Modern music??
Bleach!
Although I disagree with the placement of the other frontmen I agree with the placement of Freddie Mercury he was the best frontman his stage presence and vocal range put him there.
Freddie ❤
20.) Bon Scott- AC/DC
19.) Bono- U2
18.) Eddie Vedder- Pearl Jam
17.) Gerard Way- My Chemical Romance
16.) Rob Halford- Judas Priest
15.) Chester Bennington- LINKIN PARK
14.) Bruce Dickinson- Iron Maiden
13.) Chris Cornell- Soundgarden, Audioslave
12.) David Lee Roth- Van Halen
11.) Dave Grohl- Foo Fighters
10.) Jim Morrison- The Doors
9.) Kurt Cobain- Nirvana
8.) Iggy Pop- The Stooges
7.) Roger Daltrey- The Who
6.) Axl Rose- Guns N’ Roses
5.) Steven Tyler- Aerosmith
4.) Ozzy Osbourne- Black Sabbath
3.) Mick Jagger- The Rolling Stones
2.) Robert Plant- Led Zeppelin
1.) Freddie Mercury- Queen
Here’s some who deserve honorable mentions
1.) Ronnie Van Zhant- Lynyrd Skynyrd
2.) Jon Bon Jovi- Bon Jovi
3.) Ronnie James Dio- Black Sabbath, Dio
4.) James Hetfield- Metallica
5.) Phil Anselmo- Pantera
6.) Billy Corgan- The Smashing Pumpkins
(Add Ons I Forgot)
7.) Zack De La Rocha- Rage Against the Machine
8.) Sting- The Police
9.) Lemmy- Motörhead
10.) Layne Staley- Alice In Chains
11.) Alice Cooper- Alice Cooper
12.) Serj Tankian- System of a Down
13.) Dave Mustaine- Megadeth
I’d take several out of they’re top 20 and add several of your honorable mentions. Starting with Both Ronnie’s!
Kurt and Axle must've switch places in my own opinion 🤷
Paul Stanley from KISS should be on this list WAY before some of the other guys
Thanks for posting, knowing who made the list i can see that it's not worth watching, jon bon Jovi should be on the list
#1 Freddie #2 Chester and you can put the rest on your list in any order and I would be fine with it...
Sad that Layne Staley didn't make the cut. His vocals were rough, melodic, angry, sad, happy, and just gave me goosebumps in every song he sang
Being a great front man has a lot more to do with entertaining not just vocals. The problem with layne was he was almost always high live and his performance almost always suffered from it. It’s kinda hard to be a great front man being high on heroin.
@@shanebroussard6262 I disagree. Being a front man is literally about vocals. I don't care if the singer has great personality when he's not singing, just interacting or entertaining the crowd. It's his vocals and how he sings the songs. Yeah he had his demons, and his own reasons why he was addicted. But the man nailed his songs as is his job. Plus he's the only one I know of that punched a Nazi at one of his shows. So there's that. Did you not see the MTV unplugged show where, yeah he was high on heroin, but damn, the way he still hit those notes.
Still does
@@christinaannetteblackbear5921 that's for sure. God I miss him
@@leoalvarez7176 yes I seen the mtv unplugged show. The thing is that’s your opinion. The majority of the world rates front me for the entire performance and not just vocals. If all a singer can do is stand in one place because he is high and sing I’m sorry but that shit is super boring. Most agree with me. Yes vocals are important but so is the show. Ozzy isn’t the best vocalist but is considered one of the best front men. Why? Because he puts on a good show!
I know they are not everyone’s cup of tea but Matt Bellamy from Muse deserves a mention. Incredible guitarist and stunning live vocal. Filled out the worlds biggest stadiums and arenas consistently.
I actually think Watch Mojo hates Muse. They never get mentioned for any of these greatest whatevers. I agree they're brilliant to watch live.
