Today, What’s The Set List takes a look back over a timeline of sepia-toned rock and roll imagery. The timeline will look at the greatest lead singers of the greatest bands of all time so we have strictly left out great soloists like Elvis, Bowie, Dylan, Chuck Berry and many more. Another rule to abide by is front women don’t count, something for another time? Who knows? On this journey through the ages we will discover the ingredients to making the perfect frontman, and what makes them so compelling.
The timeline begins in the early 60s…
John Lennon is one of the first and most influential figures in popularised music. It just so happens that one of the first is also probably the biggest UK export to USA. John Lennon was known as the ‘Intelligent One’ in the early Beatles days, we also know that he had a ‘cheeky chappy’ aura about him – he famously reeled off a classic line at the Royal Variety Performance in 1963. He said “For our last number I’d like to ask your help. Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of ya just rattle ya jewellery.” Before leaping into Twist and Shout. In terms of music, he was the UK’s first real rock star, a working class vocal and genius music writer.
Mick Jagger came about just after Lennon in the form of the Rolling Stones. This development saw a change from a clean-cut, cheeky lad from Liverpool to a darker, more aloof rocker. Jagger is probably the first and original frontman in the sense that he dances around the stage and really gets the crowd going – surely the primary function of a frontman? And he also sustained the ultimate frontman status in a long career. I mean, credit where credit’s due – he’s in his 70s and still owning and lighting up stages all over the planet.
Robert Plant is the lead singer of Led Zeppelin and can be best remembered for long blond hair and a powerful, bare-chested appearance. His charismatic rock and roll image helped develop the first phrases like “Rock God”. Plant’s lyrics can often be described as philosophical, thought provoking and mystical. Fans all over the world loved him for his deep-thinking powerful stage presence.
Freddie Mercury is undoubtedly the greatest frontman of all time. If you haven’t seen it, then watch the link below this paragraph. I can’t think of another frontman where the whole audience hangs off of every movement, or someone who can captivate 50,000+ people. It’s tough to call, but it’s between Freddie and Plant for the best singer award.
Sting is the bass player and frontman of the Police, which, in the 70s and 80s, was a pretty big deal. Although not a prancing showman like previous legends like Jagger, Plant and Mercury – he was considered a hugely desired frontman. Sting and The Police were thrust onto the world stage with a completely new wave sound which has not really been matched since – and Sting was a key driver behind this. His voice was different but had a real rockstar attitude; also women go crazy for him.
Axl Rose embodies that “Rock God” image, similarly to Robert Plant with the long blonde mane, leather trousers and consistently topless. He also still has to wrestle for frontman rights with lead guitarist Slash that makes his frontman symbol even harder to grab. Despite this, they still managed to conjure up one of the greatest songs of all time in “Sweet Child O Mine”. Rose also has the largest vocal range; apparently it’s larger than singer’s like Mariah Carey and Prince. Also, AXL ROSE has the coolest name.
Kurt Cobain is a step away from the cheeky chap, “look at me” image from the previously mentioned. But it’s his symbol and what he meant for young people during his short but hugely important career. Cobain was an extremely clever guy, which really translated in his songwriting. He managed to be able to write about everything a young person could or would have been going through and these things really resonated with his listeners.
Liam Gallagher in the days of Oasis was untouchable. With a vocal that represented every young working class lad in the UK and the great songwriting of his brother really shaped 90s Britpop. Although not exactly an accomplished songwriter, the music of Oasis was fronted by Liam and what people really respect about Liam is his willingness to take the whole world on attitude.
Alex Turner is like a UK version of Kurt Cobain in the sense that his music really speaks to young people and can really um up the life of a teenager. He is also very quiet and boyish but ultimately he is the frontman of one of the biggest bands of the now. As someone who has been able to grow up with Turner’s music it is sweet to see how he has grown from that scruffy, shy, teenager to an edgy greaser.
Harry Styles is proof that the frontman is alive in pop music, despite the separation of One Direction it is exciting to see what’s next for Harry. Probably the most handsome on this list and has the world at his feet; there is no knowing what he could achieve next. Styles has had a string of high-profile women on his arm which is similar to people like Mick Jagger. What’s most important about him is that he could be a step towards a more clean-cut, calmer frontman – someone your parents don’t mind bringing home…
It’s clear that what we admire most about these superstars is that they are a symbol of revolution. A real escape for the everyday, normal citizen of the world. Yes, pretty much all of our favourites were junkies, and that isn’t exactly the most admirable quality, but maybe that’s because what we like so much - these rockstars have no fear, they feel invincible. Mix that with some truly exceptional sounds and you find yourself a hero, a rock hero. And there’s so many more; Chris Martin, Johnny Rotten, Jimi Hendrix, Thom Yorke, Matt Healy from the 1975… they’re all no exception. A frontman is a leader of a generation, and let’s face it – we all wouldn’t mind being a part of these people’s gang.