He’s definitely remarkable, but I think his lack of charisma gets him off this list
Also honorable mentions to Billie Joe Armstrong, Anthony Kiedis, Chris Martin, Thom Yorke and Serj Tankian
Matt Bellamy easily deserves a spot on the list. Some other mentions, Ritchie Kotzen, Hendrix, Bruce Dickinson, Bobby Kimbell, Prince, Steve Lukather, Stevie Ray Vaughan.
My favorite
Michael Hutchence should've been in there
Layne Staley was pure magic
I was waiting for someone to mention and Scott weiland
I went to a Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax clash of the Titans concert in early 1991 in Baltimore. Nothing like seeing Layne Staley sitting on the stage monitors like he doesn't give a shit (for Alice In Chains, the opening act). Yet I'm walking through the parking lot and I'm seeing people who wanted nothing but metal shaking his hand happily! (AIC barely broke the scene then with Man In The Box as a marginal single... only to become rock legends for life)
@@Ballfrobandit He absolutely was
@Ben Williams bullshit
Who ?😂
No Layne Staley? Not even an honorable mention?? He may not have been a big of frontman as Cobain since he didnt play guitar too but Layne had the best voice in all of grunge!
Very true.
As a frontman Layne was light-years ahead of Kurt, actually Cobain shouldn't be on this list at all, great musician, an icon, anything you want, great front man? IMHO nope
@@eduardoravelo403 they were both great
@@devonjones5200 They were, but the topic is clear, a frontman is someone with charisma to handle the crowd, they have signature moves and unique voices, Kurt Cobain had none of that if you compare it with the really great ones, again, great musician, wrote great songs, I like Nirvana, but Layne was truly a frontman, Cobain was not
Yes yes, In my opinion Layne had and still has the best freakin voice ever
Seen Foo fighters live in reading festival 2019! Dave Grohl and the band gave me goosebumps, they had me smiling the entire time. RIP Taylor Hawkins too ❤️
There is one singer who is always missing on these lists: David Byron from Uriah Heep. His voice was unique, his charisma overwhelming, and still all of you forgot about his great performances. That's really very very sad. R.I.P. Davy, I will never forget you until I die. Your name will be my last words when I close my eyes forever. 💖
Ooo I'm sorry. I can see you really admired him very much, and I get it because I admire Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull in the same way. From my youth I remember: " I was only seventeen, I fell in love with a gypsy queen", which I really liked. There were definetely some more Uriah Heep songs that I liked, but I cannot remember the titles right away..R.I.P Davy. And Ramona, all my best wishes to you from Turkey.💝🌺🌷🍀
Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, James LaBrie..these are men I have seen live and can vouch for their absolute prowess at the mic but there can be only one and that is Freddie Mercury hands down, end of sentence. 30 plus years after his death and he is still sitting on his throne as THE BEST ever. RIP Freddie Mercury.....you were and will always be a real one!
Right!!! Hair metal was a real thing!!!
Freddie earned that #1 spot is right. He was amazing!
In my opinion all of these list are subjective and a matter of taste. With the exception of Mercury, Jagger, and Plant who are as close as you can get to factual on a list like this. The rest of the spots could be filled with a random assortment of at least fifty or sixty other front men.
Are you that old or you see them in the last 10 years and not in the 80s and 90s? Even though I am a 90s kid, I listen to all these and much much more. We need part 2. Or more honorable mentions. I mean where's Megadeth, Metallica, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Poison, Dire Strait, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, A7x, even Hinder just to name some of other great frontman. I know 20 isn't enough, Top 50 would do justice but the video will be 2 hours long so I get it. Anyway, I envy you. I've been to live shows in the last 10-15 years to see Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, and Mr Big, they are all getting old. I've seen A7x live before Sullivan passed away, one of the best in the 21st century.
@@andrewhartmangunsmith2755 I am that old. I was born in Jan. 1971. Went to many Monsters of Rock shows in the 80s as well as regular concerts. My concert stub stack is quite tall and very distinguished. I will say that I went to just as many concerts in the 90s as I did in the 80s. Prolly more so cuz I had a good job and could afford to follow some my fave bands like Megadeth and Tesla on the road to places like Las Vegas, San Diego, Albuquerque and Tuscon. I live in Phoenix so going shows here is no biggie. My concert going has drastically slowed down. The kids that go to shows now have no idea about concert etiquette is and they take the fun out seeing live music.
And ,YES, our beloved Freddie Mercury should be ALWAYS number 1, his vocals, his dedication to perfection and his love of pleasing his fans, no one had huge crowds mesmerized like Freddie, I've watched Live Aid so many times and it ALWAYS makes me tear up, Miss you Freddie 😍❣️🫶
Freddie was over rated as was queen
@@gun-nutwhat the f*ck did you just say?
@@gun-nut *underrated
Love most of these artists, but I got to say, I’m shocked that Steve Perry didn’t make this list 🤯
Steve Perry is a very cool and talented vocalist, but not a frontman
@@Ruslan_V_KeDaXand there it is, the stupidest comment I’ve read all week.
Steve Perry, Jon Bon Jovi.
Others have already mentioned him, but few vocalists could match the power and raw emotion of Layne Staley. Whether he was fronting Alice In Chains or Mad Season, there was no one like him. His lyrics could also hit deep.
His voice and power alone was incredible but it seems like the list was looking at people who could mesmerize a crowd with their dancing or vibe. Layne laid it all in his voice
I was going to say Layne. & Sebastian Bach.. Ronnie VanZant & a few more that weren't even mentioned.
I was going to say Layne. & Sebastian Bach.. Ronnie VanZant & a few more that weren't even mentioned.
anyone surprised Layne was overlooked?
Best ever
Already knew the number 1 before I skipped to it. Freddie is rock and roll royalty of the highest court!! Literally if angels don’t sound like this I don’t want to go to heaven.
My additions - Black Francis ( Pixies ) , Perry Farrell ( Jane's Addiction ) , James Hetfield ( Metallica ), Dave Mustaine ( Megadeth ), Michael Stipe ( REM ) , Johnny Rotten, John Lydon ( Sex Pistols , PiL )
yes , Perry Farrell. I like Metallica and Megadeath but their voices are not on par with the best singers at all. they have not range.
finally someone who mentions hetfield, was getting worried that the world had forgot about him
Roger Waters, David Gilor...................................
The only thing this list did right was at least put Jim Morrison above David Grohl. Although why he was even on the list is mindboggling. There is not one single music documentary out there that doesnt somewhere or sometime have David Grohl shooting his yap off. Im sick of hearing his name! Ahem.
I agree with you though, John Lydon not being on this is an indictable offense. The list was supposed to be Greatest Rock Frontmen. Not strictly just about voice although thats important. But overall presence and influence. Johnny Rotten is iconic. On and off stage. And he has influenced an awful lot of singers since. Just using the others on this list Lydon has Jim Morrisons charisma and intellect, coupled with Kurt Cobains nonchalant menace (that is my term but i think you get my meaning). and you dont have to be a punk fan to appreciate him either. If you look at the frontman as being essentially the stormtrooper of a band - leading the charge and driving the direction of the band few could match him. He became synonymous with the Pistols, with Punk and basicaly with everything that 'lamestream' society found unsettling. Ok now I am ranting.
Id have put Eric Burdon on here as well. The Animals. I was about to critique the lack of soul singers on here but they video specified it was bands not solo singers, so that rules out James Brown Sam Cooke Otis Redding. Bob Marley shouldve have at least got the 20 spot too. AND Liam Gallagher should be on here. He has one of the best voices in rock. Stage presence and notoriety, The list is about frontmen. And LG was definitely that. He was the face of Oasis. And of britpop if you want to use that term. Ok I am ranting. Thumbed up your comment though. And I can get behind Michal Stipe being on the list too. For the same reason, he was the face of the band, and a key figure for a long time really. Ok this comment is too long. Have a great day🙂
@@andrewa9895 too long indeed
You left out a couple of Andersons.
Jon Anderson from Yes.
Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Now there's a frontman if I ever saw one - pure entertainment.
And of course there's Chuck Billy from Testament.
I could think of many I could take off your list to make room for those I named.
Def need a part 2 lol. Forgot many legends.
Layne Staley
James Hetfield
Steve Perry
Lemmy
Vince Neil
Tom Petty
Bruce Springsteen
Jon Bon Jovi
John Fogerty
Ronnie Van Zant
Billie Joe Armstrong
Sammy Hager/Roth
John Lennon/McCartney
Billy Idol
Scott Weiland
Steve Miller
Joe Elliot
Bryan Adams
Sebastian Bach
Bret Michael's
Sting
Eddie Money
And what about the king of rock himself ...elvis!?
Corey taylor
I agree
Elvis wasn't a frontman.
@@charlie6909 he kinda was
@@charlie6909 Nevermind he is technically a solo band
Geddy Lee of Rush - although drummer Neil Peart once said “We don’t have a lead singer - we have an overworked bass player!” Also Steve Perry of Journey had an iconic voice as well.
2112 one of the best albums ever 🙌
Yes! I was wondering when Geddy Lee and Steve Perry would come up and then disappointed when they didn't.
GEDDY IS A GOD !!!!!!!!
watch Freddie Mercury's call-and-response with the crowd at Live Aid and tell me he's not the greatest ever. it gives me the chills. every. single. time.
@James Carlisle - Exactly what a fantastic rock member, leader or not, should strive to be. Well said.
You've never seen a show with Status Quo in their glory days? Rossi fired up the audience in a similar way
That was an incredible concert. He had the audience in thrall.
I have to agree.
@@laurelgirard8475 They bribed the sound guys to turn up the volume more then what was allowed. I bet that helped.
Joe Elliott, jon Bon Jovi, Paul Stanley, Ian Gillain, Vince Neal. Bryan Ferry,
Layne Staley and Scott Weiland definitely were badass frontmen as well 🤘🏽
Im really sad that Layne wasn’t here. He was incredible. And where was Hetfield??
Completely agree layne was probably as talented as Freddie was and papa het was really great during the middle stage of metallica.
*Layne Staley and Scott Weiland should’ve been on this list as well.*
Indeed
Interesting list, I'd have to go with a 3 way tie for #1 .. Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, Ozzy Osbourne.. All of them are great though.. But Bono? should be in top 5. And Michael Hutchence??
Michael Hutchence, the front man for INXS should be on this list.
Yes he should be top five especially considering Axl Rose was 6 on this list
And Bono was below Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and Axl Rose
Absolutely Michael was amazing!!
100% yes
INXS was more of a pop band
Agreed... and Inxs was one of the best live bands period. Just watch the 1991 Wembley Stadium concert to appreciate Michael and the band.
Agree with most here. This is a great list, but y’all missed Layne Staley. A haunting voice and a charismatic front man. I also think Chris Cornell should have been a bit higher. Freddie Mercury’s overall talent and stage presence does demand respect. RIP 🙏☝️ to so many we lost on this list.
And both weren't the front man of one, but 2 (Staley) or even 3 (Cornell) great bands
Great Point
Love all these guys. They all defined rock and the reason rock is so good
Frontmen & Voice:
1. Freddie Mercury
2. Ronnie James Dio
3. Ian Gillan
4. David Coverdale
5. Graham Bonett
6. Rob Halford
7. Sammy Hagar
8. Paul Stanley
9. Noddy Holder
10. Joe Lynn Turner
11. Jørn Lande
12. Tony Martin
13. Ozzy
14. Paul Rodgers
15. Bruce Dickenson
Steve Perry front man from Journey is by far better than most of the singers mentioned. That is how he was given the name The Voice.
Steve Perry not here is ridiculous. He is probably the best rock vocalist ever 🤨
Being a frontman is more than how good your voice is. It is your ability to control the crowd, ability to do interviews and look cool.
Yes!!
@@jlapuma13 Exactly. That's why they didn't use the term "vocalist" or "singer". That being said, Ronnie James Dio not being here invalidates the entire list.
Just watch Perry singing and interacting with the crowd with songs like Anyway You Want It, Loving, Touching, Squeezing, Faithfully, etc.
Layne Staley from Alice in Chains should be on this list.
We don't care about Layne staley 😂
Scott Weiland too.
@@Uzeer92Average Zeppelin fan
Staley should be on this list and I'm a huge Zep fan so WTF does that have to do with anything 😅
To not have Jan Gillan and Dio in this list is really unreal
Great list, would of loved Layne and Perry Farrell to make it.
Not to have Ronnie James Dio on the list is criminal
Yeah. This list is trash. Dave Grohl ahead of Chris Cornell, Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford? No Dio? No Geddy Lee? Alice Cooper?
@@RH-xs8gz no Layne Staley! Even Kurt himself said Laynes voice is grunge
@@Black_Magic_Woman agreed
@@RH-xs8gztotally agree. Dickinson is top 5 for sure. And no Dio is a huge mistake.
James Hetfield!
It really does not surprise me that Freddie is the top pick, there really is nobody like him and he’s definitely a frontmen for the ages. I’m honestly surprised that Serj Tankian of System of a Down or even James Hetfield weren’t on here, Serj’s voice was so unique at the time and it really helped define SOAD’s sound (not to mention his and Daron Malakian’s voices are so perfect together) and plus James is one of the greatest heavy metal vocalists and Metallica probably wouldn’t be the same without Papa Het
Yessss Serj is incredible and a stand up dude
James voice isn't a that
It's top 20 rock so I wouldn't expect metal singers here even though Ozzy Osbourne isn't really a rock singer on top of that missed out multiple more rock singers such as Bruce Springsteen
@@danyalq7214 They said at the start of the video that Bruce is more a solo artist and will be on a future list about them
I'm not even a huge fan of Queen and I would have been surprised and even a tab bit upset (if only because I called it from the start, lol) if he wasn't #1
Freddie is much missed. One of a kind 😇🙏❤️
Michael Hutchence from INXS, Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode, Andy Bell from Erasure, and Sting from the Police.
Face-palm to head! How could I forget Dave Gahan!?! How dare I! I bow my head in shame.
Wow, your in a whole other genre there, great singers though.
@@Plexus37 I suppose you're correct regarding Andy Bell as Erasure is definitely more pop than rock, but INXS, Depeche Mode, and The Police are all rock bands.
Great list with amazing artists!! I would definitely add Geoff Tate of Queensryche who has an AMAZING voice, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Michael Poulsen of Volbeat, and Steve Perry of Journey.
Just poor! Not mentioning James Hetfield just those one you did? 🤦♂
The only one I agree with is Geof Tate. He had an incredible voice!
Volbeat!!!!! I love that man's voice!!!
I mean I'm gonna be like that what about In This Moment...
Scott Weiland remains one of the most underrated frontmen ever. When he was on he was top tier.
💯
Him and layne staley
Dave?
Scott was bad ass.
@Ben Williams I don't disagree. But it's funny how people credit Grunge with killing Glam Metal, when we realize that the best Grunge bands were led by entertaining frontmen. We may have been tired of the cheese and aesthetic of "hair bands", we still wanted our hard rock to be entertaining.
Layne Staley should be here. Also Chris Cornell should have been in the top 10 and a far better front man than some. Not disrespecting others but his vocals and song lyrics were something special. Along with Chester Bennington who also should be higher. I did grow up with the top ones and respect the top 5 but I feel like some of this list is made by folks that need to include some that had a blip in what it meant be on this list.
Totally agree
Steven Perry
Layne Staley will always be number one for me
Steve Perry should have been mentioned. His vocals were amazing
No doubt.
WatchMojo makes TERRIBLE lists. Thats just the truth.
even that copy-cut Arnel Pineda is good too..
nah, they are sandpapery and annoying
Chris Cornell's voice is one of a kind. Could have sang any genre. He had soul in him fr💯
You were spot on......There will never be another Freddie Mercury and no one will ever be able to match his enormous talent ❤❤
Plant
Klaus Meine.......underrated and one of the best rock singers of all time
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
For many reasons!
YES!!!!
I totally agree. I love him!!
Zach De La Rocha, Ian Gillan, Coverdale, Hetfield, Sebastian Bach, Tony Martin, Scott Stap and many more to mention...Hard to pick
Zach was a fucking firecracker on stage. Small sample size, and yet people who know rock wouldn’t leave him off this list.
Finally, Ian Gillan is the goat
you lost me at My Chemical Romance. LOL
Can't believe Mike Patton and Faith No More are not here. They influenced almost every big band that followed!! And Mike with his voice with the nist octaves sang in Rock/pop only Corey Taylor is snapping at his feet by half an octave and he says Mike is his reason for being.
What about Ronnie James Dio and Ian Gillan. Amazing voices
Yes, yes, yes..absolutely!...both incredible.
Ronnie Dio should be mentioned alwasy! RIP Ronnie Dio, you will never be forgotten!
Totally agree!
Neither of them are gay
@@vanplq8841 😂👍
It's hard to argue with most of this list, but how do you leave Dio off? Forget his solo career, he was a force of nature out front for Rainbow and Sabbath.
Yessir. Dio. We know. All I can say.
Dio sucked, that's why.
DIO number 1 allways
@@Mr.SeymourButts In what way did Dio suck? Qualify your comment, if you are able to do so.
@@jo.s7993 he sucks because I said so. Anything else
Ronnie James Dio, Brian Johnson, Steve Perry, Paul Stanley, Simon LeBon, Mike Patton, Anthony Kiedis....
Some good ones listed here
David Draiman from Disturbed . His voice is chill inducing.
Their are far too many good frontmen in rock that Watchmojo have left out for example:
Damon Albarn (Blur & Gorillaz)
Phil Anselmo (Pantera)
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green day)
Richard Ashcroft (The Verve)
Sebastian Bach (Skid Row)
Michael Hutchence (INXS)
Matt Bellamy (Muse)
Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedy)
Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi)
Marc Bolan (T. Rex)
Ian Brown (The Stone roses)
David Byrne (Talking heads)
David Coverdale (Deep purple & White snake.)
Ian Curtis (Joy Division)
Ray Davies (the Kinks)
Jonathan Davis (Korn)
Zack De la Rocha (Rage against the machine)
Ian Dury (Ian Dury & the Blockheads)
Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)
Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music)
Brandon Flowers (The Killers)
Steve Perry (Journey)
Black Francis/Frank Black (Pixies)
Jerry Garcia (Grateful dead)
Corey Glover (Living colour)
James Hetfield (Metallica)
Josh Homme (Queen of the Stone Age)
Noddy Holder (Slade)
Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople)
Anthony Kiedis (Red hot chilli peppers)
Geddy Lee (Rush)
Johnny Rotten (Sex pistols)
Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy)
Morrissey (The Smiths)
Robert Smith (The Cure)
Bradley Nowell (Sublime)
Joey Ramone (The Ramones)
Trent Reznor (Nine inch nails)
Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays)
Fred Schneider (The B-52’s)
Joe Strummer (The Clash)
Patrick Stump (Fall out boy)
Michael Stipe (REM)
Sting (The police)
Corey Taylor (Slipknot)
Serj Tankian (System of down)
Brendon Urie (Panic! At the disco)
Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)
Jack White (White Stripes)
Lux Interior(The Cramps)
A lot of these frontmen I mentioned seems to be be pretty good, memorable and impactful to me.
Glad to see someone else mention Phil Lynott, gets nowhere near the recognition he deserves
They were only selecting 20 though, which makes it tough. I hope they do a part 2 and include some of yours, because you are right about a lot of them.
I’m honestly surprised Serj, Damon, Thom, Corgan, Anthony, Zach and Brad weren’t on here, those guys all helped definite 90s and 2000s rock
You missed Lemmy Killmeister (Motorhead)
Liam Gallagher (Oasis) too
So glad to see Gerard and Chester on this list. Would have added Tom Petty, John Lennon and Paul McCartney and David Bowie. ABSOLUTELY agree with the number one though. It couldn’t have been anyone else ❤
Chester, it would be a crime not being on the list
Bowie's solo, he's not with a band!
Other great rock frontmen:
Viktor Tsoi (Kino)
Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group)
Ray Davies (The Kinks)
John Fogerty (CCR)
Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots)
Tell me other great rock frontmen
Don't forget Sebastian Bach
It’s funny that Spencer Davis was the front man when Steve Winwood was the lead singer.
Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Anselmo, Alice Cooper, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Johnson, James Hetfeild , and Ronnie James Dio
Liam Gallagher
Liam Gallagher is a great front man. He just looks and acts like a rock star.
Great video and thank you for doing this. I really enjoyed it.
I would love to have seen Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes on the list, but I appreciate these things are not a science and remain inherently subjective! Thanks again! 😎👍
It's a good list .. certainly, sometimes, it is a matter of personal taste. I love Matt Bellamy ( Muse) ,Jim Kerr (Simple minds), Dave Gahan( Depeche mode) ,Thom Yorke ( Radiohead ) ,Scott Weiland (Stone temple pilots), Morrisey( Smiths) ....and many others. Greetings from Italy
Thanks for sharing!
I absolulty agree to Dave Gahan
Lot of talent here but Steve Perry definitely deserved to be there. In the top 10 even.
Steve is in the tier for singing but he lacked charisma and he still isn't as good as a singer as Freddie was. Although yes, Steve should be top ten.
PU
Definitely One of the Greatest Rock voices of all time.
Steve Perry definitely should of made this list. His voice could hold his own against anyone on this list. As for Freddie being a better singer
That's a just a matter of opinions. Steve Perry when he was in his prime. To me know other singer could touch him. He was truly one of a kind.
@@crystalfreeman9295 I respect your opinion, but Freddie Mercury had the greatest vocal prime in history (although it was short). I don't want to get into statistics but I will say that Freddie's range was much wider (f2-f6), Freddie was also capable of sub-harmonics (the notes inside of the notes). Freddie had the faster vibrato, and more power. Steve's voice is more full, and rich, that is really the only edge he has on Freddie. I would definitely put Steve having the better *voice* meaning he sounds really good, and his voice is more pleasing to most peoples ear. However, when it comes to *vocal ability* Steve is nothing short of excellent and his vocal delivery was amazing, but Freddie is just the best. It's been scientifically proven Freddie was the best. I will say, I am thoroughly angry that Steve didn't make the list. I would put him over everyone but Freddie. The two of them are in a league of there own.
Geoff Tate of Queensryche has one of the most amazing voices whether belting out rock or gently singing a ballad :) I like this video ,just please include Geoff next time :)
I agree, Geoff Tate should have placed on this list.
There are so many amazing frontmen from over the years of incredible music. It is hard to make a list. I love love love Rock!!!
Even though I am a 90s kid, I listen to all these and much much more. We need part 2. Or memorable honors. I mean where's Megadeth, Metallica, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Poison, Dire Strait, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, even Hinder! Great list cause we all know Top 20 isn't enough for this topic, Top 50 would do justice but then the video will be like 2 hours long, so I get it. I would have change only 2 or 3 with additional memorable honors of upto 5-6 frontman.
Rock music is the one of the best music genres ever
@Rich Perez 💯
"One of"? It is THE greatest genre ever.
Couldn't agree more with this.
Sadly Rock genre is dying because of the pathetic pop culture music today !!!
@@onerule1915 Facts.
I'm glad to see Bruce Dickerson finally getting some respect on the frontman topic ! That dude is amazing to see live, the entire band is really they are masters of their instruments
Dickinson hahaha (checked the sp)
Agreed but still way underrated in this list. Easily top 10/5
Many great artists on this list, but several should have been on this list, gonna try to name a few: Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Sabbath) John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Even forgot Brian Johnson, frontman of AC/DC after Bon Scott, taking over as singer to make one of the greatest and most popular album of all time (Back in Black)!
Billie Joe should have definitely been on this list, didn’t even think of him
I agree with John Fogerty and especialy Mark Knopfler!
Freddie Mercury: always the best, still the best, never replayced, never forgotten!!!!!
kurt cobain better
barf.
Plant better
@@user-yi9hz3or2t plant is awkward and borderline tonedeaf. boomers really worked hard to make that stick.
Thank goodness you had Robert Plant at least at 2nd. Notably missing for me is Paul Rodgers who has one of the best rock voices - same with Steve Perry.
the criteria for being a great front man was connections to the crowd, charisma, stage presence, etc. Steve has a phenomenal voice but he lacks stage presence, and he is not charismatic at all. People like Freddie Mercury had it all, presence, an undeniable connection to the crowd, voice...everything. Steve is undoubtedly one of the greatest singers ever though.
@@goldbrickstudios6903 Fair enough.
@@goldbrickstudios6903 if this was a greatest vocalists list,Ronnie James Dio better be #1.
@@vanplq8841sadly hes not, I am a big fan of his. He is a dramatic tenor and that already puts him in a high place for rock vocalists. However, dramatic tenors lack diversity and versatility in their voices. Via, Bruce Dickenson. It would be hard for a dramatic tenor to be first. Freddie is a Spinto tenor. That's a very rare voice type in popular music and are usually found in opera. Spintos have the lightness/agility of a lyrical, and strength/power of a dramatic, making Freddie have access to more musical styles than Dio already. And that is just voice types.
Chester Bennington. Freddie Mercury. Chris Cornell. Steve Perry. Roger Daltrey. Gerard Way. Eddie Vedder. Man, these were (and still are) my greatest influences.
Surprised that Steve Perry didn't apear in the list
You do music?
@@rodolfohernandez3303 me too! he's so underrated :(
Perry was a huge snub on this list.
@@clinterception yes Steve Perry’s hair alone belongs on this list, not to mention his amazing voice/stage presence!
Here’s some that should have been included:
Vince Neil
Brett Michaels
Steve Perry
Paul Stanley
Lou Gramm
Ronnie Van Zant
Joe Elliot
Tom Petty
Jon Bon Jovi
James Hetfield
John Cameron Fogerty
Sting
I love this list! Jon Bon Jovi & Steve Perry are my favorites, especially SP. I do believe you got it right with all of your list though
❤
Finally someone who put Vince
Layne Staley for sure his vocal explosive
Great choice to have Mercury at # 1. Such a powerful performer and had such a wide vocal range. He always had the crowds mesmerized. One of my all time favorites. RIP Freddie. There are a few I would not have included in this list, but the majority of them belong on the list. I do have to mention that I am quite surprised that the Eagles did not make the list. Awesome group. Glenn Frey and Don Henley made magic together. Great song writers and vocalists. Two of their albums are in the top ten as best selling albums of all time. Don Henley does have a very long solo career, so maybe that is why he did not make the list. Still the Eagle were a great group and deserve recognition.😍
Robert Plant should be #1
Randy Meisner was also great with the Eagles. He had a gorgeous voice. I would never have left out Jon Bon Jovi or Steve Perry either. Jon gave Steve the title "The Voice" And they were both amazing.
With Steve Perry as my number one favorite of all time.
The Dude hated the Eagles
Freddie was without a doubt an amazing performer... but Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin changed the entire direction of music in that era.. I have seen every one on the list live...at least once and I'm with you on this one...@@blackeer6614
Their can be only one and that is Freddie, a vocal range that no one can match.
it is top frontman not vocalist. It is Till Lindemann and no performer comes close to Till.
@@lyricberlin still Freddie was a great show Man. He really commanded his audience. How people responded to his songs was something special.
Now if we ask who was the Sexiest frontman ? that was Jon Bon Jovi If let’s dexter Fletcher soon makes a biopic about Jon Bon Jovi Chris Hemsworth should portray him.
There are singers with bigger range than Freddie....